Sheffield at a glance
Sheffield, often called the 'Outdoor City', offers students an unbeatable mix of urban life and stunning natural surroundings. Home to both the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, the city boasts a diverse and welcoming student community. With over 60 parks, a dynamic music and arts scene, affordable living, and a deep industrial heritage, Sheffield offers a quality of life that’s hard to match. It’s also one of the safest major cities in the UK, making it an ideal choice for students from around the world.
Sheffield is super chill. There are so many green spaces, and everyone is super friendly! There’s a lot of industrial architecture, but also some beautiful old stone work, and you can’t beat the Peak District views! They hold some great events in the city for people of all interests, and have a great music scene with the O2 Academy, Arena, and smaller venues. (University of Sheffield student)
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City highlights
Sheffield’s identity is a unique blend of industrial heritage and green innovation. Known as the 'Steel City' for its historical role in steel production, today it’s just as famous for its creative industries, independent spirit, and friendly atmosphere.
Visit the iconic Sheffield Winter Garden – one of the largest temperate glasshouses in the UK – or take in panoramic views from the Skyline Walk in Parkwood Springs.
Culture lovers can enjoy live music at the Leadmill or theatre at the Crucible, home of the World Snooker Championship. And don't miss the Millennium Gallery and the street art around Kelham Island – a redeveloped industrial quarter now buzzing with cool cafes, breweries, and art spaces.
Theatre culture: The Crucible Theatre, Playhouse, and Lyceum make up the largest theatre complex outside of London.
Student life in Sheffield
Local gems, tips, and things to do, as recommended by students.
Low on cash
Sunday chilling
Feeling cultural
Treat yourself
Transport tips
Getting around Sheffield is easy and budget-friendly. The city’s compact layout means walking and cycling are great options, especially with its scenic green routes.
For public transport, First and Stagecoach operate regular buses throughout the city. Students can benefit from discounted tickets – consider a South Yorkshire Student Travel Pass for unlimited travel within the region.
The Sheffield Supertram is another convenient way to connect key parts of the city including the universities, Meadowhall shopping centre, and the train station. For regional and national travel, Sheffield railway station offers direct services to Manchester, Leeds, London, and beyond.
Accommodation
Sheffield is known for being one of the most affordable UK cities for students. Popular student areas include Broomhill, Crookes, Ecclesall Road, and the city centre, each offering a good mix of student housing, local shops, and cafes.
Accommodation options range from university halls to private rentals and student-specific developments. Be sure to explore housing options through your university accommodation services.
The city is considered very safe, but as always, it’s smart to use well-lit routes at night and stay connected with friends.
Look out for international student societies and events – they’re a great way to make new friends and settle in.
International student information
Discover everything you need to know as an international students planning to come to the UK.
Whether you're coming for the first time, returning for postgraduate, or are still waiting to make a decision, our international pages can help you prepare as best you can for life in the UK.
Where to eat
Sheffield’s food scene is diverse, affordable, and packed with student favourites. For cheap eats, head to the London Road area, where you’ll find everything from Asian street food to Middle Eastern grills. Popular budget-friendly eats include Notty House for pies and pints, or Mamas & Leonies for classic Italian. Near the universities, spots like Tamper Coffee and Steam Yard offer great coffee and brunch.
For a taste of home, international students can visit world food stores like Ozmen International and Moor Market.
Vegan or halal? You’ll have plenty of choices across the city.
Food festivals like Sheffield Food Festival (held annually in May) are great for trying local treats.
What to visit
From historical sites to green spaces, Sheffield offers plenty to explore. Don’t miss the Sheffield Botanical Gardens – a peaceful spot perfect for picnics or revision breaks. The Kelham Island Museum tells the story of the city’s industrial roots, while Weston Park Museum is ideal for a relaxed afternoon learning about local history.
Art lovers should check out the Graves Gallery in the city centre. For fresh air and views, hike up to Norfolk Heritage Park or enjoy a walk in Endcliffe Park. Sports fans can catch a football match at Bramall Lane (Sheffield United) or Hillsborough (Sheffield Wednesday).
I’ve had the wildest nights out in Sheffield, but also some of the tamest. There’s never really any pressure to dress up for a night out – I’ve been let in various places wearing Dr Martens! Your main bars, pubs, and clubs are fairly close to each other in the city centre, but West Street is the best place for a big group of bars. Bierkeller is a great one – you can dance on the tables, and get a big stein filled with various German beers.
Broomhill is a great place to live, and one of the most popular areas for students. There's a decent-sized Morrisons supermarket in the heart of Broomhill, with a small Sainsbury's and Tesco nearby. Most students don't ever need to visit a big supermarket with these shops. You're also spoilt for choice for pubs and coffee shops. Most uni buildings are only a ten − 20 minute walk away. It's a bit more pricey than other student areas, but definitely worth the money as it's beautiful and safe. And being in Sheffield it's still affordable.
On your doorstep
One of the best things about studying in Sheffield is its proximity to incredible natural landscapes and charming nearby towns. The Peak District National Park is just a short bus or train ride away, offering endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and exploring picturesque villages like Castleton and Bakewell. If you’re into history, visit Chatsworth House or Bolsover Castle.
For a fun city day trip, hop on a train to Manchester, Leeds, or York – all reachable within 90 minutes. And if you fancy something quirky, head to Matlock Bath for arcades, riverside walks, and even a cable car ride!
Curbar Edge: A popular Peak District beauty spot
Basic safety
It’s important to adhere to basic safety practices when studying and living in any city. Being aware of your surroundings is always wise, especially in busy and populated areas.
Some basic advice from the Metropolitan Police will help to ensure you stay as free from crime as possible:
- Keep your valuables hidden and don’t carry large amount of cash.
- Beware of scams, such as street hustlers, unlicensed taxis, and non-official sellers.
- Keep your belongings, shopping, and luggage close to you at all times.
- Don’t leave your drinks unattended or accept them from strangers.
- Travel as a group and always make sure you tell your friends you got home safely, and vice versa.
- Double check all taxis have a visible and valid licence before using them.
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