The Student Housing Guide 2023-24

University life is hectic, isn’t it? What with all those lectures to concentrate on, social engagements to fulfil and Tik Toks to post, you’re never gonna find the time to get your next house sorted. Certainly not so soon after coming back for the new semester…

But that’s the truth of it, you’ve only been here five minutes and already it’s time to start thinking about where best to settle down for the next academic year. And while the range of accommodation on offer in Sheffield is truly amazing, that doesn’t mean it’s not a daunting prospect.

Do you jump in now with the friends you made those first few weeks or hang back and weigh up your options a bit more? Should you stay in a part of the city you’ve already got to know or push the boat out and move to a new part of town to get a different experience?

But don’t panic, that’s what the Exposed Student Housing Guide is all about. Not only have we got a range of properties from some of the best student housing specialists in the city but we’ve also got a load of useful advice to help you make the best decision. That includes our 6 Step Guide to Choosing Your Next Student Home courtesy of the accommodation team at Hallam Uni (page 32), as well as our overview of all the student housing areas (page 27) and what makes each one different. And let’s not forget our ‘Rooms to Rent’ feature (page 36) which includes an overview of some of the best student housing currently on the market.

Happy house hunting.

MODERN CITY LIVING IN THE HEART OF SHEFFIELD CITY CENTRE

Conveniently located in close proximity to the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University as well as local transport links, shops, bars & restaurants. Contemporary and stylish in design, we have premium studio, one & two bedroom apartments available to rent, providing sophisticated urban living at affordable prices. Our spacious apartments are fully furnished, enjoy a generous open-plan kitchen, dining & living area. Residents will benefit from a concierge service, 24/7 on-site security team, electronic entry system, underground car park & on-site gym. Up to 1,000 mb/s through hyperoptic and sky / freeview are wired into each apartment.

the full monty

From the finest food and drink to jaw-dropping views and enthralling events, we round up some of the best experiences the steel city has to offer in our Sheffield Bucket List. let us know how you’re getting on in your quest by slinging us a tag @exposedmagsheff.

TRY HENDERSON’S RELISH

During your time here you might hear it referred to as “Hendo’s” or simply “Relish”. But this famous sauce had been made in Sheff since the 1880s and is a very important part of local culinary culture; it’s inspired poems, artwork, songs, and more than a few questionable tattoos. Gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan-friendly and rated so much by Sean Bean that he’d get it delivered around the world when filming for long periods abroad. You can also grab it in the crisp form: bags of ‘HENDO’S’ are readily available across city centre bars, shops and cafes.

VISIT THE THEATRE

Sheffield is a proud home to the largest theatre complex outside of London, comprising three superb venues beneath the Sheffield Theatres umbrella: The Crucible, Lyceum and Playhouse. From star-studded Shakespearean epics to modern musicals, and comedies to hard-hitting social realism – all is very much catered for here. Have a browse of what’s on and see what takes your fancy.

FILL UP AT A FOOD HALL

Situated in the Castlegate area of the city, Kommune is home to a mouthwatering variety of food traders serving throughout the day and into the evening. There’s also an art gallery, retail traders and a well-stocked bar to keep you entertained. Whereas, over in the Neepsend part of the city, you’ve got Cutlery Works to whet your appetite – one of the largest food halls in the north of England serving a range of dishes from sushi to poutine. If you’re after some good city centre munch, you can visit Sheffield Plate, an exciting food venue in Orchard Square showcasing six local independent food traders serving worldwide cuisine.

FIND A FEST

The Sheffield social calendar is packed throughout the year with a wide range of events. Tramlines Festival (AKA Sheff’s biggest party) takes place in July, bringing some of the biggest names in music to the city. You’ve also got world-renowned film festival Doc/ Fest to explore every June, and this month alone can experience electronic festival No Bounds, literary festival Off the Shelf and arts, film and music celebration Sensoria. Keep an eye out for more regular get-togethers such as Quayside Market, Pollen Market and Sharrow Vale Market – all of which will be coming around soon!

FIND A LIVE VENUE

Live music lies at the very heart of the city’s culture. From the big-hitters like Leadmill, Corp and The Foundry to the smaller capacity gems like Delicious Clam, Sidney&Matilda, Record Junkee, Yellow Arch and The Washington, there’s an array of places to enjoy gigs throughout the week. There’s plenty of quality rave spots dotted around the city centre too, and you’ll find some of the best DJ sets at popular underground nightclub venues such as Hope Works, Dryad Works, new arrival FØRGE and the legendary Tuesday Club taking place at the Students’ Union each month.

SCOFF STREET EATS

Something of a foodie institution for The Steel City, Street Food Chef serve up the best burritos in town from their two shops on Arundel Street and Sharrow Vale Road. They are the home of what you might describe as ‘Sheff-Mex’: burritos, nachos, quesadillas, and in the hot weather, if you ask nicely, they’ll knock you up a mean margarita slushie!

HAVE A BALL

If you’re looking for a fun night out with a competitive edge, Charter Square’s Roxy Ballroom is the ideal spot. On the bottom floor of the 15,500 sq ft space, you’ll find a large bar and kitchen alongside a whole heap of gaming opportunities including American pool, table tennis, basketball hoops, shuffleboard, karaoke and even a duckpin bowling alley. Things get even more interesting upstairs, where you

can try your hand at some ice-free curling and ‘crazy pool’ (combine American pool with crazy golf and you’re not far off) while sampling the impressive drinks and bar snacks menu.

