Living in Sheffield
by Cyrine Farhat
Sheffield, located in the heart of the UK, offers a special blend of lively city life, a serene atmosphere, green spaces, and multicultural diversity. I’ve been living in this city for more than a year and I’m happy to call it my second home.
The Multicultural Ambience
Sheffield is proud of its multicultural society and attracts students from different nations and cultures. International and local stores, social gatherings, and special events are all close by. Additionally, the friendly community will make you feel at home immediately.
Also, world cuisine is at your fingertips! Sheffield has a diverse selection of restaurants providing food from all over the world. In fact, you can get all the ingredients you might possibly need in food markets like Ozmen International and Moor Market.
Affordable and Safe City
Sheffield is ranked in the top 10 most affordable UK university cities by the NatWest Student Living Index, far below the national average. You might also discover exclusive student discounts because of the local student population. So, this way, you can confidently tour the city and save money to travel farther and engage in more activities!
Sheffield is also considered the safest large city in the UK. Another reason to confidently explore and enjoy the city with peace of mind!
Green Spaces
Sheffield is referred to as the ‘Green City’. It’s one of the greenest cities in Europe with two million trees and 250 parks and green areas.
From Endcliffe Park to Weston Park, Sheffield offers a lot of room to stroll, cycle, run, or just relax. Personally, my favorite park is Crookes Valley Park, located near Weston Park. I love that it is accessible to everyone for free and is close to accommodations and the university. Also, fish, ducks, and other wildlife are all around the lake, which is fascinating!
Another favorite would be the Botanical Gardens for sure! A peaceful place where you can immerse yourself in all the magnificent trees, flowers, and plants. Don’t forget to bring some peanuts for the cheeky squirrels!
Even better, there are other outdoor activities available in the surrounding Peak District. It’s the ideal location for all of the nature and hiking enthusiasts out there, with hiking paths, mountain bike routes, caving, and rock-climbing options.
Culture and History
You can find lots of theatres, cinemas, and art galleries in Sheffield’s cultural quarter. For many galleries and museums, admission is free, and there are frequent student discounts available.
Interestingly, during the 19th century, Sheffield, known as the “Steel City”, was recognized around the world as a significant center for the manufacturing of steel. Kelham Island Museum is a great place to understand the importance of Sheffield’s steel industry and it’s also free to enter!
Another historic attraction would be Sheffield’s Cathedral, the oldest building in the city! Lying in the heart of the city, the cathedral is an extended medieval parish church with gorgeous stained-glass windows. Definitely worth a visit!
Indeed, moving to Sheffield has been a great choice and an enjoyable experience! I find it a gorgeous city to live in, as it offers the ideal blend of urban and rural lifestyles. I am certainly lucky to call it my second home!
Cyrine Farhat is a student on the MA Psychology and Education course at The University of Sheffield.
