Uni vs. Hallam

There has long been a rivalry between The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University. Don’t deny it. We all know it’s true. Did you hear the chants at Varsity?

The league tables speak for themselves and nobody, not even a ‘Hallamer’, can refuse the fact that Uni have the upper hand when it comes to academia.

But let’s look at the nitty gritty to determine (probably not once and for all) which is the ultimate uni in Sheffield.

Sport

Though Hallam has been the traditional champion of the annual sporting tournament, this year Uni won back the title. The final showdown saw the men’s football teams battle it out at Hillsborough. Although Hallam won 1-0, Uni had already secured the crown with a final score of 36.5 to Hallam’s 34.5. This year’s win meant the end of a long 10-year wait for Uni to take back the trophy from Hallam. Long may it continue!

Photo: Josh Rock

VERDICT: This year’s win was a definite boost for Uni but there’s no denying that Hallam bring it when it comes to sport. 1-0 to Hallam.

Banging and boozing

Uni students get it more, well slightly. According to the studentbeans.com University Sex League 2013, the average number of sexual partners for a Uni student is 3.58 compared to Hallam’s 3.05.

Hallam students are, however, the mightier boozers with an average of 24.5 units of alcohol consumed per week, ranking 5^th overall in the studentbeans.com Drinking League. This is compared to a reticent 18.6 for Uni who ranked 39^th overall.

Dancing ‘n that

VERDICT: One each. Although Uni students are very slightly more likely to catch the odd STI, Hallam students seem to be more likely to suffer from liver disease. Which would you prefer? 2-1 to Hallam.

Celebrity alumni

Both universities have had their fair share of famous alumni … albeit some are more notable than others.

Hallam has held host to names such as Andy Akinwolere (he did Blue Peter) and broadcaster Jacqui Oatley, famous for being the first female commentator for Match of the Day. On the other hand Eddie Izzard, Jessica Ennis, David Blunkett MP and Helen Sharman OBE all graduated from the University of Sheffield.

No competition

VERDICT: Ennis has undoubtedly got it in the bag for Uni of on this one, bringing the score up to 2-2.

The SU

Arguably not exactly the most exciting round but, with Uni’s SU being voted top in the country (again), we couldn’t ignore this one. Recently ranked Britain’s best in the most recent National Students Survey, the University received a 95% satisfaction rate amongst its students, significantly higher than the 66% average achieved by competing UK unis.

Hallam received a comparatively poor rating at 60%, ranking it just 83^rd overall. However, with a recent £20 million refurb to Uni’s SU this year, Hallam doesn’t really stand a chance on this one. With very positive reactions to the new SU nights out, there’s definitely a newfound buzz about the place. A swanky new building complete with restaurants, beer gardens and a glass bridge puts Uni firmly on top.

Two giant metallic curling stones

FINAL SCORE: 3-2 to Uni.

The final results are in; they’ve been counted and they’ve been verified by an impartial and independent party. Uni are the champions by a whisker with an impressive 3-2 win to put them top of the game and pip Hallam to the post for the title of ‘Best Uni in the City’.

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