The James Sheffield, S1

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Being in such a central location is really convenient for restaurants, bars and shops. Everything you need is right on the doorstep or just a short walk away.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Reporting problems with your flat is really easy using the app and the staff are really responsive.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

My only downside to The James was that personally I found the kitchen way too small to use properly. It could definitely do with some more worktop space and kitchen cupboards, but I understand the design is compact in order to fit nicely in the studio. On the positive side, all the events that Kyla and Nicole run are amazing. There’s a real range so there’s something for everyone and I really found it a great way to meet people and try out some new things too.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Living at The James in Sheffield has been a generally positive experience. The location is great – you're within walking distance of a good variety of local shops, restaurants, and bars, particularly around West Street and Division Street. There's also plenty of green space nearby, like Weston Park and the Botanical Gardens, which is perfect for relaxing or getting fresh air. Step outside, and you’re on a street that’s always buzzing – the tram glides past regularly, making it super easy to get anywhere in the city. Transport links are convenient with easy access to bus and tram stops, making commuting around the city or to the universities pretty straightforward. Bin collections are regular and well managed. The street itself is lively, , though there can be some noise on weekends from nearby bars. Step outside and you can grab some grocery from tesco next to Nando's or convenience shop anytime of the day or late night. The James really gave us that perfect mix of city energy and home comfort – definitely a place we’ll remember fondly. Overall, The James is a solid choice for students or young professionals looking for city-centre living with good amenities nearby.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management has been responsive to the issues I've raised, addressing them promptly. They typically acknowledge concerns quickly and work to resolve them in a timely manner. Whether it's maintenance requests or any other problems, they've been proactive in ensuring the necessary steps are taken to fix things. Communication has been clear and regular via emails and App which I appreciate.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is how the building’s heating and cooling system works. It's not something that typically comes up during a viewing, but it’s been important to know the quirks of the system. For example, adjusting the temperature isn’t always straightforward, and there are certain hours when it’s harder to get the right balance. As for tips for a new neighbor, I'd suggest getting familiar with the building’s common areas and knowing where the nearest exit routes are, just in case. It's also a good idea to introduce yourself to others in the building early on—you never know when you'll need a neighbor’s help, and it's nice to build that rapport!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

What’s great about The James is its location – right in the heart of the nightlife scene. So, there’s no need to wait around – I can dive straight into the action. That said, if I owned a car in the future, it would be more convenient to have parking a bit closer. The parking lot The James currently provides is decent, but I’d prefer something even nearer.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

One day, I had an issue with my window not closing one night, and it was quite late. I called Clive, a member of the maintenance team, and he answered immediately. He guided me through a temporary fix over the phone, and the next day, he came by to fix the issue completely. It was resolved quickly and efficiently.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is that, despite the area being close to nightlife and potentially noisy, the building is actually soundproof. It’s a great feature that isn’t obvious during a typical viewing. So, if you’re worried about noise, don’t be – the insulation does an excellent job of keeping things quiet inside. A tip for new residents would be to relax and enjoy the lively location, as the soundproofing ensures a peaceful environment inside your room.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The location is extremely convenient – just a short walk to both the supermarket and the tram stop. Although the building is on West Street, which gets quite lively on Friday and Saturday nights due to the bars and nightlife, my apartment faces southeast and not directly onto West Street, so it's surprisingly quiet and peaceful. This makes it a great balance between accessibility and comfort.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management responds to emails incredibly quickly, often faster than I expected, and they are always helpful and friendly.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I had known is to be extra careful with the apartment's finishes and walls. I put some things up on the wall which left marks, and a part of my deposit was deducted for that. It was a fair decision overall, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind for new residents.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The building is very close to the University of Sheffield, as well as bus and tram stops, restaurants, supermarkets, and the central train/bus station. You can easily get around on foot, as the location is strategically well placed within the city. There are a few nightclubs nearby, which might not be ideal for walking around at night depending on your lifestyle, but the rooms are well soundproofed, so street noise has never been a problem for me.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

I’ve had only one issue so far, as the resident in the apartment above mine was making noise during inappropriate hours. I brought the matter to the staff’s attention, and they handled it in the best possible way. We were able to find a solution that worked for both residents, and I no longer have any problems with it. Additionally, the building management continued to follow up, regularly checking in with me to ensure the issue had been fully resolved.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

For anyone coming from abroad and considering moving to Sheffield, I’d like to share a quick tip: I highly recommend taking advantage of the live virtual tour offered by the staff. It’s a great way to get a real-time feel for the place and can help speed up the rental process. However, if you prefer to visit in person before making a decision, keep in mind that signing the lease won’t happen overnight. There are a few bureaucratic steps involved (which are not the building’s fault), so it’s wise to plan for a temporary place to stay while everything gets sorted.