Hallam or Sheffield? The definitive debate on the best uni

So potential freshers, it’s gotten to that point in the year where you may be picking what university you want to attend. But, like most cities, there’s more than one university to choose from. For students in Sheffield, the choice is between the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam, and with this comes the debate over which uni is best.

This debate brings out the pride in students; even when varsity isn’t on, students claim their university with pride and defend its flaws. Whether you’re a maroon or black and gold, each has its strengths and weaknesses.

When debating these two Sheffield universities, should we focus on facilities, education, and academia to crown the best? Or should social life and the student party scene be the deciding factor? Here’s the rundown on how these two schools compare.

Does the Russell Group take the win?

Sheffield Hallam is known for its high employability rates and industry connections, offering hands-on, real-world placements. Student satisfaction rates are high, and the university has partnerships with major brands, allowing Hallam students to hit the ground running in terms of employability. In areas like business and health, Hallam excels at securing jobs post-graduation.

However, the University of Sheffield holds a top spot in the Russell Group, placing it among the top 100 universities globally and top 20 in the UK. Known for its research-heavy approach and renowned facilities in engineering and science, the University of Sheffield shines academically.

With excellent ratings, having “Uni of” on your CV adds that extra wow factor. So, depending on your career goals and preferred working style, Hallam offers practicality, while Uni of stands out in academic prestige.

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When comparing these universities, it’s crucial to address the stereotypes that come with each. Russell Group attendees, especially at the University of Sheffield, are often seen as having a more refined vocabulary and “southern” sensibility. Although they work hard to get in, you might find yourself wondering if a ski season is standard among Uni of students. Questions like “where do you live?” might come with an upturned nose if it’s north of London.

You’ll see white linen clothes even in winter and find mullets and year-abroad stories passed off as personality traits. Of course, there are exceptions, including a solid crowd of indie music lovers drawn by The Leadmill’s history, but “northern” jokes may come up more often than you’d like.

In contrast, a Hallam student can always be spotted on a night out. With a mix of students from all backgrounds, one thing they have in common is their love for a night at the pub, often turning a casual drink into a West Street weekender. Despite their laid-back approach to uni, Hallam students are serious about placement options and work experience but always make time for The Nursery Tavern’s Sunday pub quiz. They have a knack for fun and spontaneity, making Uni of students seem uptight when they choose a study session at the Diamond over a Tuesday night out.

Location, Location, Location

Unlike some UK cities, Sheffield offers both city life and greenery. Between these universities, each claims its own territory. University of Sheffield students tend to live in Crookes, Broomhill, and Crookesmoor, which are close to campus and offer quieter, residential areas with green spaces like Crookes Valley Park and Weston Park. However, these locations come with the challenge of Sheffield’s famous hills—just grabbing a sweet treat may feel like a workout. Accommodation in these areas can be pricier, especially in student-popular flats and houses.

If sport isn’t their thing, Hallam students make Ecclesall Road their personality. With independent shops, cafes, and Aldi nearby, they’re set for a good night out or a quick pre-drink run. City-based Hallam students enjoy Sheffield’s bustling life, with easy access to Crookesmoor Park, the beautiful Botanical Gardens, and plenty of transport options. With the campus spread around the city, there’s always a convenient spot for pres before a short walk to West Street Live. For those on a student budget, affordable housing options are abundant for Hallam students.

I need plans, what uni are we calling?

When it comes to social life, it’s hard to dismiss University of Sheffield’s reigning title of having the number one university students’ union. When it comes to student events, Sheffield go full out, even hosting acts like Sammy Virji, Songer and top DJs. Also, you’ll even find Hallam students trying to sneak in on Wednesday night for the infamous Roar nights in the Foundry. This student sports night gets everyone out, dressed from bright yellow minions to feather-covered parrots.

And if Wednesday nights seem to rogue for you, you can always go to Pop Tarts on a Saturday, after a wild bar crawl on West Street Live. However, the walk from West Street is long and you’ll be bound to run into drunken rugby boys, in their shirts and chinos, pushing you around when you try and buy a drink.

To compare, Hallam’s equivalent is notorious Hallamnation. On these nights, you’ll find everyone crowding outside the doors of crystal for an organised chaos party. Its certain that you won’t be leaving here without being asked “are you single?” at least once. And what’s the beauty of being at Hallam? With the bar crawl ending on West Street, you’re able to jump around Carver Street clubs until you’ll end up calling it a night at lights on.

No matter what, there’s always something happening at Hallam, and if not, you can always rely on easy access to the city to give you and your friends entertainment, all day and all night. Or, nights at Tank, Code or West Street Live are the reliable clubs you’ll find the Hallam students. So, if your picking Hallam as your winner, you’ll miss out on the magic of a messy Wednesday night but will always be able to lean on the steel city for a list of activities to pick form.

Who’s got the fame?

When it comes to alumni, both Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield have produced some serious icons, each representing their alma mater’s unique vibe and strengths. At the University of Sheffield, you’ll find a lineup of high-profile academics and innovators. There’s Nobel Prize-winning chemist Sir Harry Kroto, former British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, and even Helen Sharman, the first Brit in space. With alumni like these, Sheffield Uni has gained a reputation for producing pioneers and setting high standards for students who attend. 

Over at Sheffield Hallam, the alumni are equally impressive. Dominic West, the Golden Globe-nominated star of The Wire, calls Hallam his uni, as does Helen Storey, the renowned fashion designer and sustainable artist. Not to mention Nick Park, the genius behind Wallace and Gromit, and even Love Island star and winner Kai Fagan. With these grads in Hallam’s back pocket, it’s hard to knock this uni. 

Which uni takes steel city?

So, if you end up in Sheffield claiming on of these universities, you’re bound to make it your new home as well as your university your new personality trait. The debate will never end, with around 30,000 students at both universities, neither one will give up the title of best university in Sheffield.

There’s only one understandable solution, let’s just leave it up to varsity. And, with the last reigning wins of over a decade, each year varsity brings out the worse in each university; from chants to fights, all the tension and competition comes out throughout the varsity term. So, will uni of keep their title or will Hallam finally use their sporty skills to score this year, to help crown the best university in Sheffield.