Updated April 2026 · Based on real student spending data · Students' favourite — cheap, friendly, and great quality of life
Sheffield is roughly 50% cheaper than London — and consistently ranks higher for student satisfaction. Most international students in Sheffield spend between £715 and £1,015 per month on rent, food, transport, and basic living costs.
Shared rent
£400–£650
Food / month
£150–£240
Transport
£65
Monthly total
£715–£1,015
Part-time earnings
£996
20hrs/wk @ £11.5/hr
Min living cost
£715
Survival mode
Monthly gap
+£281
Surplus
Working the legal maximum of 20 hours/week during term time at Sheffield's average wage of £11.5/hr earns approximately £996/month gross (before tax). This covers your minimum living costs with £281 to spare.
Broomhill, Crookes, and Walkley are the best cheap student areas
Sheffield has more trees per person than any other UK city — parks are free
Meadowhall shopping centre and Crystal Peaks both have student job fairs
The University's student union is consistently rated the best in the UK
Tram system covers the main student areas — cheaper than buses for cross-city travel
Free tool
Enter your course, city, and lifestyle. Get a personalised ROI simulation with worst, realistic, and best-case scenarios.
Your tuition
£15,000/yr
Living in Sheffield
£715–£1,015/mo
Part-time offset
~£996/mo
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