Archways vs iQ