Sheffield Hallam University Accommodation

Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) is a public university based in Sheffield, England. The institution was established in 1843 as the Sheffield School of Design. The institution was renamed Sheffield Hallam University in 1992. Today, around 30,765 students study at the university every year, including approximately 4,400 international students from different countries.

The university has two campuses. City Campus is located opposite Sheffield Railway Station, making it easy for students to travel to and from the university. Collegiate Campus is around 1.5 miles away near Ecclesall Road and is home to many health and education courses. Students should be aware of the campus where their classes will be held when selecting accommodation as this can facilitate travel to the university.

Sheffield Hallam University is renowned for its courses in health and wellbeing, engineering, materials, sport, art, design and media, and is home to the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre. It is also one of England’s largest providers of nursing education. Many of its courses are geared towards practical learning, enabling students to gain industry experience during their studies.

The university also provides an accommodation guarantee for eligible first-year full-time undergraduate students, including international students, through its partner halls. This gives students a place to stay during their first year before they decide whether to move into private student accommodation.

Student life at Sheffield Hallam University extends well beyond lectures. The university and the city provide opportunities to join societies, take part in sport, attend cultural events, and explore the surrounding area. With a compact city centre and a large student population, most places are easy to reach throughout the week.

Students' Union and Societies

The Sheffield Hallam Students' Union (Hallam SU) is based in The HUBS building next to City Campus. It is home to more than 100 student societies and sports clubs, covering interests such as health, nursing, media, esports, outdoor activities, and cultural groups. Joining a society is one of the easiest ways for new students to meet people outside their course.

Sports and Fitness

Students have access to gyms and sports facilities through Hallam Active, with facilities available at both City Campus and Collegiate Campus. The university is also home to the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) at the Olympic Legacy Park, which supports research and sports development.

One of the biggest events in the university calendar is the annual Varsity competition between Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield. The city also hosts the World Snooker Championship at The Crucible every year.

Nightlife and Social Scene

Sheffield is known for its student-friendly nightlife. The Leadmill, located close to Leadmill Point, hosts live music, concerts, and club nights throughout the year. West Street is one of the city's main nightlife areas, while Kelham Island is known for its independent pubs and taprooms.

Students looking for cafés, bars, and independent shops spend time around Division Street. The source notes that Sheffield's nightlife is generally affordable compared with many other UK cities.

Shopping

Students can buy everyday essentials at The Moor, which combines a market with a range of retail stores. Fargate is another popular shopping area in the city centre. For larger shopping trips, Meadowhall is around 10 minutes away by Supertram. Along Ecclesall Road, students will also find independent shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Culture and Events

One of Sheffield's distinctive features is its location next to the Peak District National Park, giving students easy access to walking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Within the city, places such as the Millennium Gallery and Site Gallery host exhibitions throughout the year. Sheffield also hosts the Tramlines Festival every July, alongside the annual World Snooker Championship at The Crucible.

Healthcare and Safety

Students should register with a local GP after arriving in Sheffield. The city is served by Royal Hallamshire Hospital and Northern General Hospital. The source also recommends following normal safety precautions when travelling around busy areas, particularly during nights out on West Street.

Where you should live will depend on which Sheffield Hallam campus you’ll be studying at, how much you want to spend on accommodation and what type of area you want to live in. 

Student accommodation is available in Sheffield city centre, Ecclesall Road, Kelham Island, and several residential neighbourhoods. Some areas are within walking distance of the university, while others offer lower weekly rents with a slightly longer commute.

City Core / Cultural Industries Quarter

If you're studying at City Campus, this is one of the most convenient areas to live in. Most student accommodation is within a 10-minute walk of the university, so many students do not need to use public transport every day.

The area is close to Sheffield Railway Station, City Campus, restaurants, shops, markets, and other student facilities. Weekly rents usually range between £80 and £139. Popular House of Student properties in this area include Exchange Works, The Gate, Hannah Court, Truro Sheffield, The Elements, Leadmill Point, Archways, and Laycock Studios.

