Quick guide to Sheffield

A city like no other

Sheffield is an extraordinary place to live and study. It’s one of the major cities in the UK, yet 60% of it is green space. It’s a city that’s safe, affordable, creative and welcoming. Live here and you’ll get a vibrant big city feel as well as the space and adventure of the Peak District National Park which is (almost) on your doorstep.

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A snapshot of Sheffield

564,000

Over half a million people live in Sheffield, and students make up about 10% of the population

An affordable city

Sheffield is an affordable city for student life according to the Royal Bank of Scotland Student Living Index 2024

One of the UK’s best student cities

Sheffield is the 3rd best student city according to the Student Crowd Best Student Cities 2023

A creative city

Sheffield is known for its music, art and digital scenes, and has one of the largest regional theatre complexes outside London

A green city

A third of the city lies within the borders of the Peak District National Park. Stroll around or study in over 250 gardens, parks and woodlands. And we have over four million trees (and counting)

No 1 Students’ Union in the UK

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024, 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

A diverse city

Our global reputation for teaching and research attracts more than 29,000 students from over 150 countries

LGBT+ friendly

Sheffield is safe with welcoming spaces for LGBT+ students, including LGBT+ University accommodation

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Why Sheffield?

Our students talk about their experiences living in Sheffield.

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Self-guided City Tours

Fancy exploring Sheffield at your own pace? You can follow our self-guided city tour leaflet.

Download our self-guided city tour

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