Illustration postgraduate degrees in Northern England

Studying at Sheffield Hallam University offers a dynamic and varied experience shaped by academic opportunities, social life, and the realities of modern student living. Located in the heart of Sheffield, the university has built a reputation as a career-focused institution with strong links to industry, a diverse student population, and a commitment to widening participation. However, like any university, the experience is not without its challenges. This reflection explores both the best and worst aspects of studying at Sheffield Hallam, drawing on student experiences, institutional strengths, and broader contextual factors such as cost of living and academic delivery. It also includes practical “top tips” to help future students make the most of their time at the university.

Leeds Arts Univerity is small in size, meaning there are few noteworthy Student Unions in comparison to UoL, but does feel welcoming and safe. The university's student support is freindly and helpful from what I experienced; LAU is a very inclusive organisation and does strive to support students with a variety of services available. The campus is a little dull looking, with few spaces looking vibrant in contrast to the many white/grey hallways. I was able to use the Film/Photography course's cameras as a Music student, however the university's facilities seem somewhat limited as a whole, with spaces and equipment scarce close to submission time.

The best aspects are the student union and the facilities available. I think it could be improved if we had more books generally available at the library without requiring click and collect, since right now the library feels like a study space but not a real library.

Best experience is the facilities, and the student centre. Worst experience? I have two: the accommodation office and the actual course. During summer break, I am having a lot of problems trying to find somewhere to stay until September 6th, and they have offered me an extension in the same building where I currently am - on the top floor, and I am disabled, which they know. They five hundred quid for me to stay there for just six weeks - disgusting. Second - the course. I was really enjoying it until the summer placement (Bone Boot Camp). The mornings were fine, as we were talking about the skeleton - I want to go into bioarchaeology and osteoarchaeology when - or if - I graduate. There were too much emphasis on social media, or a 'Social Media Takeover' as it's called. ! And I thought archaeology and anthropology were sciences, not to be taken lightly, but this makes it seem like a joke, and a bad one, at that. It's clear this course is engineered to appeal to much younger students, and not someone nearly 50, as I am. I am good with technology, but I don't think social media should be part of this course, or career. If I wanted to be an influencer, I would be putting dumb videos on YouTube or TikTok. I just can't take it seriously anymore, and all this stress of what's happening right now? I am really thinking about dropping out, because it's not worth the aggravation. I gave up my home, and my job to do this, and it was obviously a sacrifice that I shouldn't have made. UCLAN is great if you're under 35. If not, you're screwed

There are lots of societies and the students union hosts lots of events, which makes it a great way to meet new people and save money, earning student deals! The lecturers are so nice and the campus is easy to navigate and a quick walk into town.

i love the community - societies are great, i love how i’ve met so many people and get to do a course i love, the worst aspect is maybe how many days were in as it doesn’t see very worth it and facilities/resources for art students as we got £150 from an exhibition last year and they kept the money for “resources” however we’ve not seen any