Heading to the ‘Steel City’ for university? Great choice! With its buzzing nightlife, stunning surroundings and vibrant cultural scene, Sheffield has plenty to offer. Plus, it’s home to two fantastic universities and has a much lower cost of living than other major UK cities!

To get the most out of your university experience, though, you need the right living space. We list a wide range of student accommodation in Sheffield – including lots of options in popular areas like Crookes, Broomhall and Sharrow – making the process simple.

Start browsing student flats in Sheffield at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about life in one of the UK’s best student cities! 

Universities in Sheffield

As a student in Sheffield, you have a choice between two top universities: the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. Both have their own unique strengths, with the right fit for you depending on your goals and interests. 

University of Sheffield

With roots dating back to 1828, the University of Sheffield is one of the most historic and well-respected universities in the UK. It's an original red-brick university and a member of the prestigious Russell Group.

Today, the university has around 30,000 students working across the full range of academic fields. Its single campus is spread across several parts of central Sheffield, with easy access to the city’s main attractions.

The university often ranks among the top 100 universities in the world, so the quality of teaching is high no matter what you choose to study. That said, it has an especially strong reputation for engineering and architecture.

Studying at the university and need somewhere to stay? Check out our University of Sheffield accommodation!

Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University dates back to 1843, but it didn’t receive full university status until 1992. Since then, it’s grown massively and is now one of the UK’s largest and most diverse universities with over 30,000 students!

If the University of Sheffield has more of a traditional, academic offering, then Sheffield Hallam is all about practical, career-focused education – the university prides itself on its strong industry connections, with many courses including work placements.

Top-ranking subject areas include social work, languages, tourism and hospitality, sports science and design. It’s split between two campuses – one just outside the city centre, and the other nestled in the student-friendly suburb of Broomhall.

Looking for somewhere close to campus? We also list plenty of Sheffield Hallam University accommodation! 

Things for students to do in Sheffield

For a relatively compact city, Sheffield crams in a wide array of activities and attractions. Whether you’re looking for a culture fix, a breath of fresh air or a big night out, the city has something for everyone.

Arts & culture

Sheffield's cultural scene is seriously underrated. The Crucible Theatre hosts the World Snooker Championship and excellent productions year-round, while Sheffield City Hall and the Lyceum Theatre have everything from classical concerts to West End musicals.

Between your studies, you can explore Sheffield’s innovative music scene by catching a gig at the Leadmill, the legendary music venue where the Arctic Monkeys blossomed into rock stars.

And then there’s the festivals: DocFest brings international filmmakers to the city in June, while Tramlines in July sees thousands ride the tram to Hillsborough Park for a massive music festival. Sensoria in autumn offers one-off gigs, film screenings and installations across the city.

Nightlife

Sheffield boasts some legendary student nights. West Street is the city’s main nightlife hub – it's home to top-tier music venues like West Street Live and countless pubs for easy barhopping.

The main student nightclubs are scattered across the city centre and include spots like Tank, Fusion and Corporation. Student nights with special deals on drinks typically take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

It’s not all about big club nights, though – for a more relaxed evening out, head to Kelham Island for craft beer pubs or Division Street for quirky independent bars. Both universities also run student nights at the student union, which are popular with freshers.

Outdoors

Sheffield offers many student bars, clubs and live music venues, but also plenty of green space – 60% of the city’s area is covered by parks, gardens and countryside, with the beautiful Peak District National Park also close by.

For a green escape, hop on a tram out of the city centre and wind your way through the foothills of the Pennines. Kinder Scout and Stanage Edge are two popular day trips not far from the city with incredible views of the surrounding Peak District. 

Food & drink

Regarded as one of the UK’s top foodie cities, Sheffield’s culinary scene caters to all tastes. The city centre has lots of options ranging from classic pub grub to international favourites. Further afield, Ecclesall Road and London Road are both lined with top-quality eateries.

Sheffield is also famous for its independent cafes – popular spots include Marmadukes and Tamper Coffee. Moor Market is great for stocking up on fresh ingredients for home cooking, while the annual Sheffield Food Festival in May is a must for all foodies.

History

Sheffield has a fascinating industrial heritage and played a key role in the Industrial Revolution as the world centre for steel production. This history is best experienced through the interactive galleries and working steam engines of Kelham Island Museum.

Elsewhere, the Millennium Gallery and Weston Park Museum showcase art and local history, with admission to both completely free. Just walking around Sheffield, you’ll see that many buildings are housed in converted factories and warehouses, leaving a trace of the past.

Best student areas in Sheffield

Sheffield has some great student areas, with suburbs west of the city centre  – namely Broomhall, Crookes and Sharrow – packed with terraced homes converted for student use, along with several purpose-built student complexes. 

Broomhall

Home to the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam’s Collegiate Campus, Broomhall is one of Sheffield’s main student hubs. It’s a predominantly residential area, but only a 15-minute walk from the city centre.

