Sheffield, United Kingdom

• Introduction
• Getting Around
• Study
• Eating Out
• Out on the Town
• Day Trippin'
• Student Accommodation

Introduction to Sheffield

Sheffield is one of the greenest cities to live in the UK, with more trees per capita than any other conurbation in the UK. More than half of Sheffield is made up of green space, which consists of 200 parks, forests and gardens. The city is home to one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in the country and lies within the Peak District national park, which makes Sheffield the perfect choice for international students who want to explore the great outdoors. The former castle settlement, which once imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots, has made it through the pitfalls left by the industrial revolution to become a vibrant university city of more than 500,000 people. A lot of the old factory buildings have been replaced by art, culture and entertainment centres. Many international students are attracted to Sheffield for its low rents and good safety record. South Yorkshire has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.

The city centre

The city centre is neatly defined by the inner ring road and contains grade-one listed buildings such as the Town Hall, City Hall and Winter Gardens as well as modern developments, such as Sheaf Square by Sheffield train station, Millennium Square and Barker’s Pool. Visitor attractions include Sheffield Cathedral and the recently developed bar and cafe area, Leopold Square.

Devonshire Quarter

This quarter is widely regarded as the coolest of the 11 in Sheffield with a bountiful range of shops along Eccleshall Road, nicknamed the golden mile. By day Devonshire Green is popular with skateboarders, families, city workers on lunch breaks and students doing outdoor cramming for exams. By night the area is teeming with people attracted to the restaurant, bar and party scene.

Cultural Industries Quarter

Following the decline of the steel and coal industries in the city, the council went into partnership with private organisations like Sheffield Hallam University to develop the area around its student union into a cultural quarter for music, drama and the arts, for example. Regeneration has seen the redevelopment of Leadmill music venue and the Site Gallery for works of art.

The Moor

Improvement work has been planned for this quarter of the city centre, with the intention of creating a “city lantern” out of a former car park. More shops, hotels and entertainment, including a casino, have been proposed to enhance an area of emerging retail outlets and regular events, such as themed fashion shows.

Kelham Island Quarter

This is one of Sheffield’s most unique features, an island of old industrial works, including an artificial water course. Many of the former factory buildings have been converted into residential accommodation. The Kelham Island Museum holds the key to this quarter’s industrial past and the brewery and pubs provide the majority of the island’s entertainment.

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