The Student Room Group

Sheffield vs Leeds

I'm trying to choose my firm choice, but I've come to no decisions. I originally wanted to go to Leeds, but since seeing Sheffield last month I've changed my mind. I've been contemplating it for the past month, but have still been unable to come to any decisions! Both of the courses require the same grades too, so I can't put one for insurance, as I feel that would be too risky (even though I'm on track for the grades at the moment!) I've asked my mum her opinions on them both, and she says it's a very hard decision.. as they are both well respected Universities, and are both impressive.. her thoughts were "I wouldn't be able to choose between them.. course at Leeds, but Sheffield for everything else". Unfortuantly, life isn't that simple.. and I really have to make a decision. I'm just wondering if any of you guys could help me out... I've written my opinions on each of the Universities below.

University of Sheffield


City
I love Sheffield as a city, it's got everything you need in it.. and the best part about it, is that it really doesn't feel like a city, more of a big town. I've found the people very friendly (compared to where I live) and theres loads of green spaces too. It just has a really nice feel about the place and it is one of the safest cities in the UK.

Course
The department is rated 1st in the country, which is very impressive. However, the course is more of how things are used, rather than the making of things.. (I'd probably prefer the latter!) but it is very broad in what is covered in the course, which I feel is good, as it could lead to all different areas. The lecturers seemed very helpful, and very friendly. The course offers a year work placement too, which would be recognised in the degree.

Accommodation
The accommodation was amazing - it's less than 2 years old.. and very modern! I liked the rooms, and the area around it seemed really nice, and safe. I liked how there was a bar on site, and that it was only a 20 minute walk to the University.

University
The University has a good reputation, and the student union is awesome, no wonder it's had so many awards!! All the students seemed really friendly, and I liked where the University was situated. The facilities were impressive too!

University of Leeds

City
I'm not so familar with Leeds, but it seems like a very vibrant city with a lot of things going on. I'm sure they aren't that much different. As with Sheffield, I've found the people very friendly.

Course
The department is rated 4th in the country, which is very good. The course is specialised, and is the only University to offer it (especially at a redbrick) in the country. It's well recognised in the industry too. It focuses on mostly one aspect of what I want to do, and it's more about creating, then how things are used, which is what I enjoy doing. However, I'm wondering if I might get bored of it, or find it that it doesn't give me a very broad understanding of other aspects like the Sheffield course, as it's very focused. The lecturers were very enthusiastic, and very friendly. The course also offers a year abroad, or a work placement.

Accommodation
Unfortuantly, I've been unable to see the accommodation.. and have had to rely on the guide I was sent, and opinions on TSR. The accommodation seems nice, and if I was to choose Leeds, I'd already know what place I'd apply for.

University
The University has a good reputation, and the student union is awesome! I like how the University is set behind the Parkinson Building, so it is nice that all the buildings are on a campus. I'm not too familiar with the area around the University, it looks alright from what I've seen!

I know choosing a University shouldn't just be about the course, or the location.. but where I feel I'd be most happiest.. unfortuantly, at the moment I have no clue. I feel I'd be happier in one University for certain things, but the other University for other aspects! At the moment, I'm wondering if I went to Leeds, that I could have gone to Sheffield.. and that I may enjoy the experience more, as I prefer more things about it.. but I wonder if I went to Sheffield, and found out the course wasn't exactly what I thought, or if I wasn't enjoying it.. then I'd be disappointed that I didn't choose Leeds... so as you can see, I have a dilema!

Based on what I've just said.. could any of you write your opinions on my thoughts, and what you think I should do with how I feel about both Universities at the moment... it would be most helpful, as I really don't know!

Thankyou.

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I am so watching this thread, I can't choose between them either! :frown:
Reply 2
I'm weighing these 2 up as my insurance. *Subscribes*

OP, what subject are you doing?
Reply 3
I think you should come to Leeds a few times at the weekend if at all possible, just to get a general feel, it really is an awesome city.
Reply 4
Leeds! Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!
I was deciding between both for Geography but picked Sheffield over Leeds eventually. I don't know anyone that goes there who doesn't love it.

