What is the Best University in Sheffield? A Complete Breakdown
Sheffield is a fantastic place to study, offering a blend of academic excellence, vibrant city life, and incredible student experiences. With two universities to choose from - the Sheffield Hallam and University of Sheffield. - it’s natural to wonder which one is the best fit for you. In this blog, we take a deep dive into rankings, locations, facilities, and more to help you make an informed choice.
Rankings and reputation
One of the first things to consider when you choose your university is its reputation. The University of Sheffield is a prestigious Russell Group university, so it’s recognised for world-leading research and academic excellence. It is ranked the 105th best university in the world and 15th in the UK, making it a solid choice for those looking for a traditional and research-focused education.
Meanwhile, Sheffield Hallam University is known for its career-focused approach, strong industry links, and high employability rates. Whilst it isn’t part of the Russell Group, it offers excellent courses, especially in business, health and creative industries.
Location
Our student accommodation is close to both universities, being a 10-minute walk from the University of Sheffield and 15 minutes from Sheffield Hallam University. But where exactly are they located?
The University of Sheffield is close to the city centre, with the main campus stretching from the West Street area to Western Bank, close to Weston Park. It blends into the urban landscape, with a mix of modern and historic buildings.
Sheffield Hallam University has two campuses. The City Campus is right next to Sheffield Train Station, making it one of the most accessible universities in the UK - and great if you need to get anywhere after your lecture! The Collegiate Campus is in the leafy suburb of Ecclesall Road, offering a more relaxed setting.
Campus and facilities
Another main consideration is whether the university has a campus feel, or its spread across a city.
The University of Sheffield is often described as a ‘campus university in a city’, with many of its main buildings close together. It has state-of-the-art research centres, an award-winning Students’ Union and the iconic Diamond building, home to engineering and computer science facilities.
Sheffield Hallam University has a more diverse experience, with the two campuses differing in terms of layout and offering. The City Campus has modern buildings including a business hub and a huge library, whereas the Collegiate Campus has a more traditional vibe with green spaces and archaic architecture.
Key courses
It's important to make sure your chosen university aligns with your studies. Both Sheffield universities are known for their diverse offerings and courses to choose from.
The University of Sheffield is particularly known for engineering, medicine and social sciences courses. The Russell Group status also means that it has a large focus on research, so you can expect to be doing lots of this if you choose to study here!
Sheffield Hallam University has highly regarded courses in hospitality, sports science and business, contributing towards its strong employability rates. It also has links with key industries, ensuring that students can get valuable work experience ahead of graduating.
History
Although you’re probably not going to choose your university based on how old it is, it’s always interesting to know!
The University of Sheffield was founded in 1905, so it has a long history of innovation and excellence. Over the years it has produced Nobel Prize winners and groundbreaking research that has helped to shape the world.
Sheffield Hallam University was first opened in 1843 as a school for industrial training. It gained university status in 1992 and has since grown into one of the UK’s largest and most forward-thinking institutions.
Student population
When you become a student, you’re also a part of a vast community of like-minded people - so it can be helpful to know how many of you there are. The University of Sheffield has around 30,000 students and Sheffield Hallam has over 35,000 - making it one of the biggest universities in the UK.
Famous alumni
Both universities have an impressive list of alumni that have gone on to achieve great things!
For the University of Sheffield, famous alumni include astronaut Helen Sharman, author Lee Child and Amy Johnson, the first woman to fly solo from Britain to Australia.
Sheffield Hallam has seen the likes of Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park, CBE athlete Jane Tomlinson and Director David Slade, who directed one of the Twilight films!
Societies
Societies are a key part of university life, and both University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam offer a range to choose from.
In addition to career driven societies, the University of Sheffield is also home to a caving club, beekeeping community and duck society.
Sheffield Hallam has a wealth of sports and academic societies, and also hosts a wine appreciation club. Find our more about the university’s societies: Best Student Societies to Join
Which university would you choose?
The best university in Sheffield depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a Russell Group university with a strong research focus and international reputation, the University of Sheffield is the place for you. If you prefer a university with strong industry connections and a career-driven approach, Sheffield Hallam University is an excellent choice.
No matter where you study, having the right student accommodation is the key to getting the best out of your Sheffield experience. Our Sheffield site offers the perfect balance of comfort, community, and convenience. Located minutes away from both universities, we provide modern rooms, excellent social spaces, and a friendly atmosphere - making us an ideal home away from home. Reserve a room or arrange a viewing today: true student Sheffield