GRAB A SLICE OF THE ACTION

We’re blessed to have many fantastic woodfired/coal-fired/stonebaked offerings here, so believe us when we say this one was a toughie. But we’ve got to hand it to Napoli Centro for their incredibly authentic Neapolitan pizza selection, topped with the finest ingredients imported from Campania and cooked in under 90 seconds at 500 degrees, resulting in a fresh, puffy slice of carb heaven. Other top shouts include Rudy’s on Division Street and Proove Pizza.

HIT THE STREETS

Dotted in and around the city centre you’ll find some incredible street art from renowned artists such as Pleghm, Jo Peel, Zoe Genders, Kid Acne, Faunographic, Pete McKee and many, many more. In fact, there are literally hundreds dotted around the gaff. Luckily, streetartsheffield.com have done a good job of mapping over 250 locations, allowing you to browse each one by area. God bless ‘em

HAVE A SPEC–TACO–ULAR TIME

Take it from us, Pina didn’t become the city’s favourite Mexican-inspired taqueria and latenight chill spot without good reason: their food and drinks menus are consistently top-notch. The signature tacos are what hungry punters come for, an explosion of vibrant flavours wrapped in corn tortillas perfect for mixing, matching and sharing – a nice reflection of the fun, social side of Mexican street food.. Plenty of tasty vegan options are on-hand too, perfect when washed down with a cold Pacifico or two…

GET YER SHUFFLE ON

You’ll find Shuffle Shack, the city’s only dedicated shuffleboard bar, inside the ‘Crystal Maze for hipsters’ that is Picture House Social. Inside the disco-themed joint you’ll find four full-size shuffleboard ‘decks’, a bar serving old school classic cocktails (think Sex on the Beach and Miami Vice’s – holiday vibes), as well as a range of American beers, arcade machines, a fussball table and amazing artwork splashed across the walls courtesy of local artistic geometrist Rob Lee.

RELAX WITH A BREW

Nestled away in a picturesque courtyard off Division Street, Steam Yard is a charming spot serving up some of the best coffee and doughnuts you’ll find up north. It’s that good people love to shout about it, and it recently became the most instagrammed independent coffee shop in the UK. We’d also highly recommend Albies, Tamper, Marmadukes (I and II), Hygge and South Street Kitchen (up behind the train station) for getting your caffeinated kicks in the city centre.

SOAK UP SOME CULTURE

Sheffield has a thriving arts scene and is home to a number of superb museums and art galleries. Millenium Gallery is based in heart of the city and offers a rotating selection of exhibitions showcasing art, craft and design. A stone’s throw from there you’ll find Graves Gallery, home to Sheffield’s visual art collection since 1934 and hosting work from the likes of JMW Turner, Pierre Bonnard, Grayson Perry, Bridget Riley, Phlegm and more. Site Gallery is another cultural sanctuary in the centre of town, an contemporary art space that prides itself in connecting people and inspiring new thinking and debate. Console enthusiasts can bone up some gaming history at The National Videogame Museum – The UK’s national cultural centre for videogames. If you’re up for a short walk out of town, the largest museum in Sheff is Weston Park Museum, where you can find out more about the city’s social history alongside a number of permanent exhibitions.

SAMPLE A PEDDLER

One of the biggest regular events on the city’s social calendar is Peddler. The event takes place on the first weekend of every month at 92 Burton Road – an events and warehouse space bang in the middle of Kelham Island. Head down to the next instalment (7th-8th October) and enjoy live music, art, cocktails and a truly enviable selection of street food from around the world.

BAG A BARGAIN

If you’re looking for new threads at affordable prices, you’ll find some of the finest vintage clothing stores up north in the town centre. Within a short walk of each other you’ll find Freshman’s (Carver Street), Vulgar (Division Street), Glass Onion and Thrifty Store (Castlegate) – head down for a browse and you might find something special.

MUNCH A BRUNCH

A strong café scene means brunch spots are aplenty around here, but Arundel Street’s Tamper Coffee is something of a Steel City Mecca for early munching – it’s that good, in fact, that it was lauded as one of the best breakfast spots in country by the Guardian and Waitrose Good Food Magazine. Other places to get your brunch on in style include Marmadukes, Joni, Depot Bakery, Made by Jonty, Forge Bakehouse or – slight curveball, –get jiggy at Gatsby’s famous hip-hop brunch.

TREAT YOURSEN

Every now and again, it’s nice to push the boat out and enjoy some of the finer things in life. In terms of food, award-winning restaurant Jöro offers some of the finest hyper-seasonal tasting menus you’ll find around this neck of the woods – pricey but more than worth it for the experience. For top-notch cocktails, you won’t get much better than Public, a former disused toilet renovated in resplendent fashion into an intimate speakeasy venue and named ‘best place to drink in the UK’ by Observer Food Monthly. If you’re looking for somewhere which combines stunning seasonal dishes and drinks (specifically cocktails and wine) incredibly well, then Bench in Nether Edge is the friendly neighbourhood hangout spot for you.

EAT, DRINK AND SHOP ON ABBEYDALE ROAD

A bustling artery of the city centre that has become a haven for independent food, drink and retail opportunities, head down to Abbeydale Road to indulge in its varied offering: cocktails at Barrow Boy, terrace chills at Over the Yardarm, late-night boogies and ping-pong at Picture House, the city’s coolest homeware and plants shop in Gravel Pit, a perfect Sunday roast at the Broady, bangin’ ramen at Coles Corner, authentic Italian grub at North Town, a stunning beer list at Two Thirds Beer Co. That’s just a small taster from the smorgasbord of delights to be enjoyed!