Ecclesall Road / Sharrow

Ecclesall Road is one of the most popular student areas in Sheffield. It is around 1 to 2 miles from the Collegiate Campus, and students usually travel by bus or walk to the university.

The area has plenty of cafés, restaurants, pubs, and independent shops. It is also close to Endcliffe Park, making it a popular choice among students. Weekly rents usually range between £85 and £130. House of Student properties in this area include Nebula, Rockingham House, and iQ Brocco.

Kelham Island / Shalesmoor

Kelham Island is another popular area for students. It is around 1 to 2 miles from City Campus, and students can reach the university by tram or on foot. The area is known for its converted industrial buildings, cafés, restaurants, breweries, and creative spaces.

Weekly rents usually range between £75 and £120, making it one of the more affordable areas close to the city centre. House of Student properties here include Central Quay, Bailey Street, and Central Place.

Broomhall / Broomhill

Broomhall and Broomhill are quieter residential areas located around 1.5 to 2 miles from City Campus. They have good bus connections and are popular with students from both Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield.

Most students living here stay in shared houses instead of city-centre apartments. Weekly rents usually range between £85 and £120. Charlotte Court is one of the House of Student accommodation options available in this area.

Crookes / Walkley

Crookes and Walkley are located around 2 to 3 miles from City Campus and are well connected by bus. Students choose these areas because accommodation is more affordable than in the city centre while still offering good access to the university.

These neighbourhoods have shared housing so they’re a good option for students looking to keep their accommodation costs down.

Students looking for budget-friendly accommodation compare properties like Charlotte Court, where rents start from £70 per week, and Central Quay, where weekly rents start from £75. Students looking for more premium accommodation choose Laycock Studios, with rents starting from £139 per week, and Hannah Court, where rents start from £138 per week.

One thing to keep in mind is that Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield share many of the same student neighbourhoods. Areas to the west of the city are more popular with University of Sheffield students, while accommodation in the city centre is usually more convenient for students studying at Sheffield Hallam's City Campus. Before choosing accommodation, make sure you know which campus you'll be travelling to more frequently.

Sheffield is one of the more affordable cities for students in the UK. Accommodation costs are lower than in many other university cities and day-to-day expenses are also more affordable. Before deciding on accommodation, it is a good idea to understand how much you may spend each week on top of your rent. Students normally spend around £100 to £130 per week on everyday expenses excluding rent.

According to the Save the Student 2025 National Survey, the average weekly student spending in the UK is £141. Since student accommodation in Sheffield starts from around £70 to £100 per week, many students are able to manage their overall budget more easily than in other cities. 

Groceries usually cost around £34 per week (approximately £146 per month). Many students shop at places like Moor Market and discount supermarkets to keep their food expenses lower.

Transport costs are generally between £0 and £10 per week. Students living close to City Campus can usually walk to the university, shops, and other places in the city centre. Those living farther away can use Sheffield's buses and Supertram services, and student travel passes help reduce commuting costs.

Students living in private accommodation where utility bills are not included should budget around £16 per week (approximately £69 per month) for electricity, gas, water, broadband, and a TV licence. Most purpose-built student accommodation and university halls include these bills in the weekly rent, making it easier to manage monthly expenses.

Students usually spend around £14 per week (approximately £61 per month) on social activities. Sheffield has plenty of pubs, cafés, live music venues, and student events, and these are generally less expensive than in many larger UK cities.

A UK SIM-only mobile plan usually costs around £3 to £5 per week. Students studying health-related courses should also keep some money aside for travelling to placements. The NHS Learning Support Fund may help eligible students with some of these travel costs.

If you’re an international student applying for a UK Student visa, you’ll also need to be aware of the maintenance funds requirement. From 11 November 2025, students studying outside London will need to show they have £1,171 per month (roughly £270 per week). Please note that this is purely for visa purposes and is not indicative of the average amount students spend each week.

Many students find they can get by with accommodation costs starting at around £70 per week, and general living expenses of around £110 per week. This works out at an average student budget of around £180 per week, making Sheffield one of the cheapest places to study in the UK.

