Which uni for a lively experience? Sheffield or Leeds?

Uni of Sheffield or Uni of Leeds? I’m looking for a lively, social atmosphere. Not just drinking, but plenty of other fun things to do sober. Is there a good indie scene in Leeds? Not into D&B

Reply 1

JulieBulie18

Original post

by Anonymous

Uni of Sheffield or Uni of Leeds? I’m looking for a lively, social atmosphere. Not just drinking, but plenty of other fun things to do sober. Is there a good indie scene in Leeds? Not into D&B

Hi, great question and fab you have the choice of both these amazing Uni's!!

Personally, for me I'd choose Leeds - yes, I'm from Leeds!!! I grew up there all my life until I left in 1996 to go to Nottingham Uni. I honestly thought Leeds was a dump back then!! but, I don't think I appreciated what I had on my doorstep at the time!

Everytime I go back to visit old school friends & my family, going out into Leeds now for shopping, eating, drinking AND all the other things you CAN do these days that don't involve 'the pub' it HUGE!!

I love the City center, it's kind of easy to divide it into 4 zones..... depending on if you want food/drink or high end shopping, or cool shopping (The Corn Exchange) or the Museums, theater/ Art galleries..... and then there is actually the huge 'student area' around north Leeds in the Headingly area which will probably be more where you'd live - its is just a fabulous student paradise!!

The music scene in Leeds is also massive, with a bit of EVERYTHING, it's there for you to find it!

I can't comment on Sheffield for anything other than the Meadowhall shopping Centre which is both fab and a nightmare (at Christmas time!!) at times!! If I've visited Sheffield it really only has been to go to the Mall or the massive swimming centre they have there - if you're a swimmer or water sports kind of person, then Sheffield might sway it?!?!

Not sure if that's been of any help!! Let's hope someone from Sheffield can enlighten us both :smile:

All the best!! and to be honest, I'm sure you'll have the time of your life at either 🥳😎💥💫

(edited 3 weeks ago)

Reply 2

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

Uni of Sheffield or Uni of Leeds? I’m looking for a lively, social atmosphere. Not just drinking, but plenty of other fun things to do sober. Is there a good indie scene in Leeds? Not into D&B

Hi!

This is a great question! From my experience studying in Sheffield for the past three years, I’ve found there’s a really good mix of social opportunities, and it’s a very student-friendly city. There are loads of things to do that aren’t just clubbing, like gigs, societies, cafes, climbing, walks in the Peaks, film nights at the Students’ Union, markets, pub quizzes, Varsity events and random themed socials. There’s almost always something happening, which makes it really easy for me to make friends and build great memories.

Sheffield is also really well known for its indie scene, so that’s definitely a big plus to consider. I personally rarely drink, but still feel really involved and have a great time socially. Some places that put on great events include Sidney & Matilda, Kelham Island venues and Yellow Arch Studios (Music and Nightlife). There are also often concerts and themed nights held at the Students’ Union venue, Foundry, so I’d definitely recommend checking out their events page to get a feel for what’s on (Foundry Events). Tramlines Festival is also a big student favourite.

It’s also worth remembering that Sheffield and Leeds are really close to each other, so you can always visit both, which takes a bit of pressure off choosing the “perfect” place!

Have you visited either city yet to get a feel for the vibe? That helped me loads when I was deciding 🙂

Mia
BSc Biomedical Science
University of Sheffield

Reply 3

JulieBulie18

Original post

by University of Sheffield Students

Hi!
This is a great question! From my experience studying in Sheffield for the past three years, I’ve found there’s a really good mix of social opportunities, and it’s a very student-friendly city. There are loads of things to do that aren’t just clubbing, like gigs, societies, cafes, climbing, walks in the Peaks, film nights at the Students’ Union, markets, pub quizzes, Varsity events and random themed socials. There’s almost always something happening, which makes it really easy for me to make friends and build great memories.
Sheffield is also really well known for its indie scene, so that’s definitely a big plus to consider. I personally rarely drink, but still feel really involved and have a great time socially. Some places that put on great events include Sidney & Matilda, Kelham Island venues and Yellow Arch Studios (Music and Nightlife). There are also often concerts and themed nights held at the Students’ Union venue, Foundry, so I’d definitely recommend checking out their events page to get a feel for what’s on (Foundry Events). Tramlines Festival is also a big student favourite.
It’s also worth remembering that Sheffield and Leeds are really close to each other, so you can always visit both, which takes a bit of pressure off choosing the “perfect” place!
Have you visited either city yet to get a feel for the vibe? That helped me loads when I was deciding 🙂
Mia
BSc Biomedical Science
University of Sheffield