Pontypridd is a very very quiet area in general, not too many places to go, but it is good because therefore, there is no distraction. You can just focus on your studies, although if you want to take a little break the park is open to everyone to come and relax a little bit either alone or with friends.
Lots of local food delivery, plenty of pubs and social evenings. A couple shops walking distance and a big Tesco only a couple minutes drive l.