Pontypridd
2 Reviews by Students #109 out of 216 University locations
Studying in Pontypridd
The University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru) is based in Pontypridd, in the picturesque Welsh valleys, just 12 miles north of the Welsh capital city of Cardiff.
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University of South Wales (Prifysgol De Cymru)
The University of South Wales has two of its four campuses in Pontypridd as well as its Sports Park. The Treforest and Glyntaff Campuses boast a great student community and state-of-the-art technology that the university has invested in. They are one of the largest universities in the UK and have a strong focus on employability, industry-led teaching, world class facilities and work placements.
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Pontypridd Student Life
The quiet setting of this close-knit community and its equally handy location just up the road from Cardiff makes it an ideal home for students who want a bit of peace and quiet to study without missing out on the thrills of city life.
Cost of Living
Accommodation
Student accommodation costs in Pontypridd range from £109 - £120 per week; the average is £115 per week.
Compare the average elsewhere: Aberystwyth: £110/week, Carmarthen: £122/week, Cardiff: £157/week.
(prices are for all purpose-built student accommodation (both private and university-owned) over the last 12 months, as listed on StudentCrowd)
The average price for:
A cheap meal at a restaurant: £12
A pint of beer: £3.30
A regular takeout coffee: £2.60
1L of milk: £0.90
A loaf of white bread: £0.75
(Source: Numbeo)
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Nights Out
Naturally, there are a LOT of pubs in the area, some student favourites are The Otley Arms, The Tumble Inn, Barinis and Pick & Shovel. If you are up for a night of clubbing you’ll have to head down to Cardiff, which is only a short train ride or split a taxi with friends.
Public Transport
The campus is by Treforest Rail Station, with the main bulk of Pontypridd within easy walking distance, or if you were laden with shopping, a very short trip by bus or train. You can be at Cardiff Central railway station in just 24-mins, which is ideal for days or nights out in the city. If you think you’re going to make a lot of trips, it might be worth investing in a Student Railcard.
Eating Out
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In Pontypridd Market, you’ll find the famous Janet’s Northern Chinese. A mix of Chinese, Malaysian and Korean cuisine making for delicious food at a student-friendly price! You can get the famous Korean spicy chicken for just £6.90.
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Bella Ciao is a family-run Italian restaurant in the heart of Pontypridd. They offer a fantastic deal that you and your friends will love, on Monday’s its ‘Pizza No Stop’ where you can get a starter and all-you-can-eat pizza for just £14.95! Challenge accepted?
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Barinis Bar, Lounge and Restaurant is a favourite amongst students especially as students get 10% off everything! It’s got a friendly atmosphere and a good selection of drinks and meals.
Shopping
Pontypridd has enough shops to take care of your everyday needs, mainly centred around Taff Street. As well as the local shops, this includes a couple of major brand outlets for clothes, food and banking.
Days Out
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This magnificent landscape is only a short distance away. You can do everything from canoeing and archery to clay-pigeon shooting, horse riding and quad-biking too.
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Sport
There are several leisure centres in the area, the closest to campus being the Hawthorn Leisure Centre. There’s also a climbing centre on the Treforest industrial estate.
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Even if you can’t play, it’s still worth going just for the views. It overlooks the Taff and Rhondda Valleys.
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If you’re a fan of four-legged creatures you’ll love this one. The Sanctuary takes care of ponies left over by the end of the mining industry in the area. You can visit and have a tour around the site, which is a chance to take in some excellent views and see some wildlife too.
Top 10 Pontypridd Accommodation
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Typical valleys town
Typical valleys town read more
1. NEVER go for a...
1. NEVER go for a night out in Ponty. Just don't do it to yourself. The train is so close though and only twenty minutes to Cardiff. read more