Hi there
@Mewmew123 I hope you're doing okay! Choosing which University or City that you could spend the next few years in is definitely a pretty big decision - it felt like that to me. It's generally said that the best city you choose to study in for you is different for everyone! It's not a one size fits all and most major cities do have a plethora of activities, food, and amenities for your spare time and life outside of Uni.
Personally I'm from Leicester, born and bred, so I know the city pretty well and it does have great food options for basically any diet! I'm a foodie so this was a big factor for me. Having the options out there, also the cultural and general diversity that this usually brings, was something I wanted when I was looking at where to study. Leicester also has night life and has come a long way with social activities such as Fosse Park & Everards Meadows (for walks and shopping), in the city: Social Climbing (rock climbing) and Caddyshackers (mini-golf), as well as a continued big cultural presence with the Curve and Athena with live bands and performers (Leicester Comedy fest!) at various other independent venues around the city too.
Sheffield, where I lived for two years during my Masters, also has a lot to offer! As well as the Crucible and the Lyceum theatre, it has the Winter Gardens
(like indoor botanical gardens), Kelham Island, the Antiques Quarter, and Meadowhall Shopping Centre. Sheffield and it's outer city also has a diversity of culture and is nestled close to the Peak District with amazing views (definitely recommend Crookes' Bole hills for a cracking view that looks over to the reservoirs out in the countryside). Also as a major city it has festivals such as Tramlines and Sheffield Film Festival! The Leadmill and Corporation nightclubs are also pretty major hotspots for clubbing and gigs.
I would say that your gut feeling when you're in these cities should guide you. Sometimes a place or city feels like it just fits! Also which one you feel has more of the activities and amenities that you would prefer to enjoy your time outside of your studies. Cost can also be a factor, it was for me, and this may be something to compare between the two cities - accommodation and transport wise (especially travelling home for the holidays or elsewhere if you need a little retreat).
Everyone's different and I wouldn't say there are particularly cons to either - at least for me. As I knew I wanted to move away for the experience and independence I personally didn't really consider Leicester to study. Again, that's dependent on the person! One of my best friends was born and bred here and went to University here (lived in halls for the first two years, then back at home for the final year, to save money) and they had an amazing experience! Whichever you choose I'm sure you'll have a blast yourself
All the best,
- Rose
, De Montfort University Rep.