In defence of Ranmoor

No we don’t have a shop, our trek to uni can be up to 10 minutes longer, and even our beloved cat has been stripped from us, but in actual fact: we are proud of our shit hole, and you should be too.

Ranmoor has a bad rep. A really bad rep. If you’ve heard anything about the black sheep of the Sheffield uni accommodation family, it’ll probably be that it’s small, quiet, and full of internationals. None of which are actually true. No, we’re not Endcliffe. There are no Stevo lads and we can’t brag about ‘skinny dipping in the Endcliffe pond’. Dave, we know you didn’t actually do that.

First of all, it’s no secret that Ranmoor IS smaller than Endcliffe. But it’s compact, so perfect for the lazier of us who can’t be arsed trekking 10 minutes across Endcliffe to get to uni. And with around 1100 students, more than most student accommodation blocks around the country, we aren’t exactly struggling for choice. Ranmoor is the Dec to Endcliffe’s Ant: petite but perfectly formed. It’s not about the size, it’s about what you do with it, kids.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A large majority of the people living in Ranmoor didn’t even choose to be there in the first place. Yes, believe it Endcliffers- we were almost one of you. Despite having a breakdown in August after being allocated my room in the ‘dead accommodation’ after having selected Endcliffe, it turns out almost everyone in my block went through exactly the same trauma and we’ve all ended up together loving life.

That’s another thing- the flats are huge. With 11 flatmates it’s virtually impossible to ever be bored and in such a big group; you’re guaranteed to find people you click with, and aren’t obliged to spend time with those you don’t. Aside from Stephenson, I can’t think of any Endcliffe halls with such big flats, and I’d much rather mingle with a massive squad than risk the intensity of a flat of 4 that don’t necessarily get on. Imagine the awkward silences… no thanks.

We can’t lie to you, the Ridge is shit. We know it, they know it, everyone knows it. The failure of the Ridge is a genuine mystery to the Ranmoor population: it boasts cheap drinks, massive sofas, and free scran at certain events; so it actually has the potential to bang- there’s just something missing. Mainly people.

Saying that, if there’s ever a time you’re craving carbs but can’t bear the 30 second walk to the ridge, then they will deliver their famous peng pizzas to your door. Win.

From a personal point of view, and without sounding like a middle-aged wet wipe: Ranmoor is prettier than Endcliffe, inside and out, hands down. Of course I’d rather my accommodation have a banging social scene than a few extra trees and a big kitchen, but nobody can deny  Ranmoor it’s modern interiors or that nice Centre Parcs-y vibe it has going on. You go Ranmoor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But, the main myth that needs to be dispelled, is that all of Ranmoor is dead. It just isn’t true. Obviously you’ve got your quieter blocks, as you would anywhere, but if you know where to go, the rowdy levels can top that of any Derwent or Yarncliffe flat party. Whether it’s the massive kitchens that do it, the fact that we’ve got something to prove in emulating the ‘madness’ of Endcliffe, or the fact that in general the security seems to be more chilled at Ranny compared to Endcliffe; Ranmoor flat parties go OFF.

And even if they don’t, then you’re guaranteed your guests will stick around cos they won’t have the energy to trek all the way back down Shore Lane… Who’s top dog now Endy?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite all the prejudice, what started off as a dirty word during Freshers week quickly became a haven of loyalty. So next time you think about parring us, give little Ranmoor a break.

After all, at least we’re not City.