Things to Consider When Moving to Sheffield

Is Sheffield on your university shortlist? Sheffield is an extremely popular university town, with just under 59,000 university students living there currently. With its rich heritage and culture, plentiful green spaces, plus a thriving food scene and buzzing nightlife, it’s not hard to see why so many students make Sheffield their uni home.

So, whether you’ve been offered a place or you’re just looking, let’s talk about what you might need to consider should you come to live and study in Sheffield.

Where's best to live in Sheffield as a student?

When coming to university at Sheffield, you have the option of living in university-owned or privately owned accommodation. They are located in different spots throughout Sheffield, so it’s worth taking the time to research your preferred location. Do you want to be in the centre of the action or would you prefer somewhere a bit quieter or greener? For example, some of the University of Sheffield’s accommodation is in the city, right next to campus, while others are located in a leafy suburb around a 20-minute walk away.

true student Sheffield is privately owned accommodation that’s situated right in the heart of the city, close to all the cafés, shops, restaurants and nightlife. It’s a 10-minute walk to Sheffield Hallam University and just 4 minutes to the University of Sheffield, making for a very easy commute.

What facilities do you want in your Sheffield accommodation?

The facilities in your accommodation will vary according to price, so think about your must-haves and what you might be willing to compromise on. Accommodation with shared bathrooms can be cheaper than those with en-suites, as will rooms with single beds as opposed to doubles etc.

Would you like your own kitchenette or would you prefer a communal kitchen where you can hang out with friends and cook together? Are you happy with simply a shared lounge or would you prefer more on-site communal areas where you can socialise? Is an on-site gym a must, or do you like the sound of a cinema room? Once you’ve decided on your must-haves and preferences, you can work them within your budget to narrow down your accommodation choices. 

What is the cost of living like in Sheffield?

Sheffield’s affordability is one of the main draws for students coming to the city. It’s one of the places where your maintenance loan will stretch that bit further. In fact, the NatWest Student Living Index 2025 revealed that when it comes to average spend per month on entertainment, going out, travel and food, Sheffield students have the seventh lowest monthly spend in the UK. 

Still, before you arrive, it’s time to get that calculator out and work out how much you actually have to spend on the fun stuff. List all your essential expenses: accommodation, bills, food, mobile, books, exercise, transport and so on. What you have left over from your monthly budget is your disposable income, which you can spend on eating out, socialising and shopping.

Check your accommodation choices to see which bills are included. Unlike true student Sheffield, not all other places include utility bills and WiFi, laundry credits and access to a gym, so it’s important you find out all the details first. 

How will I get around Sheffield?

Sheffield is a pretty walkable city, but it’s also very hilly, so be prepared! If you’re thinking about bringing your bike to uni, check whether your accommodation has somewhere safe to store it (we do!) and invest in a good bike lock, a waterproof bag and clothing so you’ll survive the inevitable downpours!

Buses and trams are convenient, affordable and cover all parts of the city. They’re also a great way to venture further afield. For days out, buses run all the way to the Peak District, while you can hop on the Sheffield Supertram for shopping at Meadowhall or to catch your favourite band at Sheffield Arena.

Making the most of everything that Sheffield has to offer starts with finding the right accommodation. true student Sheffield is situated smack bang in the city centre, meaning you can throw yourself into everything that Sheffield has to offer. Your rent also includes all bills, contents insurance, unlimited WiFi and printing, helping to make budgeting that bit easier. Plus, our incredible communal and social spaces offer even more value for money. 

Take a look at our luxury accommodation now: true student Sheffield