Manchester, Newcastle or Sheffield for quiet non party-er?

[Mueslikid]

Anyone with a quiet introvert at any of Sheffield, Leeds, Manchester or Newcastle?

Dc, who has asd, will apply in the winter. Likes these best for the course, though a bit worried about the rest of student life in a big “party” city.

Thought would prefer a campus but has rejected a few campus unis because course looks “rubbish”.
Chosen course is not offered that widely anyway.

Newcastle was favourite, but dc was put off by the phrase “work hard, play hard” about the student accommodation village and thinks it just means everyone will be noisy and partying all the time.

Sheffield doesn’t offer catered accommodation, which is a big negative, though does have “quiet accommodation” which is a big positive.

Manchester is the biggest city and uni, so quite overwhelming.

Don’t know about Leeds.

Anyone have any insights?

I only know Manchester, but wouldn't let the fact that it's the biggest put your DS off. As it's a big, diverse place, it can in many ways be easier to find like minded people. There are lots of societies devoted to quieter pursuits. The International Society in particular offers loads of day trips, as well as booze free events like book clubs and games nights - you don't need to be an international student to join.

There's a rich cultural life in Manchester with plenty of art exhibitions and classical concerts if that floats your DS's boat. "Lifestyle moderated" halls are available which offer a quieter environment.

I have a first year medic DS at Newcastle. Definitely not a quiet introvert but not a party animal either and he does take his work seriously. He has really enjoyed his first year in the student village, although he is in the non-catered ones. Lots of different people on different courses and plenty of opportunity to strike up friendships. Regarding environment for working, his experience is that everyone is pretty respectful of keeping it down when others are working. I guess that is the luck of your flat though and that would be the case anywhere. The library is close too and open long hours and some choose to work there. Beyond the university, he says the Geordies are great - really friendly and accepting, whatever your background. Feel free to PM if you would like any more info.

Leeds has the reputation as the party school, but every uni in the land will have a hard partying subculture. You have to ignore it if that isn’t your thing

A few words into your post I was thinking ‘Newcastle’ and nothing I read changed my mind. I agree with @TheTurn0fTheScrew that Manchester as a uni and as a city should offer the most diverse set of opportunities. The question is, will your DC take advantage of these, or do they basically want a quiet life and a few friends? Sheffield is a fabulous, friendly small city and a uni students love but I will take your word for the importance of catering.

I went to uni in Sheffield and although I did enjoy the party lifestyle there were plenty of options for the quieter types. One thing that is lovely is that it is so close to the Peak District that it attracts a lot of outdoorsy types into climbing and cycling etc.
I have an introverted son with ASD and I’d have no qualms in him going there for his degree in a couple of years.

Parts of Sheffield arein the Peak District. It is really beautiful and attracts a lot of climbers and walkers.

Not saying they don’t have parties, but it can attract quieter types.

Thank you, this is reassuring, though lots to think about.
It’s true, you have to find your crowd wherever, and there are lots of benefits to a city too. But too much bustle and crowds of people thronging around and being loud can be very overwhelming.

Sheffield seems like it might be the best fit overall, but catering is a big sticking point. But maybe we can get past that (dc’s “solution” is to have a microwave ready meal for dinner every day).

The description of Newcastle sounds very positive too, and I think that has reassured dc a bit. Working in the library sounds like it could be a realistic option if things get too noisy.

Newcastle seems to attract young people who want a good time. But the city is like that too. Sheffield always had a very thriving night scene and plenty of students party there. Manchester too! However everyone can choose a quite lifestyle. Choose a quiet hall at Sheffield and you should be fine. No one has to go out. Join suitable clubs and you find like minded people.

Not Manchester, definitely! I don't know Leeds.

Newcastle has lovely parks and she can escape to the coast. Sheffield has hills on the doorstep. Both towns are quite compact. I'd look at those two.

The op didn’t mention Leeds.

You can escape from any university but students rarely escape on their own. The hills and the sea are a bus ride away and most students need a mate to go with. Most, in fact, don’t go! Rarely seen buses full of day tripping students! Anywhere.

The key is to say what type of accommodation suits. Also my friends found their very quiet DS soon turned into an all night party animal at Sheffield! DH did the same moons ago. Universities and being away from home does things to these sheltered folk!

