Are you heading to Sheffield university or Sheffield Hallam University for the first time this September? Then we’ve got a concise and comprehensive guide to everything you need to know to succeed and thrive as a student in Sheffield.
Whether you’re new to the area or new to student life, we can help make your first weeks as a university student in Sheffield as fun and easy as possible.
Some useful information for new Sheffield students
Before You Arrive
As well as shopping, packing, and reassuring your mum that you’re going to be fine (at least fifty times) before you arrive in Sheffield you should order the free city guide from Sheffield Hallam University. This is a handy hard copy guide that is packed full of info and tips from current students about where to go, shop, live, and visit in Sheffield. It’s a great way to prepare yourself for your new student life before you arrive in the city.
New Student Registration
It’s important that you register with your chosen university as soon as you arrive in Sheffield. For both Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University, the registration period ends on 23rd September, and special ‘late registration’ processes will apply if you register after this stage, so put registering at the top of your ‘to do’ list.
Travelling Around the City
The easiest and most affordable way to get around the city is by bus. Sheffield famously offers £1 single bus fares for students, which will take you anywhere you want to go in the city on a tight budget. Sheffield also offers a tram service and excellent rail connections, meaning that getting around the city is incredibly simple.
Keeping Active
Its location means that walkers and cyclists can have free and easy access to the Peak District to help keep themselves active during their time in Sheffield. If you prefer to get your exercise in the gym then Sport Sheffield is the most convenient gym for University of Sheffield students whilst Hallam’s Active Gyms are closer if you attend Sheffield Hallam. If you’re looking for a budget option then The Gym and Anytime Fitness are the cheapest gyms in Sheffield and can both be reached from the city centre.
Eating Out
No matter what kind of cuisine you’re looking for (including some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the country) you’ll find it in Sheffield, and many of these restaurants will offer a student discount. Some of the most popular spots to source a discounted dinner include:
Days Out
There are plenty of places to go for a fun day out in and around Sheffield. Meadowhall shopping centre is the UK’s 11th largest shopping centre, the Peak District and its various attractions are just a stone's throw away, and you could take a tour of many of the city’s famous ale breweries.
Arts and Culture
If you’re hoping to broaden your cultural horizons during your time in Sheffield, then you’ll be spoilt for choice. The Light Cinema is considered the best and most luxurious movie experience in the city, with student tickets costing just £7. Some of the city’s best museums include the Kelham Island Museum and Weston Park Museum, and Sheffield is famous for its live music scene, with a huge number of live music venues across the city. The Leadmill is a particularly popular venue for students, and combines live music with club nights, comedy special events and quiz nights.
Cost of Living
The cost of your university tuition fees at both Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam universities are on par with other universities in the UK, but in terms of your other expenses, Sheffield is considered to be one of the UK’s most affordable student cities. We have already mentioned the affordable £1 bus fares which keep transport costs low, whilst entertainment and accommodation are also reasonably priced in the city. Students here can certainly take advantage of Sheffield’s relatively low cost of living, which falls below the UK average.
Further Info for Sheffield Students
You can visit the following websites to find out more and prepare yourself for your new Sheffield student life:
Sheffield University: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/new-students
Sheffield Students Union: https://su.sheffield.ac.uk/welcome2022
Sheffield Hallam University: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/sheffield-guide
Hallam Students Union: https://www.hallamstudentsunion.com/welcome-week/
Finding student accommodation in Sheffield
Amidst the excitement of freshers week parties and meeting new people, there are practical things to take care of in your first few weeks of student life too. Claypenny can help ease those practical pressures by providing some of the very best affordable student accommodation in the city, all within areas buzzing with student life.
Whether you’re looking to move in with other Hallam and Sheffield University friends and colleagues in a shared house, like this 5 double bedroom student house, with a modern kitchen, IKEA furnishings throughout, new central heating, and a large back yard for BBQs and entertaining - https://claypenny.co.uk/properties/15-guest-road-sheffield-s11-8uj
Or perhaps you’d prefer to go your own way (or with a partner) in this stunning extra-large luxury one bedroom first floor flat, complete with a private outdoor patio, all beautifully set in a refurbished bank - https://claypenny.co.uk/properties/1-turners-lane-flat-2
Whatever you needs, speak to one of our friendly student property team, and they'll only be too happy to help you find just what you're looking for.
