International Student Accommodation in Sheffield: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Known as the “Steel City” for its industrial heritage, Sheffield has reinvented itself as a vibrant university city over the last few decades. It is home to world-class education, award-winning student life, and easy access to stunning countryside.
With over 60,000 students across two major universities, Sheffield has a typical student city feel. The University of Sheffield ranks 92nd globally in the QS list and is a Russell Group member, while Sheffield Hallam University is one of the UK’s largest and most career-focused institutions. Together, they create a diverse, international community of students coming from over 150 countries.
Student accommodation in Sheffield is among the most popular in the UK. Weekly rents typically range from £90 to £150 for shared houses, making it more affordable than Manchester, Leeds, or London. The city ranks third in the UK for lowest student rent, with average monthly accommodation costing around £493.
What truly sets Sheffield apart is its student experience. The University of Sheffield has been ranked number one in the Russell Group for student satisfaction for three consecutive years, and its Students’ Union has been voted the best in the UK. Add in the proximity of the Peak District National Park, and you have a city that offers exceptional value and quality of life.
The Best Neighbourhoods for International Students
Sheffield’s student areas are concentrated in the western suburbs, within easy reach of both universities. The city centre is walkable, and most student neighbourhoods are connected by reliable tram and bus services.
Crookesmoor
Crookesmoor is the most popular area for University of Sheffield students. Located just a short walk from the main campus, the Arts Tower, and the S10 gym, it offers unbeatable convenience. The area has a strong student community with plenty of shared houses in traditional Victorian terraces.
Local shops, supermarkets, and pubs are all close at hand. Kelham Island, Sheffield’s trendy food and drink quarter, is just around the corner. Crookesmoor strikes the perfect balance between location and affordability. Average weekly rent ranges from £100 to £130.
Broomhill
Broomhill sits between Crookesmoor and the leafy suburbs, offering a slightly more upmarket feel while remaining firmly student-oriented. The neighbourhood has excellent local amenities, including supermarkets, cafes, charity shops, and independent restaurants.
The area is less than a ten-minute walk from Sheffield Botanical Gardens and has good transport links. Broomhill attracts students who want quality housing close to campus without city centre prices. Average weekly rent ranges from £110 to £140.
Crookes
Continue through Crookesmoor, and you reach Crookes, a popular area known for rows of terraced houses and a strong community atmosphere. Crookes High Street has everything students need, including shops, pubs, and takeaways. Bole Hills offers green space nearby, perfect for summer barbecues.
Crookes is slightly further from campus than Crookesmoor or Broomhill, but the trade-off is lower rent. The area appeals to students seeking affordable accommodation with good local amenities. Average weekly rent ranges from £90 to £120.
Ecclesall Road
Ecclesall Road is Sheffield’s “Golden Mile” and is one of the most lively student locations. This long stretch of road is packed with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, vintage shops, and independent boutiques.
The area suits students from both universities and offers a mix of shared houses and purpose-built accommodation. Living here puts you at the heart of Sheffield’s social scene, though rents are higher than in the western suburbs. Average weekly rent ranges from £110 to £150.
City Centre
Sheffield city centre has seen major regeneration and now offers excellent purpose-built student accommodation options. The central location is ideal for Sheffield Hallam students and those who want urban living with shops, bars, and entertainment on their doorstep.
The Winter Gardens, Millennium Gallery, and Sheffield’s main shopping areas are all within walking distance. Transport connections are excellent, with the train station and Supertram network easily accessible. Average weekly rent for PBSA ranges from £120 to £250.
Hunters Bar
Hunters Bar sits at the intersection of several popular roads, giving it a relaxed suburban feel while remaining close to the action. The area has traditional houses and a village atmosphere, with cafes and local shops nearby.
It is well-positioned between the western student suburbs and Sheffield city centre, making it convenient for students at both universities. Hunters Bar suits students seeking a quieter environment without sacrificing accessibility. Average weekly rent ranges from £95 to £130.
Getting to Sheffield as an International Student
Sheffield does not have its own airport, but several major airports serve the city with excellent onward connections.
Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is the most commonly used airport for Sheffield students. It is the UK’s third busiest airport with extensive international connections to Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond.
Direct trains from Manchester Airport to Sheffield take approximately 1 hour, running regularly throughout the day. Tickets cost from £15 to £25 depending on when you book. National Express coaches are cheaper (from £12) but take longer (approximately 2 hours via Leeds).
Sheffield Hallam University offers a free airport pickup service from Manchester Airport for international students arriving during Welcome Week. This is an excellent option if you book in advance.
Leeds Bradford Airport
Leeds Bradford Airport is closer to Sheffield (approximately 50 miles) and serves European destinations. Transport links are less convenient than Manchester, typically requiring a bus to Leeds followed by a train to Sheffield (total journey around 1.5 to 2 hours).