I went to one of these - I would do Sheffield 100%!

Another vote for Sheffield. Nice city but not too big and overwhelming. Plenty of opportunity for partying but lots of quieter types and clubs too and the peaks are lovely. Has one of the highest retention rates of graduates staying in the area after qualifying.

The OP did mention Leeds...

What's the course OP? That can make a difference to the community your DS will meet. Some courses have huge numbers and some are small and form their own group.

He wouldn’t be the only student having a ready meal every night! And there’s still time to teach him a few basic cooking and budgeting skills.

I’d err away from Manchester too tbh. I know the city well and it is big and bustly. I know less about Newcastle.

Also consider how easy it is for him to get home for visits.

I'm from Newcastle and would definately advise against it for your DC. There's been horrific damage done to students and many people who Iive here over the years due to the binge drinking culture Newcastle is famed for. A lot of students don't by into it but that doesn't mean they won't be affected by it. You literally cannot escape it over the weekends, it's likely to have a negative impact.

@Mueslikid have you both had a chance to visit at all? Just asking because my perception of Newcastle changed dramatically when we visited. It was DS's clear favourite from the start but that was mainlyl based on the course and Med School. When he actually visited he was blown away. It is a fun city but is also lovely, friendly, compact and green. The Baltic and Quayside are great and the Georgian architecture is stunning. The Northumberland coast is nearby and is beautiful and DS and friends have already visited several times for various outdoor activities so I don't share the notion that students only stay in their cities. Re the actual student village, there is a large park facing with grazing cows and little bat houses outside the flats - quite bucolic for a city uni! If it genuinely is his favourite course, definitely worth a visit with him.

As pp said do visit, if you can visit over a full weekend even better.

It's easy to be quiet in Manchester. No personal experience of the others but I think probably all of the larger university cities offer something for everyone. You find your people eventually in my experience

I agree with previous posters that there is a drinking sub-culture everywhere. I was in Bristol in the early 90s and even then the drink and drugs culture was quite something and a real eye opener. However, I also think circumnavigating it was a very useful lifeskill. Appreciate that you have an extra dimension to consider though.

I work at one of the universities in Sheffield, if you have any questions. Feel free to DM me

Sheffield would be a great choice - it's a small, friendly city with a really arty/creative/outdoorsy vibe, and loads going on that's not booze-related. I lived there in my early 20s as a non-drinker and loved it, esp being able to spend so much time in the Peak.

We will visit as many as we can, we will definitely try and look at both Newcastle and Sheffield at the very least. Dc is warming a lot to Sheffield off the back of this thread.

Dc has relegated Manchester to the bottom of the pile - “I knew it was too busy!”

And yes, I suppose lots of students live on microwave meals! We have been working on cooking skills for years, but none of it comes naturally. We will get there eventually, I’m sure, but it’s just an additional stress that isn’t needed when trying to settle in to a new place.

And yes, sorry I left Leeds out of the title by mistake.

It’s a real pity that your DD’s preferred programme isn’t offered on northern campus universities such as Lancaster, York, or Keele. Or Aberystwyth. Is she sure that these are not possibilities?

I went to uni in Sheffield 10 (how has it been 10 already!!) Years ago and still live close by. It has a very friend vibe and because there are 2 unis it is full of students so I always felt very safe. If your ds isn't into partying there is plenty of other stuff to do, I would just maybe suggest one of the halls not right by the city centre as in my experience everyone was out alot in those halls and it could be quite loud in the evening with pre drinks if your trying to work.

Newcastle grad here. It is a fabulous city, I loved it. There are issues with drugs amongst the student population, lots of wealthy students freed from strict independent/boarding schools for the first time. If Castle Leazes is the catered accommodation, there is a certain type of student it attracts, possibly where the ‘work hard, play hard’ comes into it.

Agree with PP that everyone usually finds their crowd.

Have visited Sheffield regularly (though not as a student) and it is smaller and feels more close knit. Personally I dislike Manchester as it feels so big! If Sheffield offers ‘quiet accommodation’ I’d be really tempted. They might end up lucky, and in a flat with an aspiring chef! (I did!)

Really recommend a few visits to check it all out