Student life in Sheffield. The honest numbers.
£1,171/mo
Non-London loan max
£95/wk
Cheapest halls
+£759/mo
After cheapest halls
None
Work to break even
56
Affordability scoreThe monthly breakdown
Maintenance loan+£1,171
Halls (cheapest, £95/wk)−£412
After halls+£759
Transport−£55
Groceries−£200
Monthly balance+£504
✓ Budget works on max loan — no part-time work required for basics
A real student in Sheffield
R
Remi
“Same course. Same loan. I'm in a band.”
Monthly surplus£300per month
Remi's life on £1,171/month
🛏️
Halls room
£476/mo
✓ Affordable
🚲
Cycling to campus
£0/mo
✓ Affordable
🍜
Wagamamas
£22
✓ Affordable
🐕
Housemate has a dog
Free cuddles
✓ Affordable
Universities in Sheffield — affordability compared
SheffieldRussell Group
Cheapest halls: £95/wk (£412/mo) · Median: £130/wk
Sheffield Hallam
Cheapest halls: £95/wk (£412/mo) · Median: £130/wk
Halls vs private in Sheffield
🏠 University halls
Cost£95/week (£412/mo)
Bills includedYes ✓
Contract40–51 weeks
IncludesWiFi, contents insurance
Monthly surplus£759per month
🏢 Private rental
Cost£700/month
Bills+£105 estimated
Contract12 months (summer risk)
IncludesNothing
Monthly surplus£366per month
For first-year students, Sheffield halls are better value — you save £393/month and avoid a 12-month contract.
Sending this to your parents?
There's a version written for them. Real numbers. No jargon. What it costs your family.
Open parent guide for Sheffield →