“Good” is a pretty subjective word. When it comes to universities, what’s good for one student might not be the right fit for another. Sheffield Hallam, like many other universities, offers a wide range of courses, support, and industry links. But, whilst some look for career prospects, others look for a great social life.
So, is Sheffield Hallam a good university? I’m currently a student here and I’d say yes! It really depends on what you’re looking for. In this guide I’ll tell you about my experience at Sheffield Hallam, from accommodation, to my course, to the facilities they offer.
Course quality at Sheffield Hallam
Course quality can vary, and I can only speak from my own experience. I study journalism at Hallam, and I’ve found it useful in some areas, and less-so in others. I do understand that I’m not going to love every module, so it really depends on your course.
Guest speakers are common, for example, we had a talk from Chapter II agency, giving us insight into the world of PR and potential career paths. Hallam is quite industry focused and it’s great if you’re after real-world experience. Hallam has a strong focus on placement years and employability, which is ideal if you’re looking for that hands-on experience rather than just academic theory.
From my experience, I’ve found that tutors at Hallam are generally supportive and approachable. They’re open to questions and happy to talk through assignments. There’s a noticable effort to be student focused, and whilst this may differ across courses, I’ve personally had a good experience with mine.
My course is also entirely coursework, which I’ve found enjoyable as someone who has always despised exams!
According to the 2024 National Student Survey, positive responses from students across the survey questions about the quality of their course averaged at 80%.
Campus facilities
Sheffield Hallam’s city campus being right in the centre is a huge bonus. Everything is close together, so you’re never far from a lecture hall, or a cool café. The library is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with lots of bookable study spaces and a massive variety of learning resources, with specific areas for different departments.
As someone who is in a creative course, I found it so convinient that there’s access to specialist equipment; there’s professional cameras, microphones, access to normally expensive editing software, and recording studios.
Hallam’s Student Union offers a multitude of events, from societies to trips.
They also offer a range of supportive services, such as Hallam Help, which is useful for general enquiries and is super helpful for a quick answer. Alongside this, there’s dedicated mental health support services and a careers advisor, which I found super helpful when it came to getting an on-campus job. I really reccommend an on-campus job, and Sheffield Hallam has plenty to offer. If you’re living in student accommodations, you can give tours, and there’s also opportunities to spend open days talking to other potential students about your course to get a bit of extra money in your pocket.
Accommodation at Sheffield Hallam
Accommodation options at Sheffield Hallam is one of the first things that drew me to the city. There is a wide variety, all located in the city centre, and no more than a 15 minute walk to campus.
Sheffield is one of the UK’s top 10 most affordable student cities (NatWest Student Living Index 2024). The student accommodation they have to offer is some of the cheapest in the UK. During my first year I stayed at The Pinnacles, and I paid £99 a week for a decent sized, en-suite room, and I found that wild considering there’s people in other cities paying double that for a shared bathroom.
And I know there are multiple options such as The Forge, and Central Quays, for a similar price and same facilities.
Social life and Sheffield as a city!
With two major universities (Hallam and Uni of), Sheffield is a student city. It is full of young people, which means masses of events, student deals, and club nights. There is everything here! West Street is quite an iconic street when it comes to nightlife in Sheffield, and is perfect for if you’re wanting super cheap, and absurdly-named drinks (Skibidi rizz bomb!?). There’s such a range and definitely something for everyone. If clubbing isn’t your thing, there’s plenty of sober options too!
It doesn’t just have a good clubbing scene, there is so much to do. Division Street is awesome if you’re into vintage, second-hand shopping and the same goes for Red Brick Market, if you’re into cute stalls, with a variety of different clothes and trinkets from small businesses. It is also super close to the Peak District. I’ve had beautiful days out in the Peaks, stroking highland cows, for just a £3 return train ticket! It’s ideal if you love a good walk.
Final verdict – Is Sheffield Hallam University good?
So, if you’re looking for decent support, a practical course, an affordable city and great location, Sheffield Hallam delivers a solid university experience. It does have its flaws, as all universities do. But overall, it offers plenty of opportunities, good value for money, and a super fun student life in an amazing, lively city.
I don’t regret choosing Hallam, I love my course and I love the city!
