Sheffield is home to two renowned universities, The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.
With their top-notch sports facilities, beautiful green space, and exciting nightlife, studying abroad in the UK is a great choice for college students.
Here are the top five reasons why you should consider studying at a university in Sheffield, UK:
1. Top Universities
Sheffield University is ranked number 69 in the QS World University Rankings, and a member of the prestigious Russell Group.
It is worthy of its reputation, having produced five Noble laureates in 105 years.
Sheffield Hallam University was awarded the University of the Year for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide of 2020. Sheffield Hallam offers great student support and postgraduate opportunities.
Those that come to study in Sheffield often stay for good. According to the 2013 Times Higher Education survey it was number one for student satisfaction.
That’s largely due to excellent graduation rates, inbuilt work experience, and partnerships with leading organizations.
Both campuses boast hi-tech, hi-spec facilities with industry-leading tutors and cutting edge environments and both of the Students’ Unions host impressive Freshers’ Fairs, exciting events, and nights out all year round.
2. Sports Facilities
Sheffield loves sport! It is home to the oldest football club in the world, Sheffield F.C. (with a healthy rival in Sheffield Wednesday!), and hosts the World Snooker Championship.
It was made the first National City of Sport in the UK, and this is reflected in the fabulous facilities in the city.
Sheffield Hallam Active Gyms offer extensive facilities including cardio fitness suite, dojo, sports hall, and spaces for basketball, five-a-side football, and badminton.
Meanwhile, The University of Sheffield owns the Goodwin Sports Centre which has a swimming pool, gym, sports hall, bouldering wall, and squash courts.
One of the city’s biggest social events is the annual Sheffield Varsity which sees the two universities competing in over 80 sporting events including boxing, water polo, golf, and lacrosse.
3. Green Spaces
Sheffield made its name for being the place where steel was produced. Now it is known as the ‘Green City’, and is one of Europe’s greenest cities. It is the proud host of 250 parks and green spaces and has two million trees.
You can have a picnic and stroll around Weston Park or go for a run in Endcliffe Park. Take pretty pictures among the tropical plants in the Botanical Gardens or cycle on the trails at Lady Canning’s Plantation.
There are more bike routes in the River Valley or you can even go mountain biking or hiking, caving, or rock climbing in the nearby Peak District.
The Pennines and the Lake District are also nearby, and you can explore the charming traditional villages of the Yorkshire Dales.
That’s the beauty of studying in the UK – everywhere is relatively nearby with well-connected transport routes.
That means within a matter of hours you could be in the Highlands of Scotland or taking a selfie outside London’s iconic Big Ben Tower.
4. Nightlife, Leisure, Etc.
Sheffield is the fifth biggest city in England and is full of life. If you’re a culture vulture you’ll find plenty to do in its cultural district, where there are theatres, art galleries, museums, and cinemas.
On West Street and Division Street, you’ll find lots of places to go shopping, eat out or have a drink in a selection of pubs and bars.
Some of the best bars, night markets, food halls, and bakeries are to be found on the edge of the city, as well as the fascinating industrial museum.
It doesn’t end there. At the Meadowhall Shopping center, there are plenty more shops, an IMAX cinema, and a bowling alley.
Ecclesall Road (affectionately known as Eccy Road) and Sharrow Vale are the busiest student areas where you can discover independent bars and restaurants.
The cocktails at the Graze Inn are recommended and world food is available on London Road.
There’s something for everyone if you’re a music fan. Nightclubs play everything from rock classics at Corporation to indie beats at Leadmill, to chart-toppers at Revolution.
You can catch big-name artists at the Fly DSA Arena, while smaller gigs are dotted throughout the city, often at West Street Live or Yellow Arch Studios in Kelham Island.
Sheffield is the birthplace of the legendary Arctic Monkeys, so live music is a big thing here.
There’s even an annual music festival called Tramlines which unites thousands of music fans in Hillsborough Park to see comedians, DJ sets, and pop-up cinemas alongside the headliners.
5. Diverse and Welcoming
Sheffield attracts a diverse international student population from 150 countries. As a result, it has a really open, welcoming feel.
This melting pot of cultures and nationalities has had an influence on the types of cuisine on offer. Here you’ll find food from all over the world in an eclectic mix of restaurants. There are also international food markets like the Ozmen International and the Moor Market.
As well as being incredibly diverse, Sheffield is proven to be one of the safest large cities in the UK, and one of the most affordable.
Safety and security should always be one of your main priorities when living abroad.
Student accommodation in Sheffield with Novel delivers on both peace of mind and overall wellbeing, adding an extra layer of comfort to your stay in the UK.
