A genuine university city with two top universities
Welcome to Sheffield - where contrasts complement and create a magnetism that bonds people together.
If you’re looking for a big-city vibe, or some space and a bit of adventure; if you want to hear some noise - or hear yourself think; if you want to be part of a big community in a place that’s still intimate and full of character; if you want to make something of yourself and you want to have a good time...
Sheffield is your university city.
“Sheffield is a big city with lots of green spaces, friendly people and a welcoming student community."
Chermaine, nutrition student at Sheffield Hallam
"There is a place here for everyone no matter where you are from.
Khyati, medicine student at the University of Sheffield
Make yourself at home
Shauna Coxsey, Sheffield resident and Team GB Climber at the Tokyo Olympics 2021, gives you a brief introduction to the city and explains why it's a place to feel at home.
UK's greenest city
We were awarded the UK's greenest city status by a 2021 NatWest report, in part thanks to the fact we have the highest percentage of green space (61%) of any city in the world.
5 rivers, and more trees per person than any other European city, with 1/3 of the city sitting in the Peak District National Park.
What's to love about Sheffield?
Get some space or find your adventure
We are known as The Outdoor City for a reason
Sheffield has a unique mix of parks, green spaces and wild countryside that blend into a vibrant city with a huge music scene, the biggest theatre complex outside of London and plenty of cultural festivals too.
Navigable on foot and by bike, you won't be short of your daily dose of green as you go between lectures, see friends and pursue your passions. Plus it means on your weekends and evenings you don't have to choose between nature or culture, as you can have both.
Get the big city vibe
Indulge yourself, however you like to spend your free time.
Sheffield is a place where you can find street food markets, photomarathons, a Festival of the Outdoors, iconic coffee, the English Institute of Sport, cocktail bars in revamped old public toilets, the highest number of craft breweries per head of anywhere in the UK, and more local independent shops than you can imagine... plus loads more. It's the kind of place you really have to visit to appreciate just how great it is to have all this at your fingertips.
Hear some noise
A rich cultural heritage from electronic to classical, pop to rock and everything in between
It's no accident that Sheffield has produced acts and artists that vary from Self Esteem to Warp Records, and The Human League to Bring Me The Horizon. There's a DIY ethic here that keeps things edgy, and music of all styles is celebrated and enjoyed.
Be part of a big community
Diverse and vibrant; friendly and welcoming.
Whether it's championing women, food from around the world or multi-cultural arts projects, you'll find Sheffielders are all about celebrating the people who make great stuff happen. In 2007 the city was the first official City of Sanctuary which means people of all backgrounds are welcomed here, creating a great sense of community.
Have a good time
Discover a world you didn't know, and invite your friends to come and visit.
We have festivals galore, across music, film, debate, literature, media, science, and the outdoors. And some of them even blend lots of these disciplines together.
Get exposure to some of the best emerging music talent at Get Together.
Be immersed in art commissions and electronic music at No Bounds.
Get face to face with the best literary talent at Off The Shelf.
Explore the world's best documentary films at DocFest.
Traverse multi-disciplinary explorations at the Festival of the Mind.
Get adventurous with The Festival of the Outdoors.
Prepare to be blown away by everything that is Sensoria.
Experience the power of music-in-the-round at the Chamber Music Festival.
And loads, loads more...
Live in a city that’s intimate and full of character
Us Sheffielders are known for being friendly and welcoming, making Sheffield a fantastic city to live in whilst you get to grips with student life - plus we are the UK's most affordable student city.
‘When I came to Sheffield, I couldn’t believe how much delicious food there was from all around the world. But there’s another ingredient that makes it stand out - the local hospitality."
Daniela Baicoianu, public relations student at Sheffield Hallam University
"It makes it so easy to explore the city and its surrounding areas."
Andreea loves how the green spaces in the city connect different areas.
Make something of yourself
See more
Where is Sheffield?
Explore our Universities
University of Sheffield
The University of Sheffield is a research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group of 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching. The knowledge we generate helps to make the world a better place. When you study here you get one of the best student experiences in the UK – and that's according to the people who matter most, our students.
Sheffield Hallam University
At Sheffield Hallam, we transform lives. That’s why we’re here — to give our students once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and everything needed to start a meaningful career. Our students work on real-world projects. They have access to work experience in every year of their course. And they are taught by experts who inject their lectures with their own cutting-edge research.