Top Tips for Handling Student Life in Sheffield (2025)

Welcome to the Outdoor City of the UK! With over 2 million trees and more than 250 parks, gardens, and woodlands, Sheffield is one of the greenest cities in the UK. Uni life here feels like getting a degree in the middle of beautiful greenery, calm, peaceful, and perfect for students.
Beyond the green spaces, the city has even more perks for students. The music heritage, annual festivals, and the culture of Sheffield allow students to enjoy both peaceful study time and an exciting social life.  

Are you excited to balance a fantastic student life in Sheffield? With the excellent universities and plenty of exciting activities beyond the studies, your time here will be fulfilling and prepare you for your next adventure. 

Don’t wait, book your student accommodation in Sheffield now to secure the perfect place to study, relax, and enjoy your university experience.

What Inspires Students to Choose Sheffield?

Top-Notch Universities 

Sheffield Hallam University and The University of Sheffield are the centres of academic excellence in Sheffield. Both universities are well-renowned across the UK and globally. They offer a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, equipped with strong research, a modern learning environment, and experienced faculty. 

• University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield ranks 105 globally, with an acceptance rate of around 77%. The university is a member of the Russell Group, and students benefit from the world-class research. A wide range of subject areas includes Art and Humanities, Business, Engineering, and Medicine. 

Popular courses at The University of Sheffield are Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, and Computer Science. Looking for the best student accommodation near the university? Hillside House and iQ Steel are fabulous options for modern student living. 

• Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University is ranked around 1200 globally, with an acceptance rate of 76%. Among the several subject areas, Health and Social Care, Hospitality, and Teacher Training are the popular ones.

There are plenty of housing options available near the university. Redvers Tower and The Gate are great choices for students, offering spacious rooms and proximity to campus. 

Welcoming and Affordable Student City

Sheffield is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. The cost of living in Sheffield is lower than in London and other big cities. 

Here is a breakdown of monthly student expenses: 

Student Tip: Use a cost of living calculator and estimate a monthly budget. Based on the preferences, the tools help to break down costs and make it easy to plan and manage finances. 

From Campus to City: Convenient Transport Options

The transportation system in Sheffield is safe and reliable. Students benefit from the supertrams, buses, and local trains. The main bus companies include Stagecoach and First, which connect all parts of the city and university campuses. 

The Supertrams run across four lines, including Yellow, Blue, Purple, and Tram-Train. It covers key places like The University of Sheffield, Hillsborough, and Meadowhall. There is also a Tram-Train service that connects Sheffield to Rotherham. Students looking for longer trips can prefer train services which cover major cities like London and Manchester. 

Vibrant Nightlife 

Nightlife in Sheffield is perfect for students looking for incredible indie music venues and classy traditional pubs. City Centre, Ecclesall Road, and Kelham Island are the prime spots for nightlife. 

Popular spots include Viper Rooms and Popworld, which offer great drinks, lively atmosphere, and remarkable music. If you are looking for DJs and electronic music, head to Tank and have a wonderful time with friends. 

The Leadmill is an iconic and historic music venue, popular for its themed club nights and comedy shows. The surrounding offers students a great way to unwind and relieve stress. 

Flavour of Sheffield

Sheffield has a rich food scene, and one of the city’s iconic local favourites is Henderson’s Relish, often called “Hendo’s” by locals. It is a spicy sauce that's vegetarian and vegan. Students can enjoy the local delicacy with extra cheese on toast and chips. 

The city is also known to serve traditional British meals like meat pies, roast dinners, and fish. Sheffield’s food scene is diverse, affordable and perfect for students looking to explore new tastes. 

Where to Live in Sheffield 

There are plenty of student-friendly areas that offer an excellent lifestyle on a budget. When looking for student accommodation in Sheffield, it's crucial to prioritise proximity to campus, facilities, and lifestyle. The best areas to live in Sheffield are the city centre, Broomhill, Ecclesall Road, Kelham Island, and Crookes. 

Types of Student Accommodation 

Purpose-built Student Accommodation 

Purpose-built student accommodation is often located near the universities or the city centre, allowing students to commute quickly. It offers modern amenities and strong security, and fully furnished living spaces. Students can experience comfort, convenience, and a cosy stay. PBSA supports an all-bill-inclusive policy, which means students don't have to pay extra for the utility charges. 

University Halls

University halls are located right on the campus, allowing students to enjoy easy access to libraries and lectures. It is an ideal choice for first-year students or anyone new to the city. With a strong sense of community, it is easy to make friends and feel part of university life.

Final Words

Sheffield is a fabulous city that welcomes international students by offering them the best education facilities and pampering them with a friendly atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and diverse food options. 

Students get a healthy environment to learn, thrive, and grow personally and academically. The strong sense of community provides an ideal balance between study and lifestyle, making it a perfect home away from home.
Are you excited to be a part of a remarkable journey? Start by looking for a student accommodation that offers security and comfort all under one roof. Best Student Halls is a trusted platform that offers a wide range of properties to suit every budget and lifestyle. With aesthetically appealing rooms and amenities, your ideal student home is just a few clicks away.