The Sheffield Student Guide: Ecclesall Road
Lucie Waring
20 May 2025 • 3 min read
The views and opinions expressed in these blogs are those of the UniHomes Content Ambassadors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UniHomes. UniHomes accepts no liability for the content of these Student Blogs.
About the author: My name is Lucie Waring, I’m 19 years old, and I’m a 2nd year student studying BA Digital Media and Society at the University of Sheffield. I am originally from York, but I’m loving my new life in Sheffield and getting to know all the student hotspots — especially finding the local coffee shops and parks. During my time at university I am a member of many societies, from the Sociology Society to the University of Sheffield Lacrosse Club, that I love to attend with friends and where I partake in fun social events!
Ecclesall Road is a significant Sheffield landmark amongst students in the city, housing hundreds of both Hallam and University Of students and being a popular street for a vast amount of student friendly businesses and activities that you won’t find in the high street.
If you are a university student on the hunt for a home on the so called ‘Eccy Road’ or just searching for your next independent vendor hotspot, this guide will provide you with a 'student first' insight into the hidden gems located on this jam-packed 3.6-mile stretch that is just a short walk from both universities.
The location
Situated only a 15 minute walk from the UoS Endcliffe Student Village and in close proximity to Sheffield Hallam buildings, Ecclesall Road is evidently a perfect base camp between the two universities and a calm escape from the bustling student life in the City Centre. It offers a quieter, yet still vibrant lifestyle to its occupants, with an array of vendors and businesses to discover, that may differ to your traditional high street retailers that are seen just 20 minutes down the road. In addition, it borders Endcliffe Park and Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens in Broomhall, offering greenery and wildlife walks, for a mix of serenity and thrilling vibrancy in the suburb; making it the perfect destination for the downtime away from your studies.
The food
Dining on Ecclesall Road consists of both crowd pleasing chain restaurants such as Mowgli and Zapp Thai Food for when you are in need of some satisfying comfort food, in addition to Sheffield-founded coffee shops such as Coffika — offering an array of breakfast and brunch options for a much needed hangover cure. However, a recent addition to the street, yet already a bustling business, is Urban Fresh; a franchise that (in my opinion) offers the best burgers and fries in Sheffield. With unlimited toppings and locally sourced ingredients, you don't want to miss this. They even offer student discounts on your meal, making this a perfect student friendly lunch option amongst the many making their mark in Ecclesall.
Student housing
The average cost of student accommodation in the City Centre is £151 PPPW vs. £121 PPPW on Ecclesall Rd*. These prices are when you rent via UniHomes and include bills, so there is no doubt as to why these student housing options are in such popularity amongst Hallam students (despite their city-based campus). Especially with house sizings of 5 and 3 bedrooms being in most demand, students house hunting along Ecclesall Road want to be at the centre of the student life founded on this street; therefore they go at rapid speeds. So when searching for your next year's accommodation be sure to start early and put down your deposit before they are snapped up.
*Average weekly price of properties advertised on UniHomes (April 2025)
The nightlife
It could be argued that Ecclesall Road is lacking in nightlife in comparison to the many bars and clubs situated in the City Centre, however, when it comes to warm-weather beer-garden season it is certainly exceeding expectations with its infamous student friendly pub and sports bar, ‘The Nursery Tavern’. Commonly referred to as ‘Tav’ by students, the pub is a hotspot for Sheffield Hallam students, offering unbeatable student prices with their Tav membership cards and post lecture lunch deals. It is predominantly a Hallam domain, being in close proximity to their collegiate campus and student housing, hosting many sports team socials and student quizzes; however Uni Of students are still welcome to sneak in and scout out their rivals (just don’t mention who you are rooting for in Varsity).
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The shops
Home to many independent boutiques and unique businesses, you are bound to find some Steel City gems on Ecclesall Road. For example, Sheffield Makers Hunters Bar offers handmade arts and designs from local creators stocking a range of items perfect for gifts, or memorable city landmarks. In addition, the charity shopping scene on the road is extensive, offering students a budget friendly method of finding vintage clothing and designs proven to impress your seminar sweetheart. Some of its best thrifting spots include White Rose Recycled Fashion, along with Oxfam and St Luke's for a diverse deep dive into the Sheffield fashion realm.
Whilst you’re out having fun in your new uni city, remember that UniHomes promotes responsible drinking, and any alcohol products featured within this article are for ages 18+.
If you're considering searching for your next student house on Ecclesall Road, compare the best student properties in the area here—with bills already included.