East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport is approximately 40 miles from Sheffield and primarily serves budget European routes. The Skylink bus connects the airport to Derby and Nottingham, from where you can catch a train to Sheffield.
London Connections
Direct trains from London St Pancras to Sheffield take approximately 2 hours on the Midland Main Line, operated by East Midlands Railway. Advance tickets start from around £25 to £40.
Getting Around Sheffield
Sheffield has excellent public transport for a city of its size.
Supertram: Sheffield’s tram network is clean, reliable, and runs until midnight most nights. The Yellow route connects Middlewood to Meadowhall via the University of Sheffield, making it perfect for students. The Blue route runs through the city centre to Sheffield station. Single fares are £3.40, with day tickets around £6.
Buses: First Bus and Stagecoach operate extensive networks across Sheffield. Single fares are capped at £3, with various student passes available. A weekly student pass costs approximately £13.50 to £22.50, depending on the operator. The Zoom Beyond pass offers discounts for 18 to 21-year-olds.
Walking and Cycling: Sheffield is compact, and many students walk everywhere, particularly those living in Crookesmoor, Broomhill, or Crookes. The city has improved cycle infrastructure, though Sheffield’s hills can be challenging.
Trains: Sheffield station connects to Manchester (50 minutes), Leeds (40 minutes), and London (2 hours). A 16 to 25 Railcard (£30 per year) saves one third on most rail fares.
Universities in Sheffield
Sheffield has two major universities with distinct characters and specialities.
University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is a world top 100 university and a proud member of the Russell Group.
The university has been ranked number one in the Russell Group for student satisfaction for three consecutive years in the National Student Survey. Its Students’ Union has been voted the best in the UK, offering a range of clubs and societies, excellent facilities, and an active student community.
Sheffield welcomes approximately 30,000 students from over 150 countries. The university excels in Engineering, Architecture, Medicine, Computer Science, and Politics. Research facilities include the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, which was created in partnership with Boeing and Rolls-Royce.
The main campus is concentrated around Western Bank, with the iconic Arts Tower as its landmark. The Diamond provides state-of-the-art engineering facilities, while the Information Commons offers a 24-hour study space. Science and engineering students also use facilities at St George’s campus.
Most students live in the western suburbs of Crookesmoor, Broomhill, Crookes, and Endcliffe.
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University is one of the UK’s largest universities, with over 30,000 students, including approximately 4,000 from overseas. Founded in 1843 as the Sheffield School of Design, it gained university status in 1992 and has grown into a major institution known for career-focused education.
Sheffield Hallam consistently ranks highly for graduate employability, with 95% of graduates in work or further study within 15 months. The university has strong links with employers, including the NHS, Deloitte, HSBC, and Boeing, with over half of all courses including integrated work placements.
The university has two main campuses. City Campus is in the heart of Sheffield, adjacent to the train station and ideal for urban living. Collegiate Campus (formerly Collegiate Crescent) is set in leafy grounds a couple of miles from the centre, housing nursing, midwifery, and teacher training programmes.
Popular courses include Business Management, Nursing, Sport and Exercise Science, Computing, and the Creative Industries. The university prides itself on practical, industry-aligned teaching and strong student support services.
Cost of Living in Sheffield for International Students
Sheffield is consistently ranked among the UK’s most affordable student cities. Living costs are approximately 10% below the national average and 25 to 27% lower than in London.
Accommodation (weekly)
Shared house in Crookes: £90 to £120
Student house in Crookesmoor: £100 to £130
Private rental in Broomhill: £110 to £140
University halls: £100 to £180
En-suite PBSA: £130 to £200
City centre studio: £180 to £280
Food and Groceries
Budget around £120 to £160 per month for groceries. Aldi, Lidl, and Morrisons offer excellent value. The Moor Market in the city centre sells fresh produce, meat, and fish at competitive prices. Cooking at home is common among Sheffield students, given the low cost of ingredients.
Eating out is affordable, with student-friendly options across the city. Street Food Chef, Tamper Coffee, and the numerous cafés on Ecclesall Road are popular choices. Students should budget £50 to £100 per month for occasional meals out.
Transport
Many Sheffield students walk to campus, particularly those living in Crookesmoor, Broomhill, or Crookes. For those who need public transport, a monthly bus pass costs around £52 to £60. The Supertram offers convenient travel with day tickets at approximately £6.
Other Costs
Mobile phone SIM-only plans cost around £10 to £20 per month. Gym memberships (outside university facilities) cost around £20 to £35 per month. Entertainment and nights out are affordable, with many clubs offering cheap or free entry on specific student nights.
Realistic Monthly Budget
Budget-conscious students can live comfortably on £800 to £1,000 per month in Sheffield. A typical student spending on mid-range accommodation and moderate social activities should budget £1,200 to £1,500 per month. This makes Sheffield one of the best value student cities in the UK.
For visa purposes, you need to possess £1,023 (non-London rate) in savings.
Sheffield Saving Tips
Take advantage of Sheffield’s many free attractions, such as the Winter Gardens, Millennium Gallery, Weston Park, and Botanical Gardens, which are all free. Use the Too Good To Go app for discounted meals. Walk rather than using public transport when possible. Join societies at the Students’ Union for free or low-cost social activities.
International Student Community in Sheffield
Sheffield has a large and welcoming international student community.
Student Societies and Support
The University of Sheffield Students’ Union is regularly voted the best in the UK. It offers over 350 clubs and societies, including cultural groups, nationality-based societies, and international student organisations. Events, campaigns, and volunteering opportunities run throughout the year.
Sheffield Hallam has a similarly active student community with dedicated support for international students, including visa advice, orientation programmes, and free airport pickup services.
Both universities celebrate international festivals, including Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Eid, with strong Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern student communities.
Global Food and Culture
Sheffield’s diversity is reflected in its food scene. London Road has excellent South Asian restaurants and grocery shops. The city centre offers cuisines from around the world, while Ecclesall Road and Kelham Island have trendy cafes and international eateries.
Moor Market and local shops stock international ingredients, making it easy to cook food from home.
Where to Socialise
Popular student venues include Corporation (one of the UK’s best rock clubs), Code, and Tank. Ecclesall Road has numerous bars and pubs. West Street in the city centre is the main nightlife strip. The University of Sheffield Students’ Union hosts regular events, including international nights.
For quieter socialising, Sheffield has excellent coffee shops and vintage stores, particularly along Ecclesall Road and in the Kelham Island area.
What Makes Sheffield Special for International Students
The Peak District
Sheffield is the only major UK city with a national park within its boundaries. The Peak District National Park starts at the edge of the city, offering world-class walking, climbing, and outdoor activities. Stanage Edge, Castleton, and the Hope Valley are all easily accessible by bus.
This unique location means you can be hiking in stunning countryside within 30 minutes of leaving campus. For outdoor enthusiasts, Sheffield is an attractive proposition.
Green City
Sheffield is England’s greenest city, with over 60% green space and more trees per person than any other city in Europe. Parks include the Botanical Gardens, Weston Park (next to the university), Endcliffe Park, and the Porter Valley.
Steel City Heritage
Sheffield’s industrial past as the world centre of steel production has left a fascinating heritage. Kelham Island Museum tells this story, while the regenerated Kelham Island area now houses trendy bars, restaurants, and creative businesses.
Sheffield FAQs
Is Sheffield a good city for international students?
Absolutely. Sheffield combines world-class universities with exceptional affordability and quality of life. The international student community is large and well-supported, the city is safe and welcoming, and the surrounding countryside is spectacular. The University of Sheffield’s top rankings for student satisfaction reflect the quality of the experience.
How does Sheffield compare to Manchester or Leeds?
Sheffield is significantly cheaper than both Manchester and Leeds, with lower rent and living costs. It has a more compact, community-focused feel compared to Manchester’s sprawling size. However, Manchester and Leeds have larger entertainment scenes and more direct international flight connections.
Is Sheffield safe?
Sheffield is generally considered a safe city with lower crime rates than many comparable UK cities. Student areas like Crookesmoor, Broomhill, and Crookes are particularly safe. Both universities have support systems, including the University of Sheffield’s Safe Taxi Scheme for late-night travel.
What is the weather like?
Sheffield has a temperate climate similar to most of northern England. Winters are cold but rarely severe, with occasional snow. Summers are mild and pleasant. The city’s position near the Peak District means it can be rainy, so waterproof clothing is essential. The hills also make Sheffield windier than some cities.
Is it easy to find part-time work?
Sheffield has good part-time job opportunities for students. The university’s career services help with job searches, and the city’s hospitality, retail, and service sectors regularly employ students. Meadowhall shopping centre is a major employer.
How far is Sheffield from other cities?
Manchester: 50 minutes by train
Leeds: 40 minutes by train
London: 2 hours by train
Birmingham: 1 hour 15 minutes by train
Nottingham: 50 minutes by train
Sheffield’s central England location makes weekend trips easy and affordable.
Ready to Book Student Accommodation in Sheffield?
Now that you have seen all that Sheffield has to offer international students, it is time to explore our range of Sheffield student accommodation options.
If you have more questions relating to more general international student topics, check out our Ultimate Guide to International Student Accommodation in the UK.