Sheffield University's Student Population: How Many Are There?

The University of Sheffield is one of the largest and most well-regarded universities in the UK, with over 24,000 students from 117 countries. It is also one of the top 75 universities in the world. The university's campus is centrally located in the city of Sheffield, which is known for its friendly, multicultural community and vibrant student life. With a large number of international students, the university offers a diverse and enriching educational experience.

The University of Sheffield has over 24,000 students

The University of Sheffield is in an ideal location, with the campus set around the city centre. All departments are within a short walking distance of each other, or a very short ride on the bus or tram. The Students' Union has been voted the best in the UK for seven years in a row (from 2017 to 2024) and is the place to be at the heart of the university campus.

Sheffield is the fifth-largest city in England, with a population of 564,000 people, nearly 60,000 of whom are students. The city is made up of 60% green space and is home to Meadowhall Shopping Centre, the largest shopping centre in Yorkshire and the twelfth-largest in the UK. Sheffield is a friendly, multicultural city, and students are valued as part of the city's vibrant community.

The University of Sheffield has established itself as one of the largest and best-regarded universities in the UK. It is consistently positioned in the top 75 in the World University Rankings and is a member of the Russell Group, with a reputation for world-class teaching and research excellence across five faculties: Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry and Health, Science, and Social Sciences.

Nearly 6,000 students are from overseas

The University of Sheffield is a diverse and multicultural hub, with nearly 6,000 of its students from overseas, making up 24% of its student population. This means that one in four students at the university are international, creating a vibrant and inclusive community.

The university's popularity among international students is not surprising, given that Sheffield is one of the UK's most popular places for students to pursue higher education. The city boasts a large student population, with nearly 60,000 students calling it home. Sheffield offers the perfect blend of city life and nature, with a plethora of restaurants, shopping destinations, theatres, cinemas, and bars, along with an abundance of green spaces. Its affordability, accessibility, and cultural offerings make it a desirable location for students from all over the world.

The University of Sheffield's campus is conveniently located in the heart of the city, contributing to its appeal for international students. With all departments within walking distance or a short bus or tram ride away, students can easily navigate their way around. The university is also known for its outstanding staff, globally recognised for their research and teaching excellence, which further enhances its reputation among international students seeking a world-class education.

The University of Sheffield's international appeal is evident, and its diverse student body contributes to a rich and dynamic learning environment. With one in four students coming from overseas, the university fosters a truly global perspective, enriching the overall student experience and creating a close-knit community that values each individual.

Sheffield is one of the UK's top 10 most affordable student cities

Sheffield is a top choice for students, with around 60,000 students from over 150 countries choosing to study and live in the city. The University of Sheffield is a public research university with approximately 26,000 students. The university has been ranked in between 66th and 105th best university in the world by QS for the last fifteen years.

Sheffield has been named one of the UK's most affordable cities for students. According to NatWest's Student Living Index 2021, London is the least affordable city for students, with the cost of living exceeding the average monthly income. In contrast, Sheffield offers a more cost-effective option, with rent averaging around £400 per month. The city's extensive parkland and green spaces provide students with recreational options, while its friendly community adds to its appeal.

The University of Sheffield has a rich history, tracing back to the foundation of the Sheffield Medical School in 1828, Firth College in 1879, and Sheffield Technical School in 1884. These institutions merged in 1897 to form the University College of Sheffield, which was granted a royal charter as the University of Sheffield in 1905. The university is known for its diverse faculties, including Arts and Humanities, Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry and Health, Social Sciences, and an International Faculty.

Sheffield's affordability, combined with its high-quality education and vibrant student community, makes it a desirable destination for students from around the world. The city offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, a friendly atmosphere, and a lower cost of living compared to other UK cities.

The University has five faculties

The University of Sheffield is a public research university in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. It was formed from the amalgamation of three institutions: the Sheffield Medical School, Firth College, and the Sheffield Technical School in 1897, and was granted a royal charter as the University of Sheffield in 1905. The university has five faculties comprising 50 departments and 82 research centres and institutes, plus an international faculty.

The five faculties are:

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

This faculty is made up of eight schools and departments, along with three institutes and 16 research centres. It offers a range of courses in languages and cultures, modern languages teaching, interdisciplinary biblical studies, and digital humanities.

Faculty of Engineering

The precursor to this faculty is the Sheffield Technical School, which was established in the 1880s. Today, the Faculty of Engineering has over 6,700 students and 1,000 staff members. It offers courses in a variety of engineering disciplines, including aerospace, automatic control, chemical, civil, electronic, material science, and mechanical engineering.

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health

The Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health is made up of four schools, including the Medical School, Health Sciences School, School of Clinical Dentistry, and School of Health and Related Research. The Medical School is the oldest school at the university and is located next to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. This faculty offers a range of courses related to medicine, dentistry, and health sciences.

Faculty of Social Sciences

The Faculty of Social Sciences is home to the Sheffield School of Architecture, which is consistently ranked among the top 10 in Europe and the UK. It also includes the Management School, which is triple-accredited, and the Information School, which is ranked second in the world and first in Europe for Library and Information Studies. Other departments within this faculty include Landscape Architecture, Politics and International Relations, and Urban Studies and Planning.

International Faculty – CITY College

The International Faculty is based in Thessaloniki, Greece, and is the only faculty operating outside of the UK. It consists of four departments: Business Administration and Economics, Psychology, Computer Science, and English Studies. The International Faculty also operates the South East European Research Centre, a multidisciplinary research centre.

The Students' Union has been voted number one in the UK for seven years in a row

The University of Sheffield is a large institution with around 26,000 full-time students. The Students' Union has been voted the best in the UK for seven years in a row, and it's easy to see why.

The Union is located in the heart of the University campus and offers a wide range of amenities and services to its members. With over 350 student-led societies, there is something for everyone, from social activities to campaigning on important issues. The Union also provides targeted support for specific student groups, including LGBT+, BAME, disabled, and international students. In addition, the award-winning Student Advice Centre offers information and guidance.

The Union is also a great place to socialise, with shops, venues for live entertainment and club nights, places to eat and drink, a 400-seat cinema, and a nursery. There are plenty of spaces to study and make new friends, and the Union even has its own media outlets, including a radio station, TV station, and newspaper.

The Union is clearly a vital part of student life at the University of Sheffield, providing a welcoming and enriching environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. It is a hub where students from diverse backgrounds can come together, try new activities, and access support. The fact that it has been voted the best in the UK for seven consecutive years is a testament to the outstanding experience it offers.

With such a strong focus on student experience, it is no wonder that the University of Sheffield has also been recognised for its excellence in this area. In addition to its top-ranked Union, the University was shortlisted for the University of the Year and Student Life categories at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards in 2023 and 2024.

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