OVERALL UNIVERSITY RATING
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
The best part of my experience has been how much I have grown in confidence and independence. When I first started, I focused mainly...
University rating
Tell us about your overall university experience so far.
The best part of my experience has been how much I have grown in confidence and independence. When I first started, I focused mainly on understanding content and passing assessments. Over time, particularly through demanding modules and project work, I began to think more critically and take ownership of my learning. I have appreciated the applied nature of the courses — being able to move from theory into practical modelling, research design, or structured analysis has made everything feel purposeful rather than abstract. There is something very satisfying about seeing concepts come to life in coursework, presentations, or technical projects.
I have also valued the environment. The diversity of students has broadened my perspective, and working in groups has pushed me outside my comfort zone. Some of my most meaningful learning has come from collaborative discussions rather than lectures alone. There have been moments where a difficult topic suddenly made sense because of a conversation with a peer or a lecturer taking the time to explain something differently.
That said, it has not always been easy. The workload can be intense, especially when several deadlines fall within the same week. There have been periods where I felt stretched, balancing multiple demanding modules at once. At times, navigating administrative systems has also been frustrating, particularly when clarity or quick responses were needed.
However, looking back, even the challenging aspects have contributed to my development. The pressure has strengthened my time management, resilience, and self-discipline. I have learnt how to handle setbacks, refine my work, and aim for higher standards. Overall, my experience at Sheffield Hallam has been demanding, but it has pushed me to grow in ways I would not change.
Facilities
How good are your university's facilities?
Location
Institution Location
Student support
How good is the support offered by the uni? Think both academic (tutors/feedback) and personal (counselling, etc).
Campus look and feel
Institution Campus look and feel
Student life
Institution Student life
Students' union
What do you think of your Students' Union in terms of student representation and facilities?
Course rating
Course rating
The best aspect for me has been social psychology. I genuinely enjoy exploring how social norms, group processes, and interpersonal dynamics shape behaviour. Topics such as conformity, obedience, identity, and social influence feel intellectually engaging because they connect directly to everyday life and current societal issues. I find myself naturally drawn to critically analysing classic studies and contemporary research, questioning methodology, and considering real-world implications. Social psychology allows space for debate, interpretation, and theoretical comparison, which suits how I think and write academically. It feels meaningful and conceptually rich.
In contrast, the most challenging aspect for me has been biological psychology. While I recognise its importance in understanding behaviour, I find the heavy focus on neuroanatomy, neural pathways, neurotransmitters, and physiological mechanisms less engaging. The content often feels more technical and detail-oriented, requiring memorisation of structures and processes rather than conceptual discussion. I sometimes struggle to feel the same sense of curiosity or motivation when studying brain regions or synaptic transmission compared to analysing social behaviour or cultural influences.
That said, studying biological psychology has pushed me to become more disciplined. It has required a different type of learning strategy — more structured revision, repetition, and diagram-based study. Although it is not my preferred area, I appreciate that it strengthens my scientific understanding of psychology and prevents me from viewing behaviour from a purely social lens.
Overall, the course has helped me identify where my academic interests lie. While biological psychology challenges me, social psychology reminds me why I chose to study psychology in the first place.
Course content
Course content
Work placements and internships
Work placements and internships
Lecturers and teaching quality
What do you like most and least about the way your course(s) are taught?
Career prospects
How does your uni make efforts to increase your employability (careers department, work placements, transferable skills)?
Tutor contact time
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
Subject facilities
University halls
What do you think about the safety, condition, location and cost of your accommodation?
What I like most is the convenience of the location. Being close to campus and the city centre makes daily life much easier — whether that is getting to lectures on time, accessing shops, or meeting friends. The building itself feels modern and secure, which is reassuring, especially in first year. I also appreciate having my own private space within a shared flat; having an en-suite room made it easier to maintain independence while still being part of a social environment. The communal areas can be good for meeting people, particularly at the beginning of the academic year.
In terms of amenities, having bills included simplifies budgeting, which is helpful as a student. Wi-Fi reliability is also essential for coursework, and that has generally been consistent.
However, in terms of what I like least, value for money can sometimes feel questionable. Student accommodation is expensive, and while the facilities are modern, the room sizes can feel quite compact for the price paid. At times, maintenance response times could be quicker, especially when issues affect shared spaces. Noise can also occasionally be a problem in a large student building, particularly during busy social periods.
Overall, Paper Works offers a convenient and secure living environment, but the cost relative to room size and occasional maintenance delays are aspects that could be improved.
Room allocation
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Value for money
Property management
Property management
Have you stayed in your Universty's hall?
Yes