Overjoyed at being an undergraduate in Yorkshire

THEY are regarded by many as the best days of their lives and for undergraduates it seems there is no better place to spend your formative years than in Yorkshire.

The results of a nationwide survey show that Sheffield and Leeds are among the top 10 cities for student social life, with Sheffield University’s students’ union voted the UK’s best for the eighth year in a row.

The annual Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey polled more than 15,000 undergraduates on 21 areas of student life, including the structure of courses, quality of the library and community atmosphere.

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Sheffield University retained its place in third spot for social life with Leeds climbing three places to sixth. Sheffield was also rated joint top for having a good community atmosphere and for the number of students who would recommend the University to a friend. The university, which has more than 300 student clubs and societies, also came joint third in the ‘good extra-curricular/societies’ category.

So what is it that make Sheffield and Leeds such popular places for young people making their way in the world after leaving home for the first time?

“Sheffield is just such a phenomenally friendly city, it’s a very welcoming place for people from throughout the UK and across the world,” said Christy McMorrow, the Sheffield Student Union president.

“The warmth of Sheffield people is great: a lot of the students who come here from London and the South find it very striking!

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“Despite its size, Sheffield doesn’t have the impersonal big-city feel of places like Manchester, London or Birmingham. There’s always a lot going on and lots of small, independent businesses which leave you in no doubt where you are.

“The Students Union has a great relationship with the University, which encourages students to take a leading role in many aspects of their lives.

“There’s a strong sense of community here in Sheffield, both on campus and off it. It’s a great place to study and a great place to live.”

Leeds has long been a magnet for students and with four universities within the city currently boasts a student population of 250,00, many of whom study at the University of Leeds, which was founded in 1904 - just a year before Sheffield University welcomed its first freshers.

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Like many UK universities, Leeds is popular with overseas students, most of whom leave after three years with a lifelong love of the Broad Acres.

Lili Prodanova, a 22-year-old undergraduate from Bulgaria, is approaching the end of her fourth year of a degree in International Relations and Japanese and has nothing but praise for her second home.

“It’s an amazing city, I absolutely love Leeds,” said Lili. “From the first day I arrived it felt so right. I love it so much I persuaded my sister to come over and study here.

“It’s a lively city that’s always got something going on. You could never be bored in Leeds.

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“Everything is in walking distance: the city centre, the campus and lots of accommodation are only five minutes away from each other.

“I have applied to do a Masters in Japan but I know I’m really going to miss Leeds. There isn’t anywhere like it in the world.”

Here are five things that Lili loves most about being an undergraduate at the University of Leeds:

The societies

“I’m a dancer and being a member of my dance society has enabled me to make so many friends. There are hundreds of societies, something for everyone.”

Walks on the river

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“You don’t have to stray too far from Leeds city centre to find lovely walks. The canal and the river are great places to get away from it all.”

The countryside

“I love hiking and having the Dales on your doorstep is a huge bonus.”

The Student Union

“The union does so much for so many students, they’re a great help to everyone. Leaving home is never easy but the union is always there to make sure students settle in.”

The nightlife

“There’s a huge number of bars and clubs across the city, and the nightlife is just amazing. I like live gigs and some great bands play live in Leeds.”