Living in Sheffield

Sheffield is a friendly and multicultural city in the north of England offering plenty to see and do.

An extraordinary place to study

Sheffield is one of the UK’s most popular places for students to go to university. The city is large enough to offer a great range of restaurants, shopping, theatre, cinemas, bars and culture; yet small enough to find your way around quickly and feel part of the community.

Sheffield is one of the UK's top 10 most affordable student cities.

(NatWest Student Living Index 2024)

Sheffield is the fifth largest city in England and is made up of 564,000 people – nearly 60,000 of which are students.

(World Population Review 2021)

60% of the city is green space.

(Metro 2021)

Home to Meadowhall Shopping Centre, the largest shopping centre in Yorkshire, and the twelfth-largest in the UK.

UK's 3rd best student city

(StudentCrowd 2023)

UK's foodie capital

(Accor 2024)

Study at the University of Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is in an ideal location. The campus is set around the city centre, with all departments just a short walking distance from each other, or a very short ride on the bus or tram.

The Students’ Union has been voted number one in the UK for the seventh year in a row (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2017-2024) and is the place to be at the heart of the university campus.

Students share their experience of studying in Sheffield

Close to campus you’ll find:

Restaurants serving food from around the world.

A large range of independent cafés and coffee shops.

A friendly home

Sheffield is a friendly multicultural city – where students are valued as a part of the city's vibrant community. There is lots to see and do when you live here:

There’s plenty of things to do in Sheffield for students. Music is a big part of the city, with annual events and festivals. Some of the UK’s biggest rock bands Arctic Monkeys and Pulp emerged from here. You’ll also find award-winning theatre, exhibitions and activities. 

  • Annual Tramlines Festival
  • Award-winning theatre
  • Kelham Island Museum’s industrial history
  • Sheffield Botanical Gardens 
  • The Millennium Gallery.

The Peak District, the UK’s fifth largest national park. Discover dramatic countryside just a short bus ride away from the city centre. Here you can enjoy: 

  • Hiking
  • Climbing
  • Cycling
  • Picnics 
  • Chatsworth House – home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire 
  • Wildlife
  • Horse riding.

Sheffield is the UK’s greenest city and offers many spaces for you to relax in the sunshine or rain. For example, the indoor Winter Garden in the city centre offers a sheltered place to relax. There’s a modern tram system you can use to travel around too.  

  • 60% of the city is green space
  • 2 million trees
  • 250 gardens, parks and woodland areas
  • City boarders the Peak District national park.
Harald from Hong Kong

Born in Hong Kong. Made in Sheffield.

Sheffield is a really nice city compared to other big cities, like London and Manchester. It's less congested, and it's got more green space. So it's a good place to live, because you get to enjoy the fresh air and also enjoy the rural experience.

Harald
International Foundation Year in Science & Engineering
BEng (Hons) Aerospace Engineering
Now working as an Assistant Satellite Operation Engineer

Students on Sheffield campus

Campus life

The University of Sheffield campus is in the heart of the city and has everything you need within walking distance. You’ll find excellent facilities, study areas and the number one Students’ Union in the UK.

Student accommodation

Accommodation

Explore accommodation options for while you’re studying at the International College, including our development in a beautiful, converted church – St Vincent’s Place.

Ready to join us?

Our student enrolment advisors are here to help with your application and answer any questions you have about studying with us.