University of Sheffield

Rooms at my host university´s accomodation were quite big, but very ugly. You have to hang up a lot of personal photos and posters. Otherwise you see the damaged decoration and the ugly colour of the decoration. The kitchens were well equipped. They have been the central meeting point for everyone in my flat. The washing machines were terrible. They only had a short programme (about 20 minutes) for 30° washing. And even with the 60° washing programme the clothes did not get clean at all. The washing room only had 2 washing machines for over 100 people and only two dryers, which were very expensive. There was no possibility to dry the clothes somewhere else than in the dryers. I did not want to pay money for drying my laundry, so I had to hang up a washing rope in my room first, before I could hang up my laundry on the rope. The organisation of my accomodation was very easy. The University of Sheffield helped me a lot. I got prospects about the different kinds of accomodation in advance. The tenancy agreements etc. were sent by faxes. So the procedure was very uncomplicated.

In my days, Tapton and Sorby sucked. However, Sorby was merged with Earnshaw so it might have improved. Apartments are all close to the Halls (except for Victoria - in the city centre). In case you really can't afford pre-arranged housing, you can go to the message board in the student union. Plenty of rooms offered, but not the best way to immerge in the student life..

I was in a hall of Residence called Earnshaw, really good facilities : LAN Internet, Bar, Laundry Room. The bad point is if you want to work, it's quite hard because of all the freshers around ...

There are 3 kinds of accomodations : privated, houses or flats (5 people per flat), hall of residence (just a room). Houses and flats are much better because you live with other erasmus students.

The accomodation is all right when you know that you will stay here only for few months. You have your own room and share the kitchen and the shower. The cleaning is provided by a person from the university.

IT WAS A GREAT EXPERIENCE LIVING WITH 10 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE SAME FLAT.