About
Student Life in Sheffield
Moving to university is a big step, but student life in Sheffield gives you plenty of opportunities to meet people, try something new and find your own community. Whether you want to join a sports team, get involved with a society, go to student events or simply meet people in your accommodation, there are lots of ways to make friends and settle into Sheffield.
With two universities, a large student population and hundreds of clubs, societies and activities, there's something for almost everyone.
Meeting People & Making Friends
Worried about making friends? You're not the only one.
Almost everyone starting university will be wondering who they're going to meet and whether they'll fit in. The good news is that Sheffield gives you lots of opportunities to meet people outside your course.
Joining a society, trying a new sport, going along to a student event or simply chatting to people in your accommodation can all be great ways to meet new friends.
The University of Sheffield currently has more than 390 student-run societies and sports clubs and specifically recommends its Give-it-a-go programme for students who aren't sure what they'd like to join.
For Hallam, there are 80+ student-run societies and 40+ university sports clubs, with activities ranging from culture and faith to sport, volunteering, performance and hobbies.
Student Societies
There really is something for everyone
Whether you're passionate about your course, love sport, want to learn a new skill or have a hobby you've always wanted to try, student societies are a great way to meet people who share your interests.
From music, dance and drama to gaming, photography, languages, cultural groups, volunteering and academic societies, you can get involved as much or as little as you like.
For University of Sheffield students, there are hundreds of societies covering an enormous range of interests, and students can even start their own if they can't find what they're looking for.
Hallam currently has 80+ societies, including academic, cultural, social, faith, creative and volunteering groups.
Not sure what you'd like to join?
Don't worry about committing straight away. Both universities offer opportunities to try different activities and meet societies before deciding what you'd like to get involved with.
Sport & Fitness
Get active, make friends and have fun
You don't have to be a serious athlete to get involved in university sport. Sheffield offers opportunities to play competitively, join a team for fun or simply try something completely new.
At Sheffield, there are 50+ sports clubs alongside the University's wider activities programme.
Hallam has 40+ university sports clubs, with opportunities to compete in BUCS as well as more casual ways to get active. Hallam's Just Play sessions are designed for students who simply want to have fun, stay active and meet people – with no experience or long-term commitment required.
And for University of Sheffield students, Give it a Go is a nice equivalent.
Freshers & Welcome
Starting university can feel exciting, overwhelming and everything in between. Both Sheffield universities have extensive welcome programmes designed to help new students settle in, find their way around campus and meet other people.
Expect a mixture of welcome events, fairs, activities, social events, society and sports opportunities and plenty of chances to explore your new city.
Don't worry if you don't make friends on the first day. University is a long way from being decided in Freshers Week. Societies, sports clubs, course groups, accommodation and events give you opportunities to meet people throughout the year.
Student Events & Nights Out
There's always something happening
From live music and club nights to quizzes, society socials, film nights, comedy, cultural celebrations and food events, there are plenty of ways to spend an evening without simply going to the same bar every week.
The University of Sheffield Students' Union currently lists clubs, nights, live gigs, society events, film and cinema, wellbeing events and other activities.
Hallam's Students' Union also runs events including live music, club nights and quizzes, alongside its societies and other activities.
International Students
A city where students come from all over the world
Sheffield is home to a large and diverse international student community. Moving to a new country can feel daunting, but there are plenty of opportunities to meet other international students, connect with people from your home country and become part of the wider Sheffield student community.
The University of Sheffield says students from more than 150 countries call Sheffield home.
Sheffield Hallam says students from more than 100 countries study there and runs GoGlobal activities designed to help students from different backgrounds meet and connect.
At Sheffield, the International Students' Committee runs events including an International Food Festival and World Week International Cultural Evening, with activities open to home and international students.
Where do students tend to live?
Choosing where to live
Where students live in Sheffield often depends on their university, year of study and what sort of lifestyle they're looking for.
First-year students often start out in university accommodation, while many students then move into private rented houses or apartments with friends for their second and later years.
University of Sheffield students:
- Broomhall – close to the University and city centre.
- Crookesmoor – a popular student area with lots of student houses and local amenities.
- Crookes – a lively student neighbourhood with its own shops, cafés and pubs.
- Broomhill – popular with students and close to the University and local amenities.
Sheffield Hallam students:
- City Centre – particularly convenient for City Campus.
- Ecclesall – a popular choice for students studying at Collegiate Campus, with cafés, restaurants, shops and bars close by.
- Broomhall – conveniently located between the city centre and university areas.
Not sure which area is right for you? Take a look at our Where to Live in Sheffield guide to compare the different student areas and see how far they are from your university campus.
Living with friends
Ready to move into a house with your friends?
For many students, one of the highlights of second and third year is sharing a house with friends. Choosing where to live becomes about more than just getting to lectures – you'll also want to think about shops, cafés, nightlife, green spaces and how easy it is for everyone in your group to get around.
That's why we've created our Your Guide to Sheffield area guides, helping you compare what each neighbourhood has to offer before choosing your student home.
Your student life is what you make it
You don't need to arrive in Sheffield with everything figured out. Try something new, talk to people on your course, join a society, go to an event, explore a new part of the city or simply grab a coffee with your housemates.
Some of the best parts of university happen outside the lecture theatre.
Now all you need is somewhere to call home.
