The Student Room Group

Choosing Between Nottingham and Sheffield - Architecture

Hi everyone, I’m currently deciding between Nottingham and Sheffield, and it’s tougher than I expected. I wanted to share my thoughts on the pros and cons of each uni I'm considering and see if anyone has advice or insights based on their experiences.
University of Nottingham:
Pros:

It seems more exciting, especially since it's in a lively city.

Offers a decent architecture course.

Being far from home feels like it could be a great opportunity for independence.


Cons:

[Potential downside here — maybe cost or distance if that’s a concern?]


University of Sheffield:
Pros:

Ranked as the best uni for architecture according to the Complete University Guide.


Cons:

I haven’t seen much of the campus or city yet, so I’m not sure about the overall vibe.


I’m trying to balance the excitement and independence Nottingham offers with the strong reputation and closer location of Sheffield. It’s tough to know what will matter more once I’m there. My predicted grade is AAA, so I’m hoping that opens some good opportunities at both places. I’d love advice from anyone who’s been through a similar decision. How did you choose between a lively city experience and a highly ranked course? What are living costs like in these cities, and is one more student-friendly than the other? Any insights would be amazing! 😊

Thanks so much for reading!
Original post by heph.u
Hi everyone, I’m currently deciding between Nottingham and Sheffield, and it’s tougher than I expected. I wanted to share my thoughts on the pros and cons of each uni I'm considering and see if anyone has advice or insights based on their experiences.
University of Nottingham:
Pros:

It seems more exciting, especially since it's in a lively city.

Offers a decent architecture course.

Being far from home feels like it could be a great opportunity for independence.


Cons:

[Potential downside here — maybe cost or distance if that’s a concern?]


University of Sheffield:
Pros:

Ranked as the best uni for architecture according to the Complete University Guide.


Cons:

I haven’t seen much of the campus or city yet, so I’m not sure about the overall vibe.


I’m trying to balance the excitement and independence Nottingham offers with the strong reputation and closer location of Sheffield. It’s tough to know what will matter more once I’m there. My predicted grade is AAA, so I’m hoping that opens some good opportunities at both places. I’d love advice from anyone who’s been through a similar decision. How did you choose between a lively city experience and a highly ranked course? What are living costs like in these cities, and is one more student-friendly than the other? Any insights would be amazing! 😊

Thanks so much for reading!

Are you deciding where to apply to or have you received offers and are deciding which to pick? Which other unis are you applying to?
Reply 2
GO TO SHEFF!!!! I love sheffield so so much. I am a girl and my friends at Nottingham do not feel safe ever. It is really not fun when I visit them - we have a good time, but I feel so much safer when I am back in Sheffield. Sheffield is a great city, amazing vibe, very lively - I don't know why you have been told that it isnt!! Very indie and cute but still large enough that you get the big city feeling. The nightlife is incredible here. It's also super green and you have the added feature of the Peaks being so close. I got 4 A*s at A level and was worried that my course wouldn't be challenging enough as was only like 20th in the country - god is that not something to worry about, its still so hard!! So if Architecture is no.1 at sheff, you should definitely go.
Also, not to brag but the students union is best in the country and has been for a very long time - its a great building but you also get the best support and also amazing bands and artists come to play in the union - Declan McKenna, beabadoobee etc...
Is there any hobbies that you have that I can tell you more about in Sheff?
Original post by heph.u
Hi everyone, I’m currently deciding between Nottingham and Sheffield, and it’s tougher than I expected. I wanted to share my thoughts on the pros and cons of each uni I'm considering and see if anyone has advice or insights based on their experiences.
University of Nottingham:
Pros:

It seems more exciting, especially since it's in a lively city.

Offers a decent architecture course.

Being far from home feels like it could be a great opportunity for independence.

Cons:

[Potential downside here — maybe cost or distance if that’s a concern?]

University of Sheffield:
Pros:

Ranked as the best uni for architecture according to the Complete University Guide.

Cons:

I haven’t seen much of the campus or city yet, so I’m not sure about the overall vibe.

I’m trying to balance the excitement and independence Nottingham offers with the strong reputation and closer location of Sheffield. It’s tough to know what will matter more once I’m there. My predicted grade is AAA, so I’m hoping that opens some good opportunities at both places. I’d love advice from anyone who’s been through a similar decision. How did you choose between a lively city experience and a highly ranked course? What are living costs like in these cities, and is one more student-friendly than the other? Any insights would be amazing! 😊
Thanks so much for reading!

Hi heph.u,
My name is Sofia and I am currently a masters student at the University of Sheffield. This will be my 4th year living in Sheffield, as I also did my bachelor's degree here. Both universities are great choices! However, I thought as you haven't had the chance to see much of Sheffield yet, I could share some of my experiences to give you an idea of what it is like to be a student here.

I have found Sheffield to be a very friendly city. There is lots to do (cafes/restaurants etc.), but also plenty of green spaces to relax in such as Weston Park, Endcliffe Park and the Peak District. Sheffield is very student-friendly and you will find a number of the shops/cafes offer student discounts. It is also a very affordable city. The main thing I like about Sheffield is everything is very walkable, especially around the city centre. This is very helpful when getting to places or visiting friends. However, even if you did have to use public transport, it is very easy to use and the bus/tram usually only costs a couple of £s. Overall, I just love the community-feel here in Sheffield. It is very welcoming, and you often see people you know whilst out and about. I highly recommend Sheffield, and I have loved my time as a student here.
I hope this has helped,
Sofia (MSc Cancer Biology and Therapeutics)
(edited 2 months ago)

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