GRAB A VIEW

As your calves will soon discover, Sheff is a city of many, many hills. As well as developing the cardiovascular endurance of an Olympic athlete in no time, another benefit to the undulating terrain means your spoilt for view spots. Grab a few pals, maybe a couple of tinnies (be sure to recycle) and admire it in all its glory from Sheffield Amphitheatre behind the station, Norfolk Heritage Park, Meersbrook Park, Bole Hills or Parkwood Springs.

GET COSY IN A TRADITIONAL PUB

If Sheffield does one thing well, it’s ‘proper’ oldschool pubs. We’d highly recommend a foaming pint of Guinness in the snug at Fagan’s, or an afternoon session in the Kennedy Room at The Grapes, kicking back after sticking a couple

of tunes on the Rutland Arms jukebox. There’s nothing finer than tucking into a pork pie and Pale Rider combo at The Fat Cat, sampling the latest offerings on cask at The Bath Hotel… we’ll let you discover the rest yourselves!

LIVE THE ISLAND LIFE

Odds are you’ll hear a lot about Kelham Island during your stay in Sheffield, and that’s because this former industrial area is today one of the city’s most exciting suburbs. Full of decent beer gardens, real ale pubs, quirky bars and an array of cafes and restaurants, it’s well worth a visit – whether you’re after a pint by the river at The Riverside, cracking café fare at The Grind, Gaard Coffee or Island, or tasty vegan food and cocktails at Church – House of Fun, or gigs, film nights and general chill vibes at Alder Bar, it’s a part of the city well worth acquainting yourself with. PS: make sure you check out the free-entry Kelham Island Museum for your industrial history kicks!

SUPPORT THE WORLD’S FIRST FOOTBALL CLUB

Football means a huge deal around these parts. Sheffield is the home of the beautiful game, and consequently the world’s oldest club (Sheffield FC), official rulebook, ground (Sandygate –Hallam FC), professional stadium (Bramall Lane), pub team (Garrick FC) and football tournament (Youdan Trophy). So, if you’re struggling to decide whether to pledge your allegiance the red and white or blue and white of the city, we’d humbly suggest popping along to see either Sheffield FC or Hallam FC first – it’s cheaper, they’ll appreciate your money more and you can say you’ve experienced a true bit of footballing history in the process.

PEAK TIMES

A mere 20-minutes’ drive (bus and trains also readily accessible) from the city centre will find you entering the Peak District – the first ever national park in the United Kingdom and covering a space of almost 1,500km2. Expect plenty of quaint villages to explore, while some of the best scenic walking routes in the whole country are available to find at visitpeakdistrict. co.uk.

HAIL THE ALE

With 4.7 times more breweries per capita than Greater London, Sheffield can claim to be a major force on the British brewing scene. From your traditional real ale stalwarts such as The Fat Cat, Shakespeares, Kelham Island Tavern and Rutland Arms to your craft beer havens such as Hymn to Ninkasi, The Beer Engine, Bar Stewards, Sheffield Tap, Industry Tap, Dead Donkey and Triple Point Brewery, you’re more than well catered for when the time calls for an interesting pint or two.

SUPPORT INDIES

A haven for independent businesses, on Sharrow Vale Road you’ll find the likes of Pete McKee’s art shop, TONCO, J.H Mann fishmongers, Porter Book Shop, Starmore Boss, Cornerstone and some great Sheffield pubs such as the Porter Cottage down here, not to mention much-loved eateries like the Greedy Greek Deli and Porter Pizza. Tucked behind this stretch of road you’ll also find Dyson Place, another inviting hub of food and local retail businesses to enjoy. Other top spots for showing love to independents are Division Street, Abbeydale Road and Neepsend.

EXPLORE!

Don’t stay hidden in the Student Union all term – explore! Even though the village-like feel of the city centre may give the impression of this being a fairly compact place, there are plenty of brilliant areas dotted around and only a short walk or taxi journey away – Ecclesall Road, Abbeydale Road, Heeley, Meersbrook, Broomhill, Crookes, Walkey, Sharrow Vale Road – all boasting their own selection of pubs, bars, restaurants, shops and parks. A short trip out to find social hotspots like Haggler’s Corner or take in the sunset with a pint at The Brother’s Arms in Heeley is well worth it.

SUP AND SCRAN

Heist Brewery on Neepsend Lane venue provides a perfect hangout boasting shuffleboard tables, an arcade complete with 2p machines and grabbers, TV screens showing alternative sports and a projector screen for some Tony Hawk’s action on the PlayStation. If that wasn’t enough, top burger joint Slap and Pickle provide the grub and the bar offers a massive 30 different lines of beer, giving them the most lines and biggest selection of draught beer in Sheffield.

WHAT’S GOING ON?

SHEFFIELD ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL MARCH

ShAFF presents a carefully curated collection of more than 100 of the best adventure, travel and extreme sport films from around the world. Since the branding of Sheffield as The Outdoor City a few years ago, the festival became well-known as the biggest weekend on the Outdoor calendar. As well as viewing the films, you can enjoy a ShAFF beer, get involved in a range of activities, check out the exhibitor’s area in the Outpost and take inspiration from one of the free talks. Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or just enjoy a good story, there is something there for you.

LOOKING TO FILL THE CALENDAR WITH SOME EXCITING GET-TOGETHERS? HERE ARE SOME OF THE BIG EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN AND AROUND SHEFF OVER THE YEAR…

SHEFFIELD FOOD FESTIVAL

MAY

Over 50,000 people flock to the Sheffield Food Festival each year to celebrate the city’s vibrant food scene. The festival showcases local produce, talented chefs, unbelievable street food and world-class brewers and distillers. The festival is free to attend and spreads across the Peace Gardens, Winter Gardens, Millennium Square, Town Hall Square and Fargate –it’s hard to miss! The Artisan Market fea tures food producers and businesses from around Sheffield and further afield; these are joined by the Theatre Kitchen, Street Food Market and the Eats, Beats and Treats Festival Village. Indulge yourself with the overwhelming array of delicious food, drink and live DJs throughout the weekend.

