7 reasons to study in Sheffield

Based in the heart of the UK, Sheffield has a unique mix of vibrant city life, green spaces and friendly people.

Together, the red brick University of Sheffield and the modern Sheffield Hallam University offer students a learning experience like no other. Each year, 60,000 students from all over the world choose to study in Sheffield.

1. Its world-class universities

Built around its leading universities, students that come to study at Sheffield often stay after graduating. The University of Sheffield is a world top 100 university (Times Higher Education 2025) and a member of the prestigious Russell Group. Sheffield Hallam University is gold rated in the Teaching Excellence Framework and is one of the UK’s largest and most diverse universities.

Between them, they offer a diverse range of courses with excellent graduation employment prospects, inbuilt work experience and partnerships with leading organisations. Better yet, each campus offers high-tech, state-of-the-art facilities, meaning you will learn from experts in cutting-edge environments.

2. The city is diverse, affordable and safe

Attracting students from 150 countries around the world, Sheffield is proud of its diverse community. You won’t need to go far to find international shops, social groups and friends. And, with its welcoming community, you’ll feel right at home right away.

Global cuisine is no exception. Sheffield offers a mouth-watering mix of restaurants serving food from around the world, from Europe’s largest purpose-built food hall Cambridge Street Collective, to the small and friendly eateries of Abbeydale and London Road. There are also plenty of food markets like Ozmen International and Moor Market, where you'll find every ingredient you need to cook up a taste of home.

What’s more, Sheffield is a large, safe and welcoming city. It’s also the joint sixth most affordable UK city for students (RBS Student Living Index 2024). Thanks to its student community, you’ll find discounts around every corner. So not only can you explore the city with confidence, but your money will let you go further and do more too.

3. Sheffield's green spaces offer unlimited chances for relaxation and adventure

Sheffield is known as the ‘Outdoor City’. With two million trees and 250 parks and green spaces, it’s one of the greenest cities in Europe.

From Weston Park’s prime picnic spots to the green lawns of Endcliffe Park, Sheffield offers plenty of space to stroll, cycle, run or just relax.

Better still, the nearby Peak District has plenty to offer. From trails and routes for hiking to mountain biking, caving and rock climbing, it’s the perfect place to experience the English countryside.

4. It has a vibrant city centre and social scene

Sheffield is the fifth biggest city in England. So, wherever you’re living and whatever you want to do, there’s something for everyone in its urban neighbourhoods.

In Sheffield’s cultural district, you’ll find theatres, cinemas and art galleries. There are often discounted tickets for students and many of the galleries and museums are free to enter.

In the city centre, West Street and Division Street offer vintage clothing, independent stores and a vibrant mix of restaurants, pubs and bars. The student neighbourhoods in Broomhill, Ecclesall Road, Sharrow Vale and London Road offer an eclectic mix of thrift shops and independent bars and restaurants. And, on the city’s edge, the award-winning former industrial quarter Kelham Island is home to some of the city’s best bars, bakeries, night markets and food halls, plus traditional pubs and the amazing industrial museum.

If shopping’s your thing, Sheffield has you covered too. Jump on the tram and discover the latest designer and brand fashions at Meadowhall Shopping Centre – plus bowling and an IMAX Cineworld at the nearby Centertainment.

5. The sport and exercise opportunities are unparalleled

Home to the oldest football club in the world, the World Snooker Championship, and the UK’s spiritual home of climbing, Sheffield loves sport. The city is the first National City of Sport in the UK, with a rich sporting history and a range of high-quality facilities, including Olympic venue Ponds Forge International Sports Centre and the world-class Utilita Arena.

Sheffield Hallam University offers a comprehensive and expanding range of sport and fitness facilities. Hallam Active Gyms include a cardio fitness suite, gymnasium, Dojo and sports hall – suitable for badminton, basketball, five-a-side football and more.

The University of Sheffield’s Goodwin Sports Centre hosts a variety of fitness classes, sports pitches, a multi-purpose sports hall, high-tech gym, bouldering wall and squash courts.

Like a competition? Every year, Sheffield Varsity sees the city's two universities compete in over 80 sporting events, from golf and boxing to water polo and lacrosse. It’s one of the biggest events in the university social calendar and is the one competition that all students can get involved in.

6. Music, culture and festivals are at your fingertips

Whether it’s indie gigs, 80s pop nights or k-pop karaoke, there’s no better place for music than Sheffield.

While big bands play the Utilita Arena Sheffield, the city’s rising stars can be discovered at smaller gigs and quirky venues around the city. Sheffield’s club scene includes rock classics at Corporation, chart-toppers at Revolution and indie beats at the Leadmill.

Of course, you can’t talk about Sheffield’s music scene without mentioning Tramlines – the yearly festival that brings thousands of fans to see their favourite acts perform. With comedians, pop-up cinemas and DJ sets also in the lineup, this is one party you won’t want to miss.

Looking for a culture fix? Sheffield has the largest theatre complex outside London and a vast collection of museums and galleries featuring everything from contemporary art to local history. You’ll also find eye-catching street art all over the city, including work by Kid Acne, Phlegm and Peachzz.

Sheffield also offers lots of LGBTQ+ events, clubs and inclusive spaces, including pubs, bars and cafes. From Gut Level DIY music and community venue to Rainbow Blades Sheffield United Football Club supporters' group, there are plenty of places where you’ll feel welcome, comfortable and free to be yourself.

7. It's a city at the heart of the UK

Sheffield is nestled in the heart of the UK with other big cities and everything else in easy reach. Nearby cities of Manchester and Leeds are both less than an hour on the train, and there are direct trains to London and Edinburgh amongst others.

Sheffield is also an ideal base for exploring the UK and the rest of Europe too. As an international student, you’ll have a truly global experience in Sheffield.

Are you ready?

To start your adventure in this fantastic student city, visit Sheffield Hallam University, or the University of Sheffield today.