University of Sheffield’s Students’ Union voted best in the nation for the sixth year in a row

The University of Sheffield’s Students’ Union has been voted the Best Students’ Union in the Whatuni Student Choice Award 2023, for the sixth year running.

• The University of Sheffield’s Students’ Union has been awarded Best Students’ Union at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023 for the sixth year running. 
• The University of Sheffield was also shortlisted for the University of the Year and Student Life categories
• Over 35,000 student reviews from across the UK contributed towards the awards which celebrate higher education providers

The nation’s best Students’ Union – What is student life like at the University of Sheffield?

The Whatuni Student Choice Awards were a triple celebration for the University, continuing the running streak of Best Students’ Union for the sixth consecutive year, as well as appearing in the nomination shortlist for the University of the Year and Student Life categories. Made up of around 35,000 university reviews, the Whatuni Student Choice Awards (WUSCA) are the only annual university awards based on student views. 

The entertainment and social life are first rate. The Students’ Union, located at the heart of the University campus, is the centre of the student experience. Home to over 350 student-led societies, the University of Sheffield’s £20 million Students’ Union caters to the student life with quality cafes, shops, bars, a cinema, and venues for live entertainment – the union offers a mix of live music, comedy, talks, film screenings and nights out. It also offers the space to study and socialise, as well as having a nursery. Altogether, this is a hub where students from across the world can come together to try new activities, access advice and support, make friends and try something new.

But the awards also reflect how the union advocates students, giving them support and delivering the services they ask for. Awarded the nation’s best for six years, the University of Sheffield’s Students’ Union is celebrated for its incredible effectiveness at representing students’ needs and voices.

The services provide committees to support specific student groups, including LGBT+, BAME, disabled and international students, as well as creating a safe space for students to campaign on the issues close to their heart. There is also the award-winning Student Advice Centre, offering quality information and specialist advice to students. Their service standard is to provide independent and non-judgmental advocacy and representation, maintaining confidentiality.

Check out the clubs, societies and sports on offer at the Union.

What does the University say about the Union?

Professor Mary Vincent, Vice-President for Education at the University of Sheffield:

“Ensuring our students have an excellent experience at a welcoming campus is so important, so it’s fantastic to know students have voted our Students’ Union number one for the sixth year running.

“Our Students’ Union helps provide a really enriching experience for students and an environment where they can try new activities, make friends and access advice and support. It forms a really important part of the student journey so we’re thrilled it has been nationally recognised in this way.” 

Liam Hand, University of Sheffield Students’ Union President 2022/23: 

“We are so grateful to the members of our student community who choose to review us so positively every year. Student reviews have kept us at the top for all these years, and it’s our students who make our SU community so outstanding.”

The shortlist for the University of the Year category demonstrates the University’s strong sense of community and student pride in the institution. Students were asked to rate their whole university experience, taking into account all the parts that have shaped their time at university, including how the experience has helped them grow both academically and personally.

For the Student Life category, for which the University was also nominated, the student vote considered friendships, socialising, sports, extracurricular activities, and on- and off-campus entertainment, all of which help create a positive sense of community and promote good mental health.

Learn more about University of Sheffield

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