Nailed that degree and looking to extend your knowledge into your chosen field? If you’ve navigated your way through over 800 postgraduate courses on offer from both Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam. And managed to wade through the minefield of postgraduate funding options. It’s time to start looking at Postgraduate Accommodation in Sheffield.
You’re not alone.
Sheffield has over 13000 postgraduate students split roughly 50/50 over both Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University. Whist each university offers around 435 and 395 postgraduate courses respectively. There are plenty of other graduate students in the same boat looking to advance into their masters or PhD course. And in the same respect, many are looking for somewhere to live in Sheffield whilst studying.
Just Graduated from a Sheffield University?
If you’ve just graduated or currently live in Sheffield, having us tell you what to look for is probably about as useful as arguing Worcestershire sauce is better than Hendo’s. You know which is better! You’ll also know about the student support services available. Having connections in Sheffield can also be advantageous if you’re looking to go into a house share with people you already know.
Coming to Study in Sheffield for the first time?
However, if you studied your degree somewhere else and have decided on Sheffield for your postgraduate course. Here’s some advice on what to look for in the search for somewhere to live when studying your postgraduate course.
Types of Postgraduate Accommodation in Sheffield
University Provided Postgraduate Accommodation in Sheffield
Universities tend to offer some space in halls for postgraduates. This university provided accommodation are usually either reserved for international postgraduates or limited to a first come first served basis. Demand for accommodation in university halls is high and availability is low. When allocating accommodation universities try to group postgraduates and mature students together and it can’t always be guaranteed.
House Shares
House Sharing is a great way to reduce the costs associated with student living. Especially whilst working out your budgets after trawling through how to fund studying your course. If you’re coming from outside Sheffield to pursue your postgraduate studies through a house share may not be the best option for you. Not really having much idea about the people you share with could open the possibility of leading to problems later in the year. Although Universities do tend to offer get-togethers and socials to help pair up potential housemates Once again having limited contact time with the others, although in the same position as you may not give you enough time to get to really “know them”.
If you’ve previously done the “student” experience you may decide that being slightly older and the increased workload of a postgraduate course that the idea of sharing a house isn’t quite right for you anymore.
Individual Flats and Studio Apartments.
Individual flats and studios can potentially offer the best option when moving to Sheffield. They can give you the personal space to study whilst providing a comfortable space to live. With no need to go looking for housemates to share with. It makes it easier to arrange your move to Sheffield. With all flat and studio apartments located conveniently in the city centre, they provide excellent access to all the university facilities close by. In fact sometimes even closer than the University student villages.
City centre living can provide everything you will need nearby including shops, entertainment and great transport links. A city centre apartment could be ideal for becoming or embracing being a mature student. It does however have the downside if you’re moving to Sheffield from elsewhere. A single bed property can mean at first you have less interaction with others outside of an educational setting. Luckily both universities have around 400 societies and specialist interest groups available to join and expand your social circle. The hardest part is probably deciding which ones to join.
Although renting an individual apartment can sometimes be seen as more costly. Many offer bills included prices that can offset the extra budget you would need to pay for energy suppliers and other services.
Thornsett Properties have a wide range of bills included city-centre apartments available to postgraduate students.
Lodging with others.
Lodging has become less common these days. Although the idea of “renting” a room in someone else’s house has always been a cheaper way of living away from home. It does come with varying pitfalls. When lodging you should expect that all facilities in the property are shared with the homeowner and others that live there.
But more importantly, for example, if you do not have a written tenancy specifying an area such as a bedroom for your use. You may find others in the house can freely enter as they like and as such disregard any personal privacy. Most importantly you should never agree to lodge without a written tenancy agreement. Without one could leave you legally disadvantaged and could be viewed as technically a paying guest in someone else’s home. If any sort of disagreement occurs they could potentially ask you to leave without appropriate notice. The possibility of being rendered homeless at short notice should make anyone wary of looking into lodging or room sharing from individuals.
Be realistic and don’t rush when finding your postgraduate Accommodation in Sheffield.
In the end, what type of accommodation you decide on will come down to your budget. Making sure you have your funding secured in place first. It will help to work out what you can afford. Be realistic when budgeting thinking about other associated bills such as energy or services. Don’t rush into finding somewhere without first viewing, if you can’t visit Sheffield to find somewhere first hand, asking for a virtual tour should be your first port of call.
Most importantly make sure you sign a tenancy agreement for protection for both you and the landlord of your financial and legal responsibilities.
About Thornsett Properties
Thornsett Properties have been helping to provide postgraduate accommodation in Sheffield since 1985. We supply accommodation to over 650 undergraduates and postgraduate students studying at Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University every year. Designed to fit with your budget whilst looking for postgraduate accommodation. Thornsett Properties are property owners and not agents, meaning all our properties are managed by ourselves and not reliant on third parties. Our aim is to help you succeed whilst living and studying in postgraduate accommodation in Sheffield.