DOCFEST JUNE

Doc/Fest is a world-leading documentary festival, celebrating and sharing the stories of our time. The annual event champions and supports new talent and ideas for the future of the industry. Over the weekend there is a jam-packed schedule of short films, feature lengths and documentaries at your fingertips. As well as the many, many films, you can also attend talks and debates from some big names in the industry and try out cutting-edge VR in the alternate realities programme.

Picture: Ben Harrison

Picture: David Chang

CLIFFHANGER

JULY

Cliffhanger, the jam-packed weekend of ad venture sports, returns to Sheffield each year to celebrate the great outdoors. In association with Sheffield BID, Cliffhanger holds an array of free activities and events that will take place all over the city centre. Throughout the weekend, Sheffield will be transformed into a big outdoor playground - professional dem onstrations and activities including climbing, mountain biking and much more will be on offer in the city.

SHEFFIELD PRIDE

JULY

Seriously, the people at Pride are hard to beat when it comes to partying it up. This year, the city again came together to celebrate our LGBTQ+ scene in style. Free to attend and open to all, 2023 will continue Pride’s hot streak with a host of events, a festival full of workshops, activities, and certainly not least - dance, food and drink tents.

TRAMLINES

JULY

The biggest party Sheffield has ever seen. This inner-city music fes tival returns each year to take over the city with some of the biggest names in music. Now held at Hillsborough Park, Tramlines holds more than 70 artists over four stages including a comedy stage and a pop-up cinema. Alongside the big names, Tramlines is also proud to support local talent and creativity in providing a space for artists to make a name for themselves. There is currently not a better-value three-day music festival in the country, so grab some tickets and get stuck in!

Picture: Lindsay Melbourne

SHEFFIELD BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL

OCTOBER

The Sheffield Beer and Cider Festival returns to the Steel City each year to showcase over 250 craft beers on cask and keg, 50 real ciders, and much more. This year, the festival will be celebrating their sapphire anniversary, and as always it is expected to be a boozy weekend. Take this opportunity to enjoy a drink with friends or fellow beer and cider lovers. The festival is held in the atmospheric Kelham Island Museum – the industrial setting at the heart of Sheffield is the ideal place to experience the best of the best local ale and cider. As well as the array of beverages available, the festival will also hold local street food vendors, pub games, and live music.

OFF THE SHELF FESTIVAL OF WORDS OCTOBER

Off the Shelf is one of the largest literary festivals in the UK. Since its launch back in 1991, the festival has become wellestablished within the Sheffield cultural calendar. Every year the event brings the biggest names in literature to the city - their aim is to bring the arts to all parts of the com munity making them one of the most accessible literary fes tivals in the country. Their programme of events is curated by both Sheffield Hallam University and The University of Sheffield, with past performances from those such as Kate Adie, David Mitchell and Benjamin Zephaniah.

NO BOUNDS FESTIVAL OCTOBER

No Bounds festival is a place where ideas can breathe and creativity is embraced. Embarking on its third year, the festival comes to Sheffield to host events that explore club culture, art and technology. Their ambi tion is to create Sheffield’s most forward-thinking festival - DJs, instal lations, art pieces and other events will be spread throughout various venues in the city. In what they call ‘a city full of character, grit and soul’, No Bounds invites people from all over the world to come to Sheffield to explore creativity and ask some important questions.

AREA GUIDE

SOME OF THE MOST STUDENT FRIENDLY HOTSPOTS

ABBEYDALE ROAD

A major artery of the Sheffield, Abbeydale Road begins at the end of London Road and stretch ing all the way to Millhouses and beyond. Why should I visit, you ask? It’s pretty cool, basically. It’s come on leaps and bounds over the last couple of years and now has some brilliant independent businesses representing along the roadside, like The Broadfield, Barrow Boy, Two Thirds, Over The Yard Arm and Picture House Social (situ ated beneath a stunning 1920s cinema) – all fine places to drink and unwind.

CROOKES

When leaving the city centre, Crookes is situated just past the main Sheffield University campus. Is it a good place to chill? Yup, there’s plenty of green space on offer here in the form of Crookes Valley Park, Weston Park and Ponderosa. Whilst you’re there, Weston Park Museum is around the corner in, erm, Weston Park. The Dam House overlooks the boating lake in Crookes Valley, while The University Arms boasts a cracking little beer garden.

DEVONSHIRE QUARTER

Located in the heart of the city centre, extending from Division Street to Devonshire Street, Devonshire Quarter is good for Independent and quirky pubs, bars and shopping. Why is it so popular? It’s The perfect chill-spot of Devonshire Green surrounded by a range of boozers, shops, restaurants and cafés.

ECCLESALL ROAD

Running for three and a half miles south-west of the city centre, keep an eye out for the large Waitrose on the outskirts of Sheffield City Centre and follow the road up from the roundabout. “Eccy Road” is a popular haunt for Hallam Students studying at collegiate or city campus. Here, you’re spoilt for choice from the array of restaurants and fine dining establishments, with cuisine from Thai to Tapas, and Italian to Mexican. It’s also a good destination for a day session, and popular student boozers include the Nursery Tavern, Champs and the Porter Brook.

HEELEY AND MEERSBROOK

This up-and-coming area has become popular for its growing bar and café scene, not to mention stunning outdoor locations like Meersbrook Park. Create Coffee and Kopi & Chai are popular for a spot of brekkie/brunch, Tramshed is a cosy spot for cocktails and vegan street food, while you’re spoilt for choice in terms of traditional boozers with Brother’s Arms, White Lion, Sheaf View and Crown Inn all in the area.

