Sheffield Hallam crowned UK’s ugliest university

The Tab asked readers to vote for the ugliest UK universities in 2024, and the results placed Sheffield Hallam in first place. Out of 700 voters, Hallam secured a whopping 20.3 per cent of the votes.

Sheffield Hallam, renowned for its diverse range of courses and training opportunities, has its campus scattered across Sheffield’s city centre. Known for its student-centred approach, the university is recognised for its strong ties to industry and high graduate employability rates.

However, over the years, Hallam has become known for its divisive campus buildings. Its modern architectural style has sparked controversial opinions, and its title as the ‘ugliest university’ in the UK has been a long time coming. So, let’s start pointing fingers at why Sheffield Hallam has come first in the vote for the UK’s ugliest university 2024.

We’re looking at you, SU

Via Google maps

When it comes to blaming the buildings on Sheffield Hallam’s campus, the student union, would be the perfect start. With its panelled, spherical structure, it looks more like a Hunger Games map than a vibrant student hub. Freshers may be thinking they’ll be “volunteered as tribute” rather than wondering which societies to join next year. The building’s unusual shape and exterior make it stand out, but not in a flattering way. As a place that should celebrate student life, it instead projects a place where vibrancy dies. Sorry Hallam, but this doesn’t help your cause.

Another contender is the Owen Building

Via google maps

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The Owen Building is the kind of structure that might make you wonder if the architects were having an off day. It’s big, it’s bold, but it’s also about as exciting as a plain rice cake. Its design has earned it the “ugliest” title, and it’s easy to see why. it’s uninspiring structure  could be use a Homes Under the Hammer makeover and its concrete common grounds makes the idea of sitting under the sun unappealing. Although it functions well for students, when it comes to looks, it sure gives reasons behind Hallam’s new earned reputation.

While much of the focus is on Hallam, we mustn’t forget its fellow Sheffield university, the University of Sheffield, which also made it to the top 10 ugliest universities.

Ew, The Diamond

Via google maps

A prime culprit? The Diamond. It’s hard not to notice this building when driving past Sheffield. Known for its engineering facilities, it was the largest-ever capital investment in teaching and learning undertaken by the university when it was built in 2015. However, the Faculty of Engineering is more infamous for its white Rubik’s cube-like structure and its winding staircases, which is certainly not ideal when hungover. The futuristic approach has not received the greatest feedback, and will intimidate even the most committed students from late night study trips here.

Despite all this bad press, we must not overlook Sheffield’s beauty. Nestled in the heart of the city and bordering the scenic Peak District, its surroundings offer breathtaking views and green spaces for relaxation. This picture perfect environment creates an inspiring atmosphere for both study and community life, and constantly draws the next generation of students to claim as their new home. But if one thing is clear, students do not like the anything concrete.