The Student Room Group

University questions

Anyone who currently goes to uni of Brighton/Sunderland/ Portsmouth/ Nottingham Trent/ Sheffield/ Leeds Beckett/ Derby/ Solent/ Sheffield Hallam/ Liverpool John Moores, I have a few questions.

What is the experience like?
What is the social life like?
Best places for nights out?
What course are you doing?
Whats the accomodation like?
Reply 1
Original post by Bhalbion
Anyone who currently goes to uni of Brighton/Sunderland/ Portsmouth/ Nottingham Trent/ Sheffield/ Leeds Beckett/ Derby/ Solent/ Sheffield Hallam/ Liverpool John Moores, I have a few questions.
What is the experience like?
What is the social life like?
Best places for nights out?
What course are you doing?
Whats the accomodation like?

I am studying at university of Sunderland in London , also as Uosil. This is my first year. My field of study is business and management. I get worried about future opportunities, as none of the courses offer placement years. The teaching experience is unique . The life in London is amazing, pretty steep with rents. Wish you to.make the right choice.
Original post by Bhalbion
Anyone who currently goes to uni of Brighton/Sunderland/ Portsmouth/ Nottingham Trent/ Sheffield/ Leeds Beckett/ Derby/ Solent/ Sheffield Hallam/ Liverpool John Moores, I have a few questions.
What is the experience like?
What is the social life like?
Best places for nights out?
What course are you doing?
Whats the accomodation like?

Hi @Bhalbion !
I'm a current final year student at Brighton studying computer science and I'm happy to answer your questions!

What is the experience like?
The student experience here is great! Its great to be more independent but I also can get support when I need it. I find there's a good mix of timetabled sessions and expected independent learning where I can keep on top of everything if i do a bit a week.
What is the social life like?
The social life is really good in Brighton! We have lots of societies here at Brighton, and if there are none that interest you, you can make your own and get some funding from the students union to host events. We also have some 'give it a go' events at the beginning of each semester to try new things and meet new people.
Best places for nights out?
The Mouslecoomb campus has The Venue which is our student bar where there are always events going on. There are also loads of bars close to the campuses and in the city centre. We also have loads of nightclubs in the city and by the seafront as well as the gay club Revenge. Most clubs and quite a lot of bars have student nights/hours and quite a few have student themed events at the beginning of the year.
What course are you doing?
I'm currently studying Computer Science. I really like the course as it focuses on preparing me for work instead of teaching me loads of theory I will never use.
What's the accommodation like?
Our accommodation is pretty good in my opinion. I stayed in Mithras Halls in my first year, and though it was a bit expensive it was deffo worth the money. I was across the road from the Mouslecoomb campus so I didn't need to wake up super early to get to my classes. All the rooms in Mithras halls are also ensuites so I didn't have to share a bathroom with anyone which I really liked. We also have a bit further away campus called Varley park which is a 15-20 min bus ride away from the Mouslecoomb campus and the Falmer campus. If the course you are looking at is studied at our city campus we also have Phoenix halls which is a 10 min bus ride away.

I hope this helps!
Let me know if you have any more questions and I'd be happy to answer.
Blue- TSR Student Ambassador
Reply 3
Original post by UniOfBrightonRep
Hi @Bhalbion !
I'm a current final year student at Brighton studying computer science and I'm happy to answer your questions!
What is the experience like?
The student experience here is great! Its great to be more independent but I also can get support when I need it. I find there's a good mix of timetabled sessions and expected independent learning where I can keep on top of everything if i do a bit a week.
What is the social life like?
The social life is really good in Brighton! We have lots of societies here at Brighton, and if there are none that interest you, you can make your own and get some funding from the students union to host events. We also have some 'give it a go' events at the beginning of each semester to try new things and meet new people.
Best places for nights out?
The Mouslecoomb campus has The Venue which is our student bar where there are always events going on. There are also loads of bars close to the campuses and in the city centre. We also have loads of nightclubs in the city and by the seafront as well as the gay club Revenge. Most clubs and quite a lot of bars have student nights/hours and quite a few have student themed events at the beginning of the year.
What course are you doing?
I'm currently studying Computer Science. I really like the course as it focuses on preparing me for work instead of teaching me loads of theory I will never use.
What's the accommodation like?
Our accommodation is pretty good in my opinion. I stayed in Mithras Halls in my first year, and though it was a bit expensive it was deffo worth the money. I was across the road from the Mouslecoomb campus so I didn't need to wake up super early to get to my classes. All the rooms in Mithras halls are also ensuites so I didn't have to share a bathroom with anyone which I really liked. We also have a bit further away campus called Varley park which is a 15-20 min bus ride away from the Mouslecoomb campus and the Falmer campus. If the course you are looking at is studied at our city campus we also have Phoenix halls which is a 10 min bus ride away.
I hope this helps!
Let me know if you have any more questions and I'd be happy to answer.
Blue- TSR Student Ambassador


I live near Brighton, would the experience be ruined if my family were too close?
Original post by Bhalbion
Anyone who currently goes to uni of Brighton/Sunderland/ Portsmouth/ Nottingham Trent/ Sheffield/ Leeds Beckett/ Derby/ Solent/ Sheffield Hallam/ Liverpool John Moores, I have a few questions.
What is the experience like?
What is the social life like?
Best places for nights out?
What course are you doing?
Whats the accomodation like?