KELHAM ISLAND AND SHALESMOOR

Kelham Island is a 15-20 minute walk northeast from the city centre, or a tram journey to Neepsend and just cross the road. Once the beating heart of Sheffield’s manufacturing industry, Kelham Island has been revitalised over the last decade and is now one of the most exciting areas of the city – with plenty bars, pubs, cafés, restaurants and swanky new housing springing up in the area.

SHARROW VALE RD

Sharrow Vale (which runs parallel to Ecclesall Rd) is known for celebrating its diverse culture and supporting independent businesses, with an array of interesting shops, restaurants and cafés lining the road. The Sharrow Festival takes place each summer, celebrating community spirit and uniting cultures. Go visit Local artist Pete McKee while you’re there, and his ‘A Month of Sundays’ gallery, get some tasty scran at the Greedy Greek Deli, or pop into the Porter Cottage and pick a track from arguably the best jukebox in the city.

WEST STREET

The street runs parallel to Division Street in the city centre. At last count there was a total of 12 bars lined up amongst this relatively short street. There’s choice-a-plenty – from late-night hangouts such as the Wick at Both Ends and Molly Malones, to necking £1 schitbombs in the legendary West Street Live. Other than watering holes, there are also plenty of restaurants and shops dotted along the famed street.

WHAT IS IT?

The Art of Play is an upcoming exhibition at the NVM, based at Castlegate in Sheffield city centre, and will be going “behind the screens” to reveal the art, creativity and people behind five UK-made videogames. Opening on 14th October, the exhibition will be emphasising the handmade and traditional techniques used within games and how they create the unique textures and moods seen on screen. Developed through conversations with UKbased games studios, the exhibit showcases drawings, notebooks and physical models, as well as interviews with designers and artists detailing inspirations behind

the games.

WHICH GAMES WILL BE FEATURED?

Featured case studies include award-winning contemporary games Monument Valley, Lumino City and No Longer Home, as well as classics like the Dizzy series, a remake of Lemmings, the famous Angry Birds and Yorkshire’s very own Worms.

AoP Monument ValleyUstwo Games

WHAT WILL YOU BE ABLE TO SEE?

You’ll be able to see videogames presented as contemporary art, illustrating the handcrafted techniques and creativity behind indie games. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in a newly released Panoramic Edition of Monument Valley, a meditative puzzle game influenced by the works of artist M.C. Escher, with seemingly impossible geometric architecture brought to life as 21st-century interactive labyrinths. Contrasting the contemporary with the historic, on display in Sheffield for the first time is a hand-drawn map, created by the Oliver twins in 1989, for the iconic Dizzy series of games. The Fantasy World Dizzy map features hundreds of intricate level details such as clouds, trapdoors and beanstalks, all sketched in pencil - and it even includes alternative titles for the game which had not yet been coded.

A series of rarely seen objects on display include an Amiga 4000 computer (on loan from the US) that was used to design and develop the videogame Worms 2. Through design memos, rough notes and storyboard designs, Art Director for Worms 2, Cris Blyth paints a picture of how blockbuster games were created here in Yorkshire during the late 1990s.

The National Videogame Museum is the UK’s only museum dedicated to videogames. Its ethos was to create a space where anyone from every background can play, explore and create videogames. The NVM moved to Sheffield in 2018 and is based at Castle House, Angel Street, in the sheffield city centre.

did you know?

through this exhibition (and the supportof art fund) we are able to explore how game developers use traditional techniques to produce stunning and contemporary interactive artworks.

Dr. Michael Pennington, curator at the National Videogame Museum

Lumino CityState of Play Games

No Longer HomeHumble Grove

STEPS TO CHOOSING YOUR NEXT STUDENT HOME

1. Choosing your housemates

Although fun, choosing housemates is a serious pursuit! It’s all well and good wanting to live with all the people you’ve just become bezzie mates with, and a nine-bedroom house always seems like a good idea at the time. But logically, imagine how much washing up nine people would create, and the guy that seems like a laugh and goes out 5/7 nights of the week won’t be as hilarious when he’s waking you up all the time at 3am. A contract is a legally binding agreement and once you’ve signed it isn’t easy to back out. Make sure you’ve got the essentials covered before you move in, such as how you’re going to split the bills, make sure the new place is close to your campus and whip up the dreaded cleaning rota for a smooth transition when moving in with new people.

2. WHEN TO START SEARCHING

The earlier you begin to house hunt, the more choice you will have out of the properties available. Traditionally, some students start looking in November for the next academic year, but there’s really no rush. We suggest that you take your time to sign - you shouldn’t feel pressured into signing a contract. You may wish to wait until after Christmas, so that you are in a better position to make an informed decision. Sheffield has a huge amount of student accommodation, so if you’re not sure about a particular property, don’t commit to it, there are plenty of others out there. The great thing about our halls is that there are no hidden costs - the prices you see on the website are fully inclusive.

3. BRUSH UP ON THE LEGAL BITS

CONTRACTS

You will have to sign a contract. You will think, “Why are there so many pages?” You do have rights as a tenant and you can speak to people before you sign all of the documents, like the Student’s Advice Centre at your university. The tenancy contract is a legally binding document, and because of that we recommend you don’t sign it until you have viewed the property and are sure you want to live there. Like we’ve said, once you get in it’s pretty difficult to back out.

