Living in Sheffield
Over 60,000 students and 550,000 people (Census 2021) are proud to say “I’m from Sheffield.” It’s a friendly and multicultural city in the north of England offering plenty to see and do.
Historic buildings of Sheffield
The Peak District National Park is just outside the city
An extraordinary place to study
Sheffield is one of the UK’s most popular places for students to go to university. More than 30,000 students from over 150 countries come to the University of Sheffield every year. 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.
Located in the county of South Yorkshire, in the north of England, Sheffield offers plenty to do both in the city and surrounding area. You can easily travel around the UK from here too.
Famous for its music, art and digital communities.
Sheffield is the fifth largest city in England.
(World Population Review 2021)
60% of the city is green space.
(Metro 2021)
Sheffield is the joint 3rd most affordable student city in the UK
(Natwest Student Living Index 2022)
Study in 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 sixth year in a row (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2017-2023) and is the place to be at the heart of the university campus.
Sheffield offers students a big city vibe, home to forward-thinking innovators, independent creatives and pioneering world-changers.
Close to campus you’ll find:
Restaurants serving food from around the world.
A large range of independent cafés and coffee shops.
A friendly and affordable 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.
Student living costs
Sheffield is the fifth largest city (World Population Review 2021) in the UK but still enjoys comparatively affordable living costs compared to other student cities.
Cost of living in Sheffield
Sheffield is the joint 3rd most affordable student city in the UK, according to Student Living Index 2022 by NatWest.
Accommodation, travel, food and entertainment are affordable in Sheffield. And it’s easy to get around the city on foot. You can also save with student tickets on the trams and buses.
Most places offer student discounts, so make sure you keep your student ID with you to save money on food, entertainment and shopping. Find out more about living costs in Sheffield to begin planning your adventure:
- Regular cappuccino: £2.93*
- Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: £10*
- Single short distance tram start at £2.20 (per journey), while a day ticket costs £5.00^. You can get discounted rates if you use your student card/buy on the App
- You can also get around by bus, which is discounted if you bring your student card with you. Student singles cost either £1.20, or an unlimited weekly travel ticket is available for only £12.00**
Prices are intended as a guide only:
*Numbeo, February 2023
^Stagecoach, February 2023
**First Bus, February 2023
- Accommodation: St Vincent’s Place cost starts from £146.44 per week and Student Roost starts from £109 per week (including bills)
- Gym membership at Sport Sheffield: £319 per year (annual membership) plus £15 joining fee
- Campus food and drink: Use your GeniUS loyalty rewards card at any on-campus café, bar, pub and shop
- Sort out your budget – know your essential outgoings per month so you can work out what’s left to spend
- Go to student events for cheaper prices
- Ask shops, restaurants, hairdressers about student discounts
- Use your UCard (University identification card) to access more discounts
- Search online for restaurant and cinema vouchers and discounts
UCAS has some useful tips on how to manage money with their budgeting tips.
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
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.
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.