Ultimately, I'd make it your decision and base it around how much you think you'll enjoy the course, city and general life in both areas.
Reply 6
I would pick Sheffield because I prefer the city (green, safe, clean and fun) and the uni seems to have a slightly better rep overall. Depends what course you are doing though I suppose - both sound pretty strong whatever area it is.
Looking at the cities and not the course, I would pick Sheffield - I've only visited the city twice but I really liked the university area and the parks and its lovely seeing the hills close by. I have been to Leeds a couple of times too - the shopping arcades are nice but that's all that stood out for me.
oh god please go to leeds
Reply 9
Both universities are very good and from the sounds of what you've written you want to go to Sheffield deep down but something is holding you back. The course might be a little more suited for you to begin with at Leeds but as you said the Sheffield one is very broad. It's not just about the degree at the end of the day, it's about where you want to spend three long years of your life..and you said you love everything about Sheffield.
Reply 10
reading what you've said i'd definitely go for Sheffield!

i was choosing between Sheffield and Leeds and went for Sheffield, its a really nice place to live and you can pretty much walk everywhere!
The town centre is pretty safe aswell, and its the greenest city in the uk :wink:

the night life isnt as varied as leeds but for students its great, only a few clubs (Gatecrasher burnt down :frown: ) but theres loads of bars etc you won't get bored

seriously, go to Sheffield you won't regret it, it'll become your fav city no doubts
I'm a student at Sheffield and I can't recommend it more.

There are more than a few clubs! Embrace, Leadmill, Crystal, DQ, Corp, Academy, Plug, Sanctuary etc and good ol' Foundry and Fusion :wink: Perhaps not as varied as Leeds but it's hardly boring.

Same as other people have said really, I don't know anyone who has come here who wishes that they had gone somewhere else...Sheffield is a hard university to be unhappy with.

Yeah, the buildings aren't all on one campus, but Endcliffe Village is all together which makes it really ideal for socialising.

I'm sure you'll be happy wherever you choose though :smile: Just pick what feels right to you.
I'd definitely choose Leeds.
Reply 13
i've got exactly the same dilemma as you!
I've heard great things about both, prefer the course at leeds but having visited sheffield yesterday i can't decide. For me the closeness of everything at sheffield, and the fact that the union's so good, means that sheffield would be a great place to study. The only problem is that i'm looking to stay at catered halls, but everything seems to be geared towards self catered at sheffield.
either way i think you'll end up loving wherever you go, from what i've heard they're both amazing.
Sheffield. :biggrin: :ninja:
Azza
Both universities are very good and from the sounds of what you've written you want to go to Sheffield deep down but something is holding you back.


Exactly! The course is holding me back.
I spoke with a teacher today, and he said that the Sheffield course was more academic, but it would lead to a sector with more jobs and a higher salary! Whereas the Leeds course would be in a smaller job sector, and be more competitive... Saying that, it's something that I enjoy doing... whereas with the Sheffield course I feel like I might not enjoy it as much.. but I love everything about Sheffield more.

I still have no idea. :frown:
Reply 16
It sounds like youre leaning towards Sheffield, but perhaps that's just because you saw it more recently. Why don't you give it a week or two and think about it?

Of course, I can't recommend Leeds enough. And don't judge a univeristy on it's accomodation
Reply 17
LEEDS! Its so good - ive been here for uni for 3 years and am living and working here next year! its such a cool city!
Reply 18
I'm going to be watching this too; One will be my firm, and the other my insurance. I'm having trouble deciding.
Born in Leeds, lived in Leeds for 19 years and then moved to Sheffield for 2 years. Both great cities for students but I prefer Sheffield. Any questions about the cities and how they compare then just ask. Don't know much about the uni's and how they compare.

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