Hi everyone. I'm an American studying for degrees in Spanish and Political Science, and I'm hoping to go to grad school for a polticial-type subject somewhere in the British Isles. I've spent time studying in Brighton and Cork and loved both of my experiences. We Americans can be a bit high-stress and obsessive about studies (well, some of us...) and I appreciate the emphasis on academic AND social life/relaxation that I found over there. I've been looking into schools, and Sheffield seems to have an impeccable politics department, and from what I can tell, the town sounds pretty good itself.

I was just wondering, as people of the town, if you could just give me a little synopsis of what it's like. I've traveled throughout Britain, but I've never been to nor really heard of Sheffield (sorry!). I seem to get conflicting opinions--some things I read say it has a wonderful culture scene, while others say it's a little dull; some say Sheffield is a wonderful, safe town while I've also heard it's trying to recover from some economic problems...I really don't know.

Just, what's it like? Can you compare to any other British/Irish city? Is it really urban, or more rural? How are the people and nightlife, etc.?

I'm obviously going to spend more time and effort investigating schools, but thought this would be a good place to hear directly from the people. Please be honest; I'd greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!

Hi there,

A lot of people come to Sheffield as students then end up staying here. In terms of trhe access to countryside, Sheffield can't really be beaten; it's always been described as a 'big village' and in some ways it doesn't have the 'big city' vibe that places like Leeds or Manchester have. This has it's advantages and disadvantages....:)

I came here 20 years ago originally for a year or so and am still here. The cultural / social side of the place has improved in those years, and I find it to be a city in which you can make stuff happen - if you have an idea it's usually possible to get it off the ground.

Cost of living isn't too bad for a city - certainly cheaper than Leeds. Communication links to the rest of the UK are OK, though getting to London is still a trek....:) There's a reasonable nightlife, decent pubs, npot a vast number of late bars - as for the clubbing scene there are others on here with greater knowledge. There aren't, IMHO, a vast number of good restaurants but there are enough to manage with.

The Public Library service is a bit poor compared to some other places, but other local services like transport are probably typical for a UK city. We moan a lot about the buses, but they're usually reasonably OK.

I like it....:)

Oh, and welcome aboard!

Joe

Sheffield, as someone once said about New Orleans, isn't like other cities.

I heart Sheffield because it's unusually laid-back and friendly, with a lot of green space and fresh air and pretty views for a big city. And because the pubs and beer are amazing. But mostly you don't feel overpowered and harrassed and on edge like you do in a lot of cities. At the same time as having a strong and diverse urban culture, it's got a lovely relaxed feel. A rare combination. If that's the sort of thing you appreciate then you'll love it here.

People who complain about Sheffield are basically unhappy that it isn't Leeds or London. (I'm never quite sure why they don't just go to Leeds and London, and then they wouldn't have to complain about Sheffield.) I heart Sheffield for the same reason.

I agree with lazyfish. I was here at Uni and loved it, but work meant I lived down in Reading/London for 3 years. I moved back last year and haven't looked back. It's even better being here than when I was a student.

I've discovered you have to look under the surface of the city to find the best things going on, and there is lots going on if you look for it. Sandman magazine shows the diversity of nightlife. It's not all about rubbish chain bars that shut at 11pm, theres loads of small club nights for every musical taste.

There are lots of decent pubs, societies, a good smattering of theatres and art galleries. Shops - I have no real interest in Meadowhell but there are shops in the centre although not as many smaller independent shops as some other places.

Plus you have the laid back atmosphere but still live in a big city, and depending on where you live you can get around easily. The peak district (a huge national park) can be a short walk or bus drive away.

If you like big cities then I don't think Sheffield will be for you (outside the world city - i.e. London - Birmingham and Manchester have more of a big city feel). Although Sheffield is a city, it has the feel of a large town. It has almost everything you might need (i.e. theatres, cinemas, pubs and clubs etc) but in my opinion it lacks the visage and buzz of a big city.

If however you like the countryside, then the Peak district will be a main attraction. It is gorgeous. Its about an hour and a half from Machester airport and about 2 hours 20 minutes by train to London on the fast service.

