Moving to Sheffield for university is exciting, but finding the right place to live can feel like a full time job on top of everything else. If you are heading to Sheffield Hallam University, you have two campuses to think about, a wide mix of housing types, and a rental market that changes fast in the months before term starts. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about finding student accommodation near Sheffield Hallam University, from the best areas to live to how much you should expect to pay.
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Sheffield Hallam's Two Campuses, Two Different Vibes
Before you start scrolling through listings, it helps to know exactly where you will be studying, because Sheffield Hallam is spread across two very different sites.
The City Campus sits right in the centre of Sheffield, close to Howard Street and directly opposite the train station and bus interchange. <cite index="9-1">This campus is the hub for subjects such as business, law and architecture, and living here means you get the ultimate convenience of city centre life.</cite> Everything from supermarkets to nightlife to the train station is within a short walk, which makes it a popular choice for students who want to be in the thick of things.
The Collegiate Campus has a different character altogether. <cite index="9-1">It sits around twenty minutes on foot from the city centre, in the leafy and rather well to do area of Broomhall and Ecclesall Road.</cite> This campus is home to health, social sciences and humanities courses, and the surrounding streets have a quieter, more residential feel with plenty of independent cafes.
Knowing which campus you will spend most of your time on should shape where you look for a room, because the two areas offer genuinely different day to day experiences.
The Best Areas for Student Accommodation Near Hallam
City Centre
If you are studying at City Campus, or you simply want to be close to shops, bars and the train station, the city centre is hard to beat. Streets such as Leadmill Road and Union Street sit only a few minutes' walk from campus, and you will find a mix of purpose built student blocks and converted apartments here. The trade off is that city centre living tends to sit at the higher end of the price scale, and it can get noisy at weekends.
Broomhall
<cite index="7-1">Broomhall is one of the most popular student areas for anyone based at Collegiate Campus, sitting just a few streets away from the university buildings.</cite> Expect a good supply of shared houses here, plus a genuine community feel, since the area has been popular with students for years.
Ecclesall Road
Ecclesall Road runs close to Collegiate Campus and is known for its independent coffee shops, bars and restaurants. It is a favourite with students who want a lively but slightly more grown up atmosphere than the city centre offers, and it has excellent bus links back into town.
Crookes and Broomhill
<cite index="8-1">Crookes and Broomhill are also popular choices, offering good access to both campuses as well as local shops and public transport.</cite> These areas tend to suit students who prefer a more residential setting without straying too far from university life.
Sharrow
Sitting close to Collegiate Campus, Sharrow is another well established student neighbourhood with a strong supply of shared housing and reasonable rents compared with the city centre.
Types of Student Accommodation Available in Sheffield
University Halls of Residence
Sheffield Hallam runs its own halls of residence for students who want the reassurance of university managed housing, particularly useful for first years. <cite index="8-1">There are ten properties to choose from, each with different prices and facilities, and every one of them sits within walking distance of both campuses. Bills are included as standard, with no hidden extras, and residents get access to a range of support services throughout the year.</cite> Sheffield Hallam has also been recognised as the top university in Yorkshire for its halls and accommodation offer.
Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBSA)
PBSA developments are privately run blocks designed specifically for students, offering studios and en suite rooms with facilities such as gyms, study spaces and communal lounges built in. <cite index="6-1">These typically come with an average rent of around £550 a month and are generally located within easy walking distance of the university.</cite> Well known options in the city include buildings around Leadmill Point, Laycock Studios and Fenton House. Bills, Wi-Fi and maintenance are usually rolled into the rent, which makes budgeting far simpler.
Private Student Houses and Shared Lets
Renting a shared house with friends remains one of the most popular routes for second and third year students. <cite index="6-1">Private lets in Sheffield average around £650 a month, and while this is a little more than a typical PBSA room, tenants usually get more independence, flexible move in dates and a stronger sense of having their own home.</cite> These properties are common across Broomhall, Crookes and Sharrow.
How Much Does Student Accommodation Near Hallam Cost?
Prices vary a fair amount depending on the type of room, the area and how close you are to campus, but here is a rough guide to help you budget:
- University halls: varies by property, with all bills included
- PBSA studios and en suites: around £550 a month on average
- Private shared houses: around £650 a month on average
- City centre rooms: generally sit at the higher end due to demand and location
Booking early, ideally as soon as your offer is confirmed, gives you access to a wider range of prices and locations before the best rooms are snapped up.
What to Look for Before You Book
- Distance to your actual campus. City Campus and Collegiate Campus are around twenty minutes apart on foot, so check which one your course is based at before committing to an area.
- What is included in the rent. Ask whether Wi-Fi, water, electricity and gas are bundled in, since this makes a real difference to your monthly outgoings.
- Contract length and flexibility. Some contracts run for a full year, others for the academic term only, so make sure the dates match your course.
- Safety and location at night. <cite index="8-1">Sheffield is regularly rated as one of the safest big cities in the UK, but it is still worth checking an area at different times of day before signing anything.</cite>
- Guarantor requirements. International students in particular should check whether a property accepts an international guarantor or asks for rent in advance instead.
Tips for International Students
If you are moving to Sheffield from overseas, a few extra points are worth bearing in mind. Many private providers now accept international guarantors, so you are not always required to find a UK based one. It is also worth booking accommodation before you arrive rather than trying to view properties in person once you land, since demand near both campuses is high in the run up to September. Reading reviews from current international students and asking about laundry facilities, bike storage and nearby supermarkets can also help you settle in faster.
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FAQs
Which campus should I live near if I study a health or social science course? You will most likely be based at Collegiate Campus, so areas such as Broomhall, Ecclesall Road and Sharrow are worth prioritising.
Is it cheaper to live in halls or a private let? Halls and PBSA rooms often work out cheaper overall once bills are included, while private houses can offer more space and independence for a similar or slightly higher monthly cost.
How far apart are the two Sheffield Hallam campuses? <cite index="9-1">Collegiate Campus is roughly a twenty minute walk from City Campus, or a short bus ride if you would rather not walk.</cite>
When should I start looking for accommodation? As soon as you have accepted your offer. Popular buildings and shared houses near both campuses fill up quickly, especially over the summer before term starts.
Are bills usually included in student accommodation near Hallam? It depends on the provider. University halls and most PBSA developments include bills as standard, while private shared houses may or may not, so always check before signing.