The type of room you choose will affect your budget and your everyday student experience. Some students want privacy, others want cheaper rent and shared space. Sheffield Hallam University students can usually choose between flats, en-suites and studio apartments, depending on how they want to live at university.

Shared/Cluster Flat

A shared or cluster flat is usually the cheapest option. You'll have your own bedroom while sharing the kitchen, living area, and, in some properties, the bathroom with other students. This room type is popular with first-year students because it makes it easier to meet people and keeps accommodation costs lower. Charlotte Court, with rooms starting from £70 per week, is one example of this type of accommodation.

En-suite Room

An en-suite room gives you a private bedroom and bathroom while sharing the kitchen and living area with flatmates. It suits students who want more privacy without giving up the social side of shared accommodation. Properties such as The Gate and Leadmill Point offer en-suite rooms, with prices generally starting at around £120 per week.

Studio Flat

A studio is a private student accommodation in Sheffield close to the Sheffield Hallam University.  It is a self contained apartment with its own private bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette. You won't share any facilities with other students, so it's a good option for those who want more independence or a quieter place to live. Studios are usually the most expensive room type. Laycock Studios is one example, with prices starting from £139 per week.

The type of room you choose will depend on how much privacy you want, how sociable you want your accommodation to be and your weekly budget. Shared flats tend to be the cheapest, ensuite rooms offer a compromise between privacy and shared living and studios give you your own space at a higher weekly rent. House of Student’s live listings allow students to compare current room types and prices before making a decision.

The best student accommodation depends on how close you want to live to campus, how much you're willing to spend, and the type of room you're looking for. Many of Sheffield Hallam University's student accommodation options are within walking distance of City Campus, helping students save both time and transport costs.

Exchange Works

Exchange Works is one of the closest properties to City Campus.Students can walk to campus in approximately 3 minutes as it is located 0.22 miles from the university.  Rooms start from £99 per week, making it a practical option for students who want a short daily commute without paying the highest rents.

The Gate

The Gate is 0.27 miles from City Campus and takes around 4 minutes to walk. Weekly rents start from £120. Its location allows students to reach lectures quickly while staying close to Sheffield city centre.

Hannah Court

Hannah Court is located 0.42 miles from the university. Students usually reach campus in around 6 minutes on foot. Rooms start from £138 per week, making it one of the higher-priced options among properties close to City Campus.

Truro Sheffield

Truro Sheffield combines a central location with one of the lower starting rents in this category. The property is 0.55 miles from campus, with a walking time of around 9 minutes. Rooms start from £80 per week.

Laycock Studios

Laycock Studios is 0.76 miles from City Campus and takes around 7 minutes to walk. Studios start from £139 per week. Students looking for a private studio close to the university compare this property with other premium accommodation nearby.

The Elements

The Elements is located 0.79 miles from the university. Students can either walk in around 14 minutes or use public transport in approximately 9 minutes. Weekly rents start from £109.

Leadmill Point

Leadmill Point is 0.89 miles from City Campus and takes around 6 minutes on foot. Rooms start from £120 per week. Its location also places students close to one of Sheffield's well-known live music venues.

Archways

Archways is 0.9 miles from the university, with an average walking time of around 5 minutes. Rooms start from £89 per week, making it one of the more affordable properties within walking distance of campus.

The Anvil

The Anvil is located 0.95 miles from City Campus. Students can walk to campus in around 13 minutes or travel by public transport in approximately 12 minutes. Weekly rents start from £150, making it one of the higher-priced accommodation options in this list.

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles is 1.06 miles from the university. Rooms start at £95 a week, making it another option for students looking to strike the balance between price and location.

Sheffield is one of the more affordable student cities in the UK, with lots of accommodation options for students looking to keep their weekly rent low. Many of these properties are still well connected to Sheffield Hallam University, with straightforward walking routes or short public transport journeys to campus.

Charlotte Court

Charlotte Court is one of the lowest-priced student accommodation options near Sheffield Hallam University. Rooms start from £70 per week. The property is 1.06 miles from City Campus, with a journey of around 15 minutes on foot or 12 minutes by public transport. It is a practical choice for students who want to reduce accommodation costs while staying within easy reach of the university.

