LGBT Students in Sheffield

Sheffield University has made the headlines again, this time for their announcement that they are going to provide an area of accommodation specifically allocated for LGBT Students.

Some areas of the media have criticised this, as they believe it leads further down the road of segregation, whilst others see this idea of a ‘safe space’ for LGBT Students as a positive, forward-thinking idea.

Here at Sheffield Property to Let , we fully understand the difficulties faced by all new university students at this time of year, who getting ready to face up to an exciting, (and often daunting), future when moving out of the parental home for the first time. Want to find out more? Read on…..

The Reality of Moving into Student Accommodation 

As we’ve already said, this is an exciting time for a young person off to University and moving out of the family home for the first time.

Let’s be honest though, it can also be a bit intimidating; you are going to stand on your own two feet to begin the next chapter of your life and you want to get it right!

For many of you, you will be moving to a new city, meeting lots of new people, cooking for yourself for the first time and doing your own laundry. (Do not worry about the last two, pasta is a great failsafe, and one or two laundry misadventures with your favourite garments will soon put you on the right track)

There are lots of things to consider, and the area you choose to live in is a particularly important decision to make, you want to meet like-minded people, make new friends and ultimately feel safe and happy in your new home.

For anyone, this can be challenging. If you are part of the LGBT Community, however, and especially if you not yet broadcast this fact, then the whole idea of moving somewhere out of your comfort zone can be somewhat overwhelming!

The Positives of LGBT Accommodation

 Rather shockingly, a report from leading LGBT campaigners Stonewall states that one in five LGBT people have experienced hate crime towards them in the last twelve months, and that four out of five hate crimes towards the LGBT Community go unreported, with young people being particularly reluctant to come forward and tell somebody in authority if they have been affected.  

Furthermore, where people at the highest level of society use public shaming on Social Media as a weapon, it is only right that you should feel safe in your own home and away from these bullies, to be yourself and enjoy your new adventures.

Sheffield University has recognised the need to provide accommodation for the LGBT Community, and it is already proving to be very popular, with over 30 applications for the 12 rooms that are currently available.

Having a ‘safe space’ to live and develop as an individual with like-minded people offers the chance of a very positive experience for young LGBT’s to progress into adulthood without the fear of discrimination or of being targeted by narrow-minded tormentors.

The idea of the LGBT accommodation has been welcomed by the Sheffield Students Union, with Celeste Jones the Women’s Officer commenting that it is vital for ‘every student to feel safe’.

Furthermore, leading New York-based, Pop-Culture Journalist Brian Moylan also advocates the idea in his article for The Guardian where he rather cleverly writes that gay people have chosen to live in “gaybourhoods” for years! 

The Negatives of LGBT Accommodation

There are those, however, who do not think this is a good idea.

Simon Thomson the Director of Accommodation for Students recently was quoted in an article for the Times in which he admonished the scheme, saying it would create ‘ghettos’ and lead to more segregation in university life.

And with Birmingham University considering the idea back in 2016 but later dropping it through lack of student interest, it would certainly seem that opinions are very much divided on the issue.

It’s About Choice

 So, whilst there are always going to be those with strong opinions and views for and against this kind of scheme, here at SPTL we would like to think that the most important aspect of this idea is that it offers a choice to young people, particularly those coming to terms with their own sexuality and gender identity.

Sheffield University has gone to great lengths to point out that this is not a compulsory option for LGBT Students and have decided to offer the rooms based on information and ideas from students themselves. They have initially started off with 12 rooms, with more to follow depending on the success of the initiative.

The University is particularly proud of offering a diverse and inclusive culture, and welcome students from the LGBT Community. They also have an LGBT Staff Network and were named as one of the top 100 companies to work for LGBT employees by Stonewall.

They offer incredible support to their students, with the Open@TUoS campaign encouraging staff to wear rainbow lanyards to show their allegiance to the LGBT Community and regular events for people to attend and be a part of.

Contact Us

So if you a member of the LGBT Community and you are looking for your first digs but you haven’t been lucky enough to get one of the 12 rooms available, or if you are not a member but you believe in choice, diversity and inclusivity for all, and you too are looking for your first student home, then why not contact us here about finding you the perfect solution to your accommodation needs.

We have a team of professionals waiting to help you and we are looking forward to helping you with your student adventures.