Choosing to complete my degree in Sheffield was the best decision I've ever made - and data backs my choice
Why Sheffield is the best city for student life, backed by recent study
Choosing to complete my degree in Sheffield was the best decision I have ever made.
I’ve spent three years living here and I can confidently say that Sheffield has everything to offer.
Which is why I’m not surprised to discover a recent study revealed it is the UK’s best city for students and that 87% of graduates rated their university experience positively.
When I reflect on my life during the three years spent at university, I think fondly of memories made walking through Weston Park on the way to a lecture or going on a run through the botanical gardens. The kind of green spaces you don’t get to see in every UK city.
The 2026 study by Edumentors found that undergraduates can find accommodation for around £500 here, which is about £300 less than what students pay in Oxford or Cambridge.
The research examined 40 UK cities to find which offer the best university life, and Sheffield came out on top.
Coming from a relatively working class family, affordability was a key factor that contributed to my decision to study in Sheffield.
A night out on West Street or in the Student’s Union club would cost me around £20 to £30 and sometimes even less. This number can fluctuate between each person but overall I was very happy with how cheap it is.
Especially when a night out in Manchester, for example, can be much more expensive.
Not only is Sheffield a great city for my finances, but the teaching I received during my time at the University of Sheffield was to a very high standard.
It truly felt as though every encounter with a member of staff felt personal and I could tell they were genuinely dedicated to helping me with any questions I asked.
The data from Edumentors study substantiated my own opinions, as nine out of 10 students said they were happy with their courses at the University of Sheffield.
The city also received an 87% score in the 2025 National Student Survey, which is an annual survey that lets students rate the quality of their higher education.
All of this, combined with Sheffield’s welcoming communities, is why I think it is the best place to live if you are starting university, or simply beginning a new chapter in life.
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