A lot of students who come here seem to like it though - perhaps because there are many students here (about 50,000) and so there are lots of pubs and clubs that cater for the studnet market.

Gah! Another one! This city is over-run with those damned students! :P

*Note, the above comments are strictly tongue in cheek, unlike some people on here I do not hate students*

Sheffield is a fab place to live. There's a reasonable mix of people and cultures but it's not as cosmopolitan as other large cities, but it's getting there.

I think Sheffield is one of the 'greenest' cities in England, so if you like the open air, walking and great scenery you're never far from somewhere to go.

The city is 're-inventing' itself, I think it's done that a couple of times now :rolleyes: but there are some fantastic places old and new. The Botanical Gardens are wonderful and very close to the city centre. There's Ponds Forge (swimming & sports), The Arena (concerts & Ice-Hockey), City Hall - in process of being re-developed, Don Valley Stadium, Ice Skating, loads of pubs and clubs, more and more restaurants - chinese, indian, mexican, spanish, Japanese, noodle bars, wine bars, as well as the usual burger places.

Sheffield University Politics is good too. Look forward to seeing you here!

Goto the University of Central Lancashire...
j/k
Sheffield is supposed to be fantastic for students.

There's not much to add to the above, I think its all said.
However I would really recommend Sheffield. It has all the advantages of a city in the way of facilities, but has the village feel making it easy to meet people and make friends. I've lived in London and its just too impersonal. No offence to anyone but Leeds and Manchester, I just find scary. Sheffield is a very safe city so long as you know where to go.

Another good thing about Sheffield is that its very near a lot of other major cities, for example York, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham all about an hour on the train away. So if you do get board of Sheffield, you can always go for a city break.

it is probably the most friendly city for students (hense it has the highest student stay on rate outside of London for students) Also has the biggest foreign student population outside of London.

It is more big village compared to big city in its feel.

The culture and night life isnt a great deal to write home about Nothing to make it outstanding but quite a friendly night out.

Very student centred as well.

remember to practice either "I hate Bush" of "I'm Canadian" ;)

the politics dept is meant to be very good as well...

Hi
Sheffield has everything...It has the city life, lots of pubs, clubs bars and cafes. It has fantastic shopping at Meadowhall. It has lots of green spaces and Derbyshire on your doorstep.
It can be a little gritty as any Northern city can but the people on the whole are friendly and if you can get use to the directness of Sheffield people i think you'll love it and you would certainly be very welcome. Whatever you decide all the best.

Many thanks to you all. I'm much encouraged to continue looking into Sheffield; the town sounds great, and if the people are half as nice as you, I should have few problems!

And no worries...after being in Ireland and Paris, I know my Bush and Canadian lines quite well. :-)

I would also agree, there is no other place in the UK I would rarther be, Having been born on the Lake District and raised in Scotland/Hampshire/Isle of Man, I've now been living in Sheffield for 7 years. I've been to most of the big cities for nights out, I still would always choose Sheffield. Yeah it doesn't have some of the attractions of bigger cities, or the biggest shopping centre, but for me that is a bonus. I find places like London and Manchester too in your face or a little aggressive. I went for an open day at Leeds uni and found the city really depressing and grey, although that may just have been the area I was in.
Sheffield was so green in comparison and seemed so friendly. if your in the centre or the student area at lkeast you have so many nice bits of prakland, with the Botanics, Endcliffe park etc, and you can walk out into the Peaks from there.
Although a lot of people say that the clubbing is naff, that depends on your tastes. If your into anything a little underground or alternative in thw way of dance music there is lots out there, you just need to know where to look. There is also a great Folk scene lots of great up and coming bands and some great soloists with a peculiar Sheffield style. And my personal favourites are the outdoor events in the peak district and surrounding areas. Come to Sheffield you know it makes sense :thumbsup:

Originally posted by aNTAcid
I would also agree, there is no other place in the UK I would rarther be, Having been born on the Lake District and raised in Scotland/Hampshire/Isle of Man, I've now been living in Sheffield for 7 years. I've been to most of the big cities for nights out, I still would always choose Sheffield. Yeah it doesn't have some of the attractions of bigger cities, or the biggest shopping centre, but for me that is a bonus. I find places like London and Manchester too in your face or a little aggressive. I went for an open day at Leeds uni and found the city really depressing and grey, although that may just have been the area I was in.
Sheffield was so green in comparison and seemed so friendly. if your in the centre or the student area at lkeast you have so many nice bits of prakland, with the Botanics, Endcliffe park etc, and you can walk out into the Peaks from there.
Although a lot of people say that the clubbing is naff, that depends on your tastes. If your into anything a little underground or alternative in thw way of dance music there is lots out there, you just need to know where to look. There is also a great Folk scene lots of great up and coming bands and some great soloists with a peculiar Sheffield style. And my personal favourites are the outdoor events in the peak district and surrounding areas. Come to Sheffield you know it makes sense :thumbsup:

That was a public announcement by the Sheffield aNTAcid Tourist board:thumbsup:

One thing I love is that everyone's group of friends seems to interlock with everyone else's at some point. From the point of view of a young person (youngish), I love the fact that every weekend there are parties going on somewhere. Every time I've been to random parties, I've always found the people there know people I know and everyone is interlinked in some way. It's like a big community. I've never found anything like that in any other city I have lived in. Lived here for 7 years now and consider it my home. I'll keep finding excuses to stay here for as long as possible.

Yeah i forgot about that, you can't go anywhere without bumpoing into at least 10 people you know. Even when I lived in a very small town, I would walk through it and not see any of my mates. These days if I walk through sheffield city centre I am guaranteed to bump into at least 2 random mates. It has a real community vibe to the place.

For example, I've randomly been to aNTacid's house by having friends that are friends with his friends. Though I was in no fit state to make any sense whatsoever. In fact, I can't even remember when it was, but I'm sure it did happen. This kind of thing seems to happen all of the time in Sheffield. I love it!

What's interesting in this thread is it the arrivistes like me and others who jump to extol the virtues of sheffield.

I've lived here for nearly 6 years and have made it my home.

I can't really add to what has been said above, except that you should know that SHeffield is very hilly, and walking around it is magnificent cardio vascular exercise.

Sheffield is lucky enough to have some of the best drinking water in the country, drawing from the hundreds of reservoirs in the area. This water is fantastic for hydroponics, requiring no treatment or pH buffering!

Also, Sheffield is set in some of Britain's most spectacular scenery, (Pictures Here (http://www.netheredge.com/galleries/edale/)) and features a very active 'outdoor pursuits' scene (climbing, running, cycling rambling, parascending, hangliding, orienteering, fungi foraging etc etc).

Healthcare is pretty comprehensive here too, with 7 (or more) hospitals in town and some of the leading medical talent in the country too.

The atmosphere can become a little oppressive in the city centre during the summer. The city centre is in a depression which rapidly fills up with noxious vehicle fumes on a still summer's day.

Originally posted by Andy78
For example, I've randomly been to aNTacid's house by having friends that are friends with his friends. Though I was in no fit state to make any sense whatsoever. In fact, I can't even remember when it was, but I'm sure it did happen. This kind of thing seems to happen all of the time in Sheffield. I love it!

LMAO :D That doesn't surprise me, would I recognise you, which mates?

Oh and I forgot about the climbing scene too, Sheffield got me started on rock climbing and it is THE best place in england for it

They are some stunning pictures Phan. :)

Originally posted by aNTAcid
LMAO :D That doesn't surprise me, would I recognise you, which mates?


Now that's where my memory gets sticky. Hmmm, Girl that lives in your attic whose name I can't remember and who may or may not know my friends Grace and Simon. I think it was at stupid 'o' clock in the morning after a night out somewhere that I also can't remember. I'm not sure how I worked out you were aNTacid, but I'm sure it came into conversation.