Hi there,

While I don't have experience at any of these universities, hopefully I can help with finding responses to your questions!

Have you searched The Student Room for these specific university discussion pages? You might get a better response rate there. You can find them in the university tab and then searching by region.

Something I'd also recommend doing is using each university's 'Chat to a Student' feature on their website. It gives you the chance to look through current students and chat to them! Linked here is the page for the University of Sunderland.

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad Student
Original post by Bhalbion
Anyone who currently goes to uni of Brighton/Sunderland/ Portsmouth/ Nottingham Trent/ Sheffield/ Leeds Beckett/ Derby/ Solent/ Sheffield Hallam/ Liverpool John Moores, I have a few questions.
What is the experience like?
What is the social life like?
Best places for nights out?
What course are you doing?
Whats the accomodation like?

Hi Bhalbion,

It’s great that you’re curious about student life—it’s such an important part of choosing the right university. Let me share some insights based on my experience and what I’ve seen during my time at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).

1. What is the experience like?
The overall experience at LJMU is fantastic, and I say this as someone who came to study for my MSc in Transport. The university strikes a great balance between academic learning, personal growth, and social opportunities.
One of the things I loved most was how easy it is to connect with students from different backgrounds, courses, and levels. There are plenty of events, societies, and shared facilities that bring people together—whether they’re undergrads, postgrads, or international students like I was.
Liverpool itself adds a lot to the experience. It’s a welcoming city with a vibrant atmosphere, and you’ll find it has a great mix of history, culture, and modern energy.
2. What is the social life like?
Social life in Liverpool is genuinely one of the best parts of being here. The city is known for its friendly vibe, so it’s super easy to make friends, whether they’re from your course or others.
Here’s what stood out to me:

Societies and Clubs: LJMU has a wide range of societies catering to everything from sports to arts to cultural interests. These are open to students from all courses, so they’re a great way to meet people outside your program.

Cross-Cultural Events: As an international student, I found cultural and networking events especially valuable. The university organizes meetups and activities that help students connect across disciplines and backgrounds.

City Life: Outside the university, Liverpool is packed with things to do. From its famous music scene to food festivals and sports events, there’s always something going on.

3. Best places for nights out?
Liverpool has a buzzing nightlife, and there’s something for everyone. Even if you’re not a big party person, you’ll find plenty of options for a fun night out:

https://concertsquareliverpool.co.uk/Concert Square: The go-to spot for a vibrant, lively atmosphere with bars and clubs for every vibe.

https://baltictriangle.co.uk/Baltic Triangle: Perfect if you’re into live music, indie vibes, or rooftop venues. It’s a favourite among students!

Matthew Street & https://www.cavernclub.com/Cavern Club: Iconic for Beatles fans and those who enjoy quirky bars with live music.

Chill Options: If you’re not into the party scene, Liverpool has fantastic pubs, theatres, and even late-night coffee shops.

Whether you’re out with friends from your course or connecting with people you’ve met through societies, Liverpool’s nightlife really caters to all tastes.
4. What course are you doing?
I studied MSc in Transport, but during my time here, I met students from all sorts of courses—from engineering to arts to business. What’s great about LJMU is how many opportunities there are for collaboration and interaction across disciplines. For example, group projects, shared facilities like libraries and study spaces, or even social events help bridge the gap between different courses.
No matter what you study, the lecturers and support staff are incredibly approachable, and the courses tend to have a strong focus on practical application. If you’re considering any STEM field, I’ve had a great experience with the resources—like the 24/7 labs and hands-on learning.
5. What’s the accommodation like?
The accommodation options are excellent and very student-friendly. Here’s why:

Proximity: Most student halls are within walking distance of the university buildings and the city centre, so you’re close to everything.

Facilities: The rooms are modern and comfortable, with en-suite bathrooms and shared kitchens being the norm. Common areas make it easy to meet others living in your hall, and there’s a great sense of community.

Safety and Affordability: Liverpool is more affordable than many UK cities, which is a huge plus. The accommodations are in safe, central areas, making life easier, especially for international or first-time students.

Central Living: What I personally loved was that everything—shops, restaurants, public transport, and even nightlife—was nearby. It saved so much time and made settling into life here really smooth.

Popular student accommodations like Grand Central, Marybone, and Liberty Atlantic Point are close to LJMU and offer a great mix of affordability and convenience.

Final Thoughts
One of the best things about studying here is that you can shape your experience to suit your personality and priorities. Whether you want to focus on academics, immerse yourself in the social scene, or balance both, there’s plenty of support and opportunity.
If you’re still deciding, I’d recommend checking out LJMU’s Open Days or virtual tours. It’s a great way to see the facilities, meet current students, and even talk to staff about your specific course interests.
Good luck with your decision, and I hope to see you enjoying life here in Liverpool soon!