DEPOSITS

Typically, your contract should acknowledge receipt of the deposit, which should be similar in price to a month’s rent, how it will be protected, and how it will be returned to you at the end of your tenancy. If the contract doesn’t say anything about this, then get your landlord or letting agent to amend the contract or provide you with a written receipt.

4. HAVE A LOOK FOR YOURSELF

Perhaps the most important part of house hunting is to see the property for yourself, and preferably during daylight hours. This will give you the best idea as to whether you can see yourself living there. By seeing it in person, and not just through images on the Internet, it’ll also give you a chance to ask the current tenants about the house/landlord and any issues they’ve faced. You can also request a virtual viewing.

5. SNUG: GUARANTEEING YOU SOMEWHERE SAFE TO LIVE

In partnership with Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Hallam has created snug: an approved directory of private student accommodation in Sheffield. The scheme registers, inspects and advertises student properties in Sheffield and is intended to make sure all of the city’s students have access to good quality, safe accommodation in the private sector.

6. REASONS TO RETURN TO HALLS

More and more students are choosing to stay in university accommodation in their second, third and fourth years. Most of Hallam’s halls are less than a 10-minute walk away from lectures and seminars so you won’t have to face commuting on public transport every morning. There’s accommodation to suit all budgets with the university offering some of the best value student digs in the country. You can apply with no obligation to accept a room offer and with more than 12 halls, from small and friendly to large purpose-built residences, Hallam has something for everyone!

You are guaranteed a place (conditions apply)

Rent includes utility bills

There are a variety of room types including en-suites

Residential support services are available

Halls are located in popular student areas

Halls offer a safe and secure environment

Contracts run from September through to July

All halls are within walking distance of both City and Collegiate campus

ROOMS TO RENT

HERE’S A QUICK OVERVIEW OF SOME OF THE BEST STUDENT PADS OUT THERE ON THE MARKET…

JUST OFF ECCLESALL ROAD

Space won’t be a problem at this lovely (and modern) six bedroomed house on Thompson Road, Sheffield. Inside you’ll find a large, stylish fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, including a washer/dryer, two fridge/freezers, and the student’s dream – a dishwasher! Two shower rooms, both with toilets, means you won’t be fighting housemates for bathroom time either. Boasting a light and airy interior, with laminate flooring throughout and a large TV in the living room, this is the perfect place to relax. Thompson Road sits between the Botanical Gardens and Ecclesall Road, so with peaceful greenery on one side and a lively night scene on the other, you get the best of both worlds. The location also makes it convenient for students of both The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University.

21 Thompson Road, Sheffield, S11 8RA £90pppw www.capland.co.uk

THE AWARD-WINNER

Béton House is sited on top of one of Sheffield’s seven hills – just seven minutes’ walk from City campus. Since opening, the property has won Development of The Year at the 2020 Property Week Student Accommodation Awards and has been featured in international architecture and design publications. There are a range of 3 and 4 bed apartements ranging from £105-£109 per person per week, all including the usual facilities you would expect plus wifi speed up to 200MB, a cinema room, private dining and study areas, cycle storage and a free on site gym. £105-£109 pppw www.betonhouse.co.uk

GREAT FOR HALLAM UNI

Exchange Works is a popular city-centre home for 430 students, located just a five-minute walk to Sheffield Hallam University, and 20 minutes to the University of Sheffield.

Choose an en-suite room for your own bathroom and share a kitchen and lounge with flatmates.

You’ll find a common room with games tables, TV, and seating as well as a study room. When you need some fresh air, there’s an amazing garden at Exchange Works featuring artificial lawn, ping pong table, benches - even palm trees!

www.unitestudents.com.

BOTTOM OF ECCY ROAD

Ecclesall Gate is a fabulous new complex at the bottom of Ecclesall Road , super handy for both Universities with lots of amenities on your doorstep. This one is a 6 bedroomed constructed to the highest standards with luxury fixtures and fittings including a fully fitted kitchen with integral appliances including a hob, oven, extractor, two fridge freezers, washer/dryer, dishwasher and microwave, as well as 2 fully tiled shower rooms and TV & IT points in every room, free broadband, energy efficient gas central heating and double glazing.

The apartment is fully furnished with leather sofas, table and a flat screen TV in the open plan living area, plus each bedroom is fitted with a double bed, built in wardrobe, desk and chair. Free internet access is also available.

www.mafstudents.co.uk

HUNTERS BAR HANGOUT

Located just off Ecclesall Road, close to Endcliffe Student Village, Endcliffe park and the vibrant shops and restaurants of Sharrowvale Road, everything will be right there at your fingertips in this beautiful 8 bedroomed home. Inside is just as great too, with a large, modern kitchen and a cosy living room to boot. A breakfast bar in the kitchen will be the best place to enjoy a meal with your housemates. French doors also open out to the garden which has picnic benches; meaning you can still appreciate the outdoors without having to leave your home. All the bedrooms are a nice size with a 3/4 double bed in each. Both bathrooms have showers, and one also has a bath to relax in if you fancy. With three toilets, even with seven housemates, you should be alright when the need arises too! As an added bonus, the kitchen comes fully equipped, including with crockery, cutlery, pots and pans, toasters, kettles and general utensils, making it a great place for first time students.

1 Wiseton Road, Sheffield, S11 8SB £89pppw, with a bills inclusive option available www.paproperties.co.uk

RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Devonshire Point offers a selection of 2,3 & 4 bed properties in a modern new build complex near Devonshire Green and West Street. All apartments come with free internet, washer/dryers, integrated fridge freezers and dishwashers. There are modern kitchens and fully tiled bathrooms fitted throughout to an excellent spec.

Prices vary www.mafstudents.co.uk

PERFECT LOCATION ON ECCY ROAD

Ecco is a new development completed in August 2019 and MAF have a selection of 2 and 3 bed apartments available for rent. These are all finished to a very high standard with a fantastic city centre location at the bottom of Ecclesall Road, next to the Waitrose and Wetherspoons! The apartments have been designed with a spacious open plan living/dining area, fully fitted kitchen with granite worktops and splash backs. All the appliances (oven, hob, extractor, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washer/dryer) are all integrated and come as standard.

All bathrooms are fully tiled throughout, finished with Villeroy and Boch fittings giving a real luxury feel to each apartment.

The double bedrooms are fully furnished including a bed, floor to ceiling mirrored wardrobes, a desk and chair.

In the living/dining area there are leather sofas, a coffee table, breakfast bar and stools.

Each apartment comes with a free Wi-Fi service provided and have internet and TV points in the bedrooms. Secure parking is available at an extra cost (please enquire for pricing).

www.mafstudents.co.uk

IN AND AROUND CROOKES

Situated in Crookesmoor (a beautiful area of Sheffield if we do say so ourselves), with local shops and amenities nearby, this five-bed mid terraced house is perfect for any students of The University of Sheffield. Featuring modern furnishings, large beds, a cream gloss kitchen with integrated appliances, and a living space with a wall mounted TV, this property has everything you’ll need. A secure access gate with keycode entry will also give you peace of mind that your beloved possessions will be safe and secure while you’re away. As an added bonus, Capland own 42 Bower Road, making this an ideal choice for friends wanting to live next door to each other.

44 Bower Road, Sheffield, S10 1ER £90 pppw www.capland.co.uk

RIGHT BY A CULTURAL INSTITUTION

If you’re looking for city centre living in Sheffield at a great price, right next to the iconic music venue, The Leadmill, then this is the place for you. From here, it’s less than a five-minute walk to Sheffield Hallam University and the train station. Leadmill Point offers several room options. If you’d like a private bathroom, choose an en-suite. Don’t mind sharing? The property has rooms with shared bathrooms available too.

Away from your room, you’ll find a shared common room with pool, table football, a TV, and comfy sofas - ideal for chilling out in the evenings.

The whole city is on your doorstep here. As well as The Leadmill, local highlights include the four-screen independent cinema the Showroom and the Site Gallery. Perfect for you arty-types. www.unitestudents. com.

CROOKESMOOR 11 BEDDER

This fantastic 11-bed house is in the centre of Crookesmoor, a sought-after student location with pubs, cafes and parks nearby. It’s just up the hill from the Arts Tower and a short walk to the city centre or a 30 minute walk to vibrant Kelham Island. Great for a large group of friends looking for a spacious house to make their own for the year. There is a huge living room, equipped with a pubsized pool table, a large kitchen, separate laundry room with 2 washers and a dryer, 4 bathrooms (including 1 bath) and off-road parking on the private drive. All the bedrooms are good sized and fully furnished with 3/4 double bed, wardrobe, drawers, bedside table, bookshelf, desk and chair. The property comes with everything you could need, including FREE superfast broadband, large wall mounted flat screen TV, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and vacuum. Not to mention all our properties come with fully equipped kitchens including; crockery, cutlery, pots and pans, toasters, kettles and general utensils.

115 Roebuck Road, Sheffield S6 3GQ £84pppw, with a bills inclusive option available www.paproperties.co.uk

ON THE EDGE OF KELHAM ISLAND

Just a 10-minute walk from the city centre and University of Sheffield, Brass Founders is the perfect place to call home, especially if you want easy access to all the nightlife delights Kelham Island has to offer.

Whether you’re on the hunt for en-suite rooms in shared flats or self-contained, private studios, you’re sure to find a room you’ll love. Brass Founders boasts the best amenities with a washer/dryer in every kitchen and studio, reducing costs so you can have more money to spend on the fun stuff!

With a beautiful boutique-style common room, a gym, a cinema room, indoor basketball and a huge outdoor courtyard. This property is perfect for everyone. www.unitestudents.com.

BANG ON ECCY ROAD

Ecclesall Road is a prime location for any students wanting to be in the midst of a thriving hub of trendy businesses, from a vast range of restaurants, pubs, bars cafes and shops, including many one-off boutiques. In the middle of it all, right opposite Sheffield Hallam’s Collegiate Campus, is a great modern duplex accommodation. 367a has 3 large bedrooms, and to offer another little incentive, each one comes with its own wall mounted TV too. To ensure safe and stress-free student living, you can reach 367a through a security gate with keycode. The home features a bright and spacious living room, again, with a wall mounted television and oak effect flooring, giving it just a hint of rustic. The shower room is also beautifully tiled too, adding to this property’s beautiful interior. Finally, a luxury kitchen with washer/dryer and dishwasher completes this modern flat quite nicely.

367a Ecclesall Road, Shefield, S11 8PF £89 pppw www.capland.co.uk

8 BEDDER ON ECCLESALL ROAD

This fantastic 8-bed Victorian house on Ecclesall Road is a short walk to the City Centre, Collegiate and the University of Sheffield, making it the perfect location for both Hallam and University of Sheffield students. There are 100s of shops, bars, restaurants and supermarkets on your doorstep and great transport links. The property has a large bay-windowed living room with comfy sofas and a fabulous modern fully fitted kitchen and a large conservatory dining area. All the bedrooms are good sized and fully furnished with 3/4 double bed, wardrobe, drawers, bedside table, bookshelf, desk and chair. There is a modern shower room downstairs and a large bathroom with bath and shower on the first floor.

The property has a lovely maintained back garden with an outhouse laun-dry room and extra freezer space.

The property comes with everything you could need, including FREE superfast broadband, large flat screen TV, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher and vacuum. Not to mention all our properties come with fully equipped kitchens including; crockery, cutlery, pots and pans, toasters, kettles and general utensils.

384 Ecclesall Road, Sheffield S11 8PJ

£90 pppw with a bills inclusive option available www.paproperties.co.uk

THE TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT

Conveniently located in close proximity to both universities as well as all the shops, bars & restaurants Sheffield has to offer, Velocity Village on Solly Street is contemporary and stylish and the kind of pad your mates will be jealous they didn’t bag for themselves. Their two bedroom apartments provide sophisticated urban living at affordable prices and are spacious, fully furnished with generous open plan kitchen, dining and living area as well as fully enclosed balcony for use all year round. They enjoy maximum light, with full height floor to ceiling glass while Velocity Village’s friendly and helpful residential team is on hand to make your stay as hassle free as possible. As a resident you’ll benefit from a concierge service, 24/7 on-site security team and an electronic entry system to ensure you feel safe and comfortable at all times. Up to 10MB broadband and Sky/Freeview are wired into each apartment, making it simple to get connected from the moment you arrive. Velocity Village also enjoys its own secure, underground car park. Act fast these apartments book up extremely quickly.

velocity-village.co.uk

MADE IN SHEFFIELD

We’re not called the ‘Steel City’ for nowt...

did you know?

Stainless steel is among the most recycled and sustainable materials on the planet – around 88% of the world’s steel is recycled! It is one of the least environmentally damaging and impactful materi-als, and thus all stainless steel can be recycled and re-created as strong and as useful as originally made.

Words: Charlie Parker

We didn’t get the ‘Steel City’ moniker for nowt. In fact, Sheffield’s association with the steel industry and cutlery-making can be traced back to the Middle Ages, and you can uncover some quite illustrious connections in the process. From Chaucer to Custer, here are a few things you may not know about our steel…

IT BUILT THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE

Yeah, you read that correctly. All the steel used in the construction of one of the most famous bridges in the world – and the world’s first steel-wire suspension – was, as they say, made in Sheffield. First opened in 1883, New York’s Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic landmark in architectural achievement and is used by an average of 150,000 people daily. It is a film icon, too, having been featured in countless films and TV shows such as Sex and the City, Godzilla and I Am Legend. It is even likely that this steel would have been made at Brooklyn Works in Kelham Island, whose original signage is still standing to this day.

CHAUCER GAVE US A SHOUTOUT

One of the earliest references to a product of Sheffield steel is in The Canterbury Tales (or for you Middle English lovers, Tales of Caunterbury) by Geoffrey Chaucer. Written c.1400, the twenty-four-story collection tells the tale of a group of pilgrims travelling from London to Canterbury to see the shrine of St Thomas Becket. However, in ‘The Reeve’s Tale’, the character Symkyn is described as follows:

Ay by his belt he baar a long panade, And of a swerd ful trenchant was the blade. A joly popper beer he in his pouche; Ther was no man, for peril, dorste hym touche. A Sheffield thwitel baar he in his hose.

For those who are not Middle English lovers, this loosely translates as, ‘he were a rough lad, wi’ a big knife from Sheffield, and if tha touches him, tha’ll cop for it’. Specifically, a ‘Thwitel knife’ was a general-purpose knife, used in this context as a weapon for Symkyn.

THIS KNIFE AIN’T BIG ENOUGH FOR THE BOTH O’ US

The great American Bowie hunting knife soon become a sought-after accessory once Sheffield makers Joseph Rodgers and George Wostenholm began making them in the mid-

1800s. The Sheffield-made Bowie knives came to be coveted long after the American Civil War, right up to the late-1800s. In fact, it is rumoured that it was a Rodgers-made hunting knife, given to Buffalo Bill by General Custer, which Bill used in his duel with Native leader Sitting Bull!

CLOCKING IN

The clock hands and inner workings of Big Ben were restored in 2021 at Sheffield’s very own Shepley Engineers. In addition, St. Paul’s Cathedral owes its stainlesssteel reinforcement chain – the links which hold the building together – to Sheffield, being made in the Steel City by Brown Bailey in 1930. You’re welcome, London.

TUNING IN

The UK’s only manufacturer of tuning forks is based in Sheffield. Since 1841, Ragg Tuning Forks have been forging the tool mainly used for tuning musical instruments, assessing a patient’s hearing within the medical field and even timekeeping in the watch manufacturing trade.

BLADES OF GLORY

Some of the largest and most grandiose steel items can be found in our very own Kelham Island Museum. In the Hawley Exhibition, celebrating the life work of master toolmaker Ken Hawley, you will be greeted by no less than a 51” trowel and a padlock over two hands wide! The Giant’s Toolbox showcases the work of toolmaker Arthur Pond after having said he could make any tool necessary and proved it by creating items such as a spanner the size of your leg. However, perhaps the most striking feature of this exhibit is the Year Knife. Created in 1821, this knife was claimed to have 1,821 knives (one for every Christian year) and is added to every five years. As the museum itself states, there is no other knife that has as many blades!

A KNIFE FOR THE QUEEN… AND THE KING

It cannot go without mentioning the importance of Sheffield’s ‘Little Mesters’, who, upon their origins in the mid-17th century, were self-employed individual craftsmen operating individually. This concept of Little Mesters was unique to Sheffield, as initially, there were no firms as we know them today. Little Mesters continued in one form or another up until 2021, when Sheffield’s last Little Mester Stan Shaw sadly died at the age of 94. A master knife-maker, he even made knives for the Queen, Elvis Presley and some US presidents!