Still, there’s plenty to do within Broomhall itself – the neighbourhood is known for its pub scene and indie coffee shops. With several parks and Sheffield Botanical Gardens in the vicinity, it’s also one of Sheffield’s greenest suburbs. 

Crookes

Roughly a mile northwest of Broomhall lies Crookes, another student hotspot slightly further away from the city centre. It’s especially popular with University of Sheffield students, owing to its close links to campus.

There’s an excellent supply of student housing here, as well as various pubs, takeaways and budget supermarkets. Being further away from the city centre, it’s also one of the more affordable areas for student accommodation in Sheffield. 

Sharrow

Bounding Broomhall to the south, Sharrow is a lively suburb just outside the city centre. It’s a standout choice for Sheffield Hallam students, being within walking distance of both campuses, while the University of Sheffield is also close by.

One of the main perks of living here is easy access to London Road and Ecclesall Road – two of Sheffield’s main hubs for independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Sharrow Vale Road is another excellent high street with a thriving indie scene. 

Sheffield cost of living

Sheffield consistently ranks as one of the UK’s most affordable student cities, with living costs and accommodation markedly lower than other major cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Student housing costs typically range from £80–£130 per week, while living expenses for most students are roughly £500–£600 per month. A typical monthly budget, then, will likely be around £800–£1,100 for everything besides tuition. 

Free things to do in Sheffield

Sheffield offers plenty of free things to do when you need to stretch your student budget. Kelham Island Museum, the Millennium Gallery and Western Park Museum – the city’s top three cultural attractions – are completely free to visit!

If you're a nature lover, Sheffield Botanical Gardens and the Winter Garden are obligatory visits and won’t cost you a thing. And when you really want to escape the city, there’s nothing like a hike in the Peak District. 

Student discounts in Sheffield

As a student in Sheffield, one of the first things you’ll want to do is register with discount platforms like UNiDAYS, Student Beans and TOTUM – this will unlock discounts at dozens of retailers throughout the city.

At Meadowhall – Sheffield's main shopping centre – you can use these platforms to access discounts at student favourites like Urban Outfitters, River Island and JD Sports, as well as Nando’s, Pizza Express and TGI Fridays.

Public transport in Sheffield

Sheffield is a relatively compact and walkable city, but it’s also got an excellent public transport system made up of trams, buses and trains – ideal if you’re living further away from the city centre.

Tram

Sheffield’s Supertram system consists of four colour-coded lines which converge on the city centre and extend out towards the suburbs. Trams run every 10–15 minutes during peak times and are clean, spacious and super-reliable.

They offer easy access to the universities – the University of Sheffield has its own tram stop, while Sheffield Hallam is served by the stop at Sheffield Station. Student season tickets offer good value with weekly and monthly passes available. 

Bus

The bus is your second option for navigating Sheffield. The network, operated by First Bus and Stagecoach, extends across Sheffield and connects all major student areas with the universities.

Both providers offer discounted student rates for single fares, along with a series of student passes with unlimited travel over set periods. Services are frequent on main routes, especially during term time.

Train

For day trips and weekends away, the train is your go-to mode of transport. Sheffield’s central station has excellent UK connections with direct services to Leeds (1 hour), Manchester (1 hour) and London (2.5 hours).

If you plan on using the train regularly, consider purchasing a student railcard – it costs around £35 and entitles you to 1/3 off rail fares across the entire UK network.  

Frequently asked questions

Is Sheffield a safe place for students to live?

Sheffield is generally considered a safe place for students, with low crime rates compared to other major UK cities. Popular student areas like Broomhall, Crookes and Sharrow are among the safest in Sheffield. As in any big city, though, it’s still wise to exercise basic safety precautions.

Is there a high demand for student accommodation in Sheffield?

Home to two major universities, Sheffield sees consistent demand for student accommodation – particularly in areas like Broomhall and Crookes. Most flats come onto the market in November and December for the following academic year, so it's best to start looking as early as possible.

How much does student accommodation in Sheffield cost?

Compared to other major UK cities, student accommodation in Sheffield is generally very affordable. Single rooms in shared flats are the cheapest options, while purpose-built residences offer more amenities but come with a higher cost. The student accommodation we list in Sheffield typically ranges from £80–£130 per week. 

Where are the best areas for students to live in Sheffield?

Sheffield’s main student areas are found west of the city centre – Broomhall is a leafy suburb with good proximity to both universities but relatively higher rents, Crookes is slightly further away from the city centre and offers great value, while Sharrow has lots of cool independent shops and restaurants. 

Do I need a visa to study abroad in Sheffield?

If you’re planning on studying in Sheffield and currently live outside the UK, you’ll need to obtain a student visa. The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam both have dedicated support teams to help with the process. You can read more about the requirements here. 

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