Maryam
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by Bhalbion
Anyone who currently goes to uni of Brighton/Sunderland/ Portsmouth/ Nottingham Trent/ Sheffield/ Leeds Beckett/ Derby/ Solent/ Sheffield Hallam/ Liverpool John Moores, I have a few questions.
What is the experience like?
What is the social life like?
Best places for nights out?
What course are you doing?
Whats the accomodation like?

Hi Bhalbion,

I just wanted to add a few other suggestions in reply to your post about what it's like to be a student in the universities you have selected. All of the other replies are brilliant - the Student Room and the UniBuddy chats are the best ways to speak to the students who are at the universities already. One other suggestion I'd make is could you attend open days at the universities? They are often a great way to get a feel for the university and have a good look at the accommodation and you can have a walk around the city or town it is located in to become familiar with the amenities that you might use socially. At Chester University open days students lead tours around the campus and these are a great way to talk to students without members of university staff being around - you can find out about the social life and the university experience from talking to them. Also, we have student ambassadors signposting throughout open days and I'm sure your chosen universities will do too, so this is another opportunity to speak to students who will be able to answer your questions.
I hope this helps!
Best wishes
Jess
PhD English
University of Chester
Original post by Bhalbion
Anyone who currently goes to uni of Brighton/Sunderland/ Portsmouth/ Nottingham Trent/ Sheffield/ Leeds Beckett/ Derby/ Solent/ Sheffield Hallam/ Liverpool John Moores, I have a few questions.
What is the experience like?
What is the social life like?
Best places for nights out?
What course are you doing?
Whats the accomodation like?

Hi Bhalbion,

I am a 3rd year computer science and AI student at the University of Sheffield. I will try my best to answer your questions in as much detail as I can and if you have any further questions just let me know or you can use the Chat to Us feature on the uni website to find students on different courses that you are interested in to find out more details about their day to day life.

What is the experience like?
University is quite a bit different to what school life might be like. Some people can find it a bit lonely at first when settling in, however at Sheffield there is always events to help you fit in and find other like minded people. On my course itself, I like that I have a mix of classes and they are spread out so that I can organise myself better. Lecturers are also helpful and are willing to help if you do have any problems or questions regarding the content during breaks in lectures or through emails afterwards.

What is the social life like?
Social life at uni is what you make of it. We have 350 student led societies and clubs so there is something for everyone. There is no limit to how many you can join, however some societies may have a joining fee. There are lots of activities and things to do in Sheffield. 1/3 of the Peak District lies within sheff, so you can head down with your flatmates for a bonding session or you can go bowling or laser tag in the city centre.


Best places for nights out?
The student union in Sheffield has been the No1 SU in the country for 7 years running. They have their own bar called Foundry where they host different themed club nights each day of the week. The most popular events are called Roar (a sports themed event mostly attended by sports societies) and PopTarts. We also have The Leadmill, where you can also catch live music shows as well.

What course are you doing?
I am on an integrated masters for Computer Science and AI. There is also an optional year to take a year in industry as well if that is something that you are interested in. The university holds careers fairs throughout the year where you can meet with employers from different companies where you can ask for more details about the company or how the application process works.

Whats the accomodation like?
I stayed in Allen Court (uni-owned accom) in my first year and then moved into private student accommodation after that. I really enjoyed my time in Allen Court. We have a resident life team who put on events every so often where you can meet other people who live in the accom and join in events like tote bag painting or dinners. It is a 2 minute walk to the Diamond, which is a library and where mostly engineering students have their lectures. The city centre is a 10 minute walk away so most things are accessible by walk and conveniently located.

Hope all of this helped!
Jivanthika
Original post by Bhalbion
Anyone who currently goes to uni of Brighton/Sunderland/ Portsmouth/ Nottingham Trent/ Sheffield/ Leeds Beckett/ Derby/ Solent/ Sheffield Hallam/ Liverpool John Moores, I have a few questions.
What is the experience like?
What is the social life like?
Best places for nights out?
What course are you doing?
Whats the accomodation like?

Have you been to Open Days at any of these Unis?
Have you looked on YouTube for Campus Tour films, and tourist films about each city?
Original post by Bhalbion
I live near Brighton, would the experience be ruined if my family were too close?

Hi @Bhalbion
Definitely not!

I have family close to Brighton myself and have never felt that my student experience was ruined. I actually found it quite helpful to have some support nearby when I needed it however that would deffo depend on you and your family.

Whether you choose to go into halls or live at home, the university experience is what you make it and can look different for everyone! I have friends that live with parents and go out more than I do and have mates that live in halls or alone and never go out and everything in-between.

University gives you a lot of independence. You have a lot of free time where no-one is telling you what you need to do and you get to decide how to fill that time!

I hope this answers your question!
Blue- TSR Student Ambassador

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