Central Quay

Central Quay has rooms starting from £75 per week. Located 2.03 miles from City Campus, students can reach the university in around 19 minutes on foot or 11 minutes by public transport. Being in the Kelham Island area makes it a good choice for students looking for cheaper rents away from the city centre.

Truro Sheffield

Rooms at Truro Sheffield start from £80 per week. The property is 0.55 miles from the university, with an average walking time of 9 minutes. It combines one of the shorter commutes with one of the lower weekly rents in Sheffield.

Bailey Street

Bailey Street offers accommodation from £80 per week. It is located 1.88 miles from City Campus, with a journey of around 12 minutes on foot or 11 minutes by public transport. Students looking for affordable accommodation close to the city compare this property with others in the Kelham Island area.

Central Place

Central Place has rooms starting from £81 per week. The property is 2.11 miles from the university, with an average journey of 19 minutes on foot or 15 minutes by public transport. It is another option for students looking to keep their accommodation costs low.

Nebula

Nebula offers accommodation from £85 per week. Located 1.07 miles from City Campus, students can reach the university in around 14 minutes on foot or 11 minutes by public transport. The property is close to Ecclesall Road, making it convenient for students who spend time in that part of Sheffield.

Rockingham House

Rockingham House also starts from £85 per week. It is 1.74 miles from the university, with an average journey of 15 minutes on foot or 11 minutes by public transport. Students looking for affordable accommodation with good transport links include it in their shortlist.

iQ Brocco

Rooms at iQ Brocco start from £85 per week. The property is located 2.09 miles from City Campus, and the journey takes around 19 minutes on foot or 17 minutes by public transport. It is another lower-cost accommodation option near Ecclesall Road.

The Paper Works

The Paper Works has rooms available from £85 per week. It is 2.29 miles from the university, with an average journey of 9 minutes on foot or 7 minutes by public transport. The property combines relatively low rents with convenient transport connections.

Archways

Archways starts from £89 per week. Located 0.9 miles from City Campus, students can reach the university in around 5 minutes on foot or 5 minutes by public transport. It is one of the more affordable properties within walking distance of the university.

Getting around Sheffield is straightforward, especially for students living near City Campus. Many university buildings, student accommodation, shops, and everyday facilities are within walking distance, while buses, trams, and trains make it easy to travel across the city and beyond.

Walking

Students based at City Campus (S1 1WB) can walk to many parts of the city centre. The campus is located directly opposite Sheffield Railway Station, and several student accommodation properties are only a few minutes away on foot. Living in the city centre means many students can manage their daily routine without relying on public transport.

Bus Services

Sheffield's bus network connects City Campus with neighbourhoods across the city. Students travelling between City Campus and Collegiate Campus can use regular bus services along Ecclesall Road, including routes such as 81, 82, and 88.

The journey usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, although students should check the latest timetable before travelling. Students living in Broomhall or Crookes can also reach City Campus by bus. Journeys from these areas generally take 15 to 25 minutes.

Supertram

Sheffield's Supertram provides another way to travel across the city. Students living in Kelham Island can travel via Shalesmoor, with journeys to the city centre taking around 10 to 15 minutes. From Central Quay, the Supertram journey to City Campus takes approximately 11 minutes. The tram also provides a direct connection to Meadowhall, with journeys taking around 10 minutes.

Cycling

Cycling is another option, although some routes may be more difficult because of the steep hills of Sheffield. The source states that the rise in use of e-bikes has made cycling easier for many students. For flatter routes, the Five Weirs Walk along the River Don provides a dedicated cycling path.

Intercity Rail

Sheffield Railway Station, located opposite City Campus, connects the city with destinations across the UK.

Typical journey times include:

These direct rail connections make it easy for students to travel home during holidays or visit other UK cities.

Airport Access

Although Sheffield does not have its own international airport, students can reach nearby airports by rail or road. Manchester Airport is connected by a direct train journey of around 1 hour and 10 minutes, while East Midlands Airport is approximately 1 hour away by road. The city's rail network makes travelling to and from the airport relatively straightforward.