Why Sheffield is an amazing place to go to university

Sheffield is a fantastic city packed full of industrial history, great people and plenty of things to see and do - all of the stuff that you need out of a university city.

You don’t need a degree to work out the formula that the northern powerhouse uses. Two world-class universities at opposing sides of the city, plus over 60,000 students equals an incredible experience with some top-notch qualifications to show for it.

You can look at the league tables and pour-over reviews, but at the end of the day, when heading to university, it’s the city has to suit you.

So the question that you must ask yourself is simple, what are you looking for in a university city, and does Sheffield fit the criteria?

1. Great bars and nightlife

We’ll start with the big one in the bars and nightlife that you’ll find in the steel city and it’ll come as no surprise that there’s plenty on offer.

Portland Tower Student Accommodation is next to West Street, the place that many start the evening with a strip of pubs, bars, and restaurants ranging from the local favourite “Frog and Parrot” to the student-adored “Bierkeller”. For those that appreciate a smaller independent establishment, Kelham Island (not an actual island) offers a selection of proper, homely pubs from “The Fat Cat” to “Riverside Kelham”

Moving a little later into the evening and there’s more than enough to keep you up at night with a collection of great nightclubs found in the city centre, all within walking distance of Sunrisestar student accommodation. From Corporation and their infamous “blue pints” to Code and their giant square-footage, world-class DJ’s and industry-leading ability to lose your friends on the dancefloor.

There are countless ways to hang out with friends and celebrate your achievements. If you can think of a theme, an atmosphere, or even a specific beverage, chances are that you’ll have no trouble finding it in Sheffield!

2. Fantastic cafes and restaurants

Sheffield isn’t really known for its food which, really, is quite the crying shame.

There are so many great cafes and restaurants dotted around the city and, if you get the chance to stay here for a year or two, you’ll undoubtedly learn of some hidden gems.

If you’re looking for a great breakfast or brunch, Marmadukes is an absolute must. The cafe now boasts two locations in Sheffield city centre thanks to its recent, much-deserved success. If you find yourself staring at a menu, go for the brunch burger, you won’t regret it.

Great lunch spots are everywhere too from the much-adored Falafel King on the University of Sheffield side of town to the Street Food Chef offering incredible burritos at the Hallam side of town. It’s always tempting to “forget” to pack a lunch.

If going out for dinner is your kryptonite, there’s plenty of great restaurants to make last-minute reservations with an incredible selection on Ecclesall Road which is really close to our Fairfield student accommodation. With Nonnas Italian, Red’s True Barbecue, and Juke and Loe all offering top quality dishes, it’s a street that’d rival any city.

3. Shopping a stones-throw away

Sheffield city centre is definitely making good progress when it comes to shopping.

There’s a great selection of vintage shops and a small collection of high street brands, but that’s about it in the centre. The real magic comes after hopping on to the tram, into an uber, or into your own car (if you’re really fancy) and making your way to the magical place of Meadowhall.

The shopping centre has everything you could ever need or want, from fashion to homeware and electronics to DIY, there’s a store for everything to be found under the same roof. Don’t forget that there’s a student night at the start of the year to make sure you’re getting the best deals!

Be warned though, it will take you at least 5 visits to know where you are and where you’re going - it’s not for the faint-hearted.

4. Plenty of parks and greenery

If you’re a lover of the city lifestyle but tend to miss the countryside feel, there’s no better place to hang your hat than Sheffield.

Marked as England’s greenest city, over 60% of the city is actually recognised as green space making the place more like the Lake District than Manchester. There’s a great selection of parks in the city centre, public transport to the Peak District, and even an indoor garden slap bang in the middle of it all.

If you’re looking for a greener way to enjoy city living, Sheffield is the best the UK has to offer!

5. Top-quality sports

One for all you sports lovers out there as Sheffield boasts a handful of great venues with at least one that you might not be expecting.

For the football fans amount us, the two stadiums hosting games from Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United really need no introduction. Going to see a game with such passionate fans is always an enjoyable experience, but it’s Sheffield’s other major sport that captures the hearts of the students.

I am, of course, talking about the ice hockey and the incredible local team the Sheffield Steelers. The majority of students don’t tend to keep up to date with the sport, but none of that matters once varsity comes around.

The Sheffield Arena quickly fills and the atmosphere builds to something truly special at the final varsity event that takes place on the ice in the biggest varsity ice hockey event outside of the USA and Canada.

It’s an annual event that must be on your Sheffield bucket list.

6. The great (Northern) people

We can’t finish up our list without a comment about the (great) people of Sheffield and thankfully, there’s around 750,000 of them to bump into on the street.

People are friendly and easy-to-talk-to in the Steel City and are quick to give you a cheeky smile and some northern charm whilst doing everyday tasks.

From the postman dropping off your Asos orders to the lovely Kris who works in Tesco and insists on giving you a hug every time you nip in for a meal deal - it’s a friendly city that cares.