Sorry, I know this isn't on topic. (slaps own wrist)

Originally posted by Phanerothyme
Also, Sheffield is set in some of Britain's most spectacular scenery, (Pictures Here (http://www.netheredge.com/galleries/edale/)) and features a very active 'outdoor pursuits' scene (climbing, running, cycling rambling, parascending, hangliding, orienteering, fungi foraging etc etc).
[/B]

And Edale was also a great place for this Shefstock (http://shefstock.fotopic.net/)

Ah you probably new Hazel then, gotcha rings a bell now. (I'll stop going off topic now)

The friends of friends thing is a constant freaker outer! Although it's happened a few times that I've had mutual friends with people all over the country too which is odder.

The theory of 6 degrees of seperation should be about 2 degrees in Sheffield.

Originally posted by noseyrosie
The friends of friends thing is a constant freaker outer! Although it's happened a few times that I've had mutual friends with people all over the country too which is odder.

The theory of 6 degrees of seperation should be about 2 degrees in Sheffield.

It is quite crazy. Quite often I find that people I know in Sheffield are somehow linked with people that I know from Liverpool which always fries my noodle. I have a theory that it's because Sheffield city centre is quite compact, so groups of people tend to go to similar places and do similar things, so at some point your circle of friends is going to link up with another circle of friends and so on. I'm probably wrong, maybe it's just magic.

Sheffield is a great City, but is still very under-represented in the South of ENgland. I go down South a lot and certainly people I talk to had either enevr heard of SHeffield, or screw up their faces and start talking about knives and forks and cloth caps and ferrets. Ufortunately, say in places like kent, Sussex, Surrey, etc, most people have never been North of Watford and have these pre-conceived ideas that the North is all like Coronation Street, or FULL MONTY, depressing and derelict. Sheffield never has had a good promotion in films and TV, which is how most outsiders learn of the great unknown....ie North of Watford.

Someone I spoke to in Canterbury last month thought Sheffield was near Exeter (thats how well known it is geographically down south), and no one actually knew it was in YORKSHIRE at all. More people know of Manchester or Leeds by name, as they have come to be seen as iconic in cultural terms to Southerners. Standard conversation to Kent locals runs something like this...

mention LEEDS and everyone in Kent thinks of good night clubs as Leeds clubs are always in celebrity magazines, etc (why????) MANCHESTER, everyone mentions Oasis and that it is always in the news for people getting shot on council estates: NOTTINGHAM.....Robin Hood lived there and its famous for lace and guns......YORK.....cathedral and some chocolate factory.....SHEFFIELD.......(usually a pause) er.....knives and forks??? DIdn't they make a movie there once? Is that near Peterborough????? Up the M1 somewhere int' it?

Of course, they live in a world of their own down there.....here we are, up the M1 somewhere where they once made a movie or two, and its fabulous.

Originally posted by goldenfleece
SHEFFIELD.......(usually a pause) er.....knives and forks??? DIdn't they make a movie there once? Is that near Peterborough????? Up the M1 somewhere int' it?

I don't think this is true at all, Sheffield is home to Steel, Gatecrasher, Meadowhall, Ponds Forge and Supertram, all of which are highly recognised Nationally.

Not to mention loads famous people from Sheffield like Pulp, Sean Bean, Michael Palin and hate to say this but the former Home Secretary David Blunkett has certainly raised Sheffield's profile! :D

Originally posted by skyfitsboy
<snip>

Not to mention loads famous people from Sheffield like Pulp, Sean Bean, Michael Palin and hate to say this but the former Home Secretary David Blunkett has certainly raised Sheffield's profile! :D

I always figure it's a bad thing if a city can name a list of "famous" people who come from it. Do you think anyone from NY, London etc. brings up a list of hometown heroes in conversation?

Originally posted by genesiscouch
I always figure it's a bad thing if a city can name a list of "famous" people who come from it. Do you think anyone from NY, London etc. brings up a list of hometown heroes in conversation?

Like it or not you can't deny they raise awareness of the city which can only be a good thing.

I doubt that if you asked someone, say in cornwall where Meadowhall, ponds forge or supertram were, that they'd know.

Originally posted by Andy78
I doubt that if you asked someone, say in cornwall where Meadowhall, ponds forge or supertram were, that they'd know.

Im sure some people in Cornwall or anywhere down south have heard of these places not all of them stay south of the border, don't generalise people.