Study Experience

5 reasons to study in Sheffield

Sheffield campus

But where in the UK? While London is the obvious big name, there are lots of cities in the UK that offer stellar qualifications, esteemed and highly-ranked universities and colleges, and a great student lifestyle that easily competes with the capital – and as a major bonus, rents won’t be so high.

Want to know why you should study in Sheffield? Let’s take a look at what the city has to offer.

Rankings

The University of Sheffield is one of the best in the world, currently ranked 69th in the QS World University Rankings and 12th in the UK.

  • Over 100 years old, it’s one of the six original and highly-regarded ‘redbrick’ universities in the UK. These redbrick universities were founded in the major industrial cities of England, all gaining university status before World War I.
  • As Sheffield’s leading university, it has given us five Nobel laureates in its 105-year history, including Howard Florey, the co-developer of penicillin.
  • In the 2013 Times Higher Education survey it was ranked first in the UK for student satisfaction and remained the top 3 in 2014.

International focus

The University of Sheffield teaches around 25,000 students, including around 3,900 from 120 countries, many of whom via the International College. Students here come from a diverse range of countries, including China, Malaysia, Cyprus, Nigeria, India, Bulgaria and more. It also attracts the best teaching staff from all over the world, which adds to the University’s multicultural feel.

With the International College set up specifically to help international students gain their qualifications successfully and have the best experience possible, it’s a truly internationally-oriented place to be – and the international student body have their own representative on the student council in charge of international student affairs.

Student life

One of the best reasons to study in Sheffield is that it’s a city geared around student life. For this reason it’s a popular destination for UK students themselves, as well as those from overseas.

  • Its universities and colleges are positioned within the city centre, not miles by bus or train to out-of-town campuses. It puts students right in the heart of Sheffield city life, and makes getting to and from classes so much easier.
  • The University of Sheffield Students' Union has been voted the UK's number one for five years running in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey, and it works hand-in hand with the International College to ensure that international students have the best student experience possible.
  • The city has a thriving cultural scene, with a big emphasis on music and theatre. Check out its diverse annual festivals including Tramlines music festival, Out of This World festival of magic, sci-fi and horror, the Sheffield Film Festival and International 5-day Doc/Fest, and the Off the Shelf festival of literature.

Welcoming

Because Sheffield is such a student-friendly city, with campuses dotted around the city centre, it has a really welcoming feel. People are used to the large student population, local businesses thrive as a result, and many local businesses are tailored to student needs. You’ll find a lot of businesses – from cinemas and music venues to theatres and cafes – offering special discounts for students.

And, of course, the University of Sheffield International College makes the city an even more welcoming place for students travelling here from overseas. The College understands exactly the precise worries and challenges that new international students face, and is here waiting to help you in every way possible.

Future prospects

  • Because the University of Sheffield and the International College possess a strong academic reputation, earning your degree or qualification here means strengthening your career prospects. As a recognised original redbrick university, and now Russell Group member, its teaching standards and qualifications are highly regarded by employers and other learning institutions around the world.
  • Studying in Sheffield means you’ll have enhanced your English language skills, and had the chance to form friendships with students and teachers from across the globe, opening up future opportunities on an international level.
  • The International College also gives you the opportunity to work with the Student Union and to teach younger students, all helping you add valuable skills to your CV and broaden your range of experience for the future.

FAQ's

What is The University of Sheffield good for?

As a world-top 100 university and a member of the prestigious Russell Group, The University of Sheffield is an excellent place to study. Offering a diverse range of courses with incredible graduation rates, the campus offers hi-spec and hi-tech facilities that will give you the best education possible. 

The University of Sheffield International College also offers excellent guidance and support for those choosing to study abroad. The pathway programmes and English language courses give you everything you need for success in your university studies. 

What is special about living in Sheffield?

Sheffield is the greenest city in the Uk with approximately four trees per person, 80 parks and 650 designated green spaces. Although it is known as the Steel City, it is actually one of the greenest cities in the entirety of Europe. 

The city is brimming with culture, history and art. This includes the Sheffield Walk of Fame honouring famous Sheffield residents in a similar way of the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. 

There is also a thriving music and dance scene with live events happening every night in the city. Students will never find themselves at a loss for what to do on an evening. 

How safe is Sheffield for students?

Sheffield is very friendly community that sees its university students as residents. Most student accommodation in the city is integrated into residential neighbourhoods and the University campus being a fundamental part of the city centre.