Accommodation FAQs

When can we apply for accommodation?

Applications will open in March 2023 for those who’ve chosen the University of Sheffield as their firm choice.

You will receive an email from the Admissions team, once you have accepted your place of study, inviting you to book your accommodation online if the University of Sheffield is your Firm choice.

How do I apply?

When applications have opened, if you have created your MUSE account, click here to access the accommodation portal. After the University has issued your offer, please be patient as we will respond as soon as we can. 

An email will be sent from universityaccountsetup@sheffield.ac.uk containing your username and inviting you to activate your account. 

You can find more about this here - please be aware that it can take up to 48 hours before you will be able to access the accommodation portal after activating your MUSE account. 

Please do also bear in mind that if you are waiting to be released from another university back onto the UCAS system - this could incur further delays, which are out of our control.

Am I guaranteed accommodation?

Yes – We guarantee University-owned and managed accommodation to all students providing that students apply by 31 August. You are also guaranteed to live with only other University of Sheffield students. You can find out more about our guarantee here. 

What is self-selection?

Self-selection is the process where you can choose your own building, flat and room when you apply. The self-selection process allows you to leave a personal bio about yourself, which other students can then see when they click in that particular flat. Self-selection is particularly helpful when deciding which flat you would like to live with other like-minded individuals. After this, we will ask you to let us know which accommodation you would prefer (this is what we call preferences), and we’ll look to allocate you to a room as close to your preferences as we can - subject to availability.

What is a student profile?

If you book via self-selection, you usually can view select information about others who have booked the same property to give you a better idea about your future flatmates.

If you decide to share your information with us, you will be asked if you want to set up a personal profile. The profile includes your screen name, your age, gender, and a brief profile about you. Usually, this will consist of people's interests. Some examples are: whether they are clean and tidy,/If they stay up late,/If they are social. It’s entirely up to you what you share in this section. 

This part of the process is optional, and if you decide not to share your profile, the other applicants will see 'Occupied' against the room you choose.

How do preferences work?

Once self-selection closes, we’ll ask for your preferences. Your preferences tell us information about which location/room type you prefer. You only have to provide us with three different options.

We’ll then look to place you in a room based on the information you have provided; we’ll always try to match you with your highest preferences in terms of room type, subject to availability.

If you apply via Preferences, we won’t look to place you into a room until the release of your results as there are a large number of changes within the system, which helps us provide you with the best possible option for you.

Special requirements/medical conditions

If you highlight on your application that you have a medical condition or special requirement, this will be looked at by a member of the accommodation team. We have several adapted rooms, and we are always happy to take into account any medical needs or special requirements.

Please contact the Accommodation Office if you have any further questions: accommodationoffice@sheffield.ac.uk

Can I live here after the first year?

Yes, you can apply to stay in University Accommodation throughout your studies. Applications usually open in November, so you are welcome to come back to us for the following academic year and indeed throughout your studies at the University.

Can I apply to be in the same flat as my friend?

As part of the self-selection process, you can choose the same flat. When we switch to preferences and allocation, we will try and help wherever possible subject to availability. Sometimes it's best to live in close proximity rather than in the same flat as that way you form a wider friendship group.

Do you offer same-sex accommodation?

The majority of our accommodation is mixed gender but we cannot guarantee mixed gender. We do offer single-sex accommodation and you would select that option as part of your application process and it is guaranteed.

Travelling from the residences to your lectures

Which accommodation is closest to my department?

All University accommodation is within a twenty-minute walk of campus or a 5-10 minute cycle and is in addition, served by regular public transport, which runs past the residences. We advise students to look at all factors when choosing where they'd prefer to live, not just proximity to campus.

Is there parking available if I want to bring a car?

We always try to discourage students from bringing a car, if not needed. Parking is extremely limited at Ranmoor/Endcliffe and there is no parking available at the residences in the city except for pay and display. Full details can be found on the EFM website who manage the parking permits.

Disabled parking is provided around the campus and the university residences.

Is there anywhere to keep bikes?

All our accommodation comes with great cycle storage and we strongly recommend bringing a bike as a great way to get around. Many of the students cycle to university and there are very good cycle lanes across the city.

General information about accommodation

Is it all international students in the City accommodation?

No.  All our accommodation and sites have a mixture of international, home students, postgraduate, undergraduate and returning students. We positively encourage students to mix and integrate to get the best from their time at university.

If I choose shared bathroom accommodation - how many people will need to share?

The maximum is 6 people per shower room/bathroom and we typically have around 4/5 people sharing. As students have different shifts for their lectures, you will never all be getting ready at the same time, you will never need to queue.

What colour is my room?

All rooms vary in colour and get changed frequently, so we cannot share this information with you unfortunately. We recommend that you just look forward to the surprise when you arrive and who needs everything to match anyway - it makes life more fun.

Do the blocks have lifts?

Certain blocks do have lifts installed and if this is important to you, you can email us for the specific details. The majority of our accommodation is no higher than 5 storeys high and therefore do not have lifts.

What is the difference between 42 and 51 week contracts?

We offer different contract lengths to suit the needs of our students timetables across the academic year. Typically an undergraduate student contract is offered on a 42 week basis and a postgraduate student contract is offered on a 51 week basis. You can leave your belongings in the room for the duration of the contract and do not have to move out your personal items over Easter or Christmas periods.

Where can I do my laundry?

We know that washing isn’t the first thing on your mind but at some point, you are going to run out of clean clothes.

Our launderettes are located across the residences and are cashless – you can pay using the Circuit Laundry app or by a top-up card.

How fast is the internet?

Information about the internet across our residences

What's the difference between Ranmoor/Endcliffe and City accommodation

Ranmoor/Endcliffe is classed as one site, and all residents can use all the facilities across the site. There is a free Fitness Suite for all residents to use, a Village store, plenty of study facilities and a bar and cafe for you to enjoy socialising.

City Accommodation is made up of multiple buildings all at different price ranges within the same area. We have Allen Court, Mappin Court, Broad Lane and St Georges. City is perfect if you want to be within the hustle and bustle of the city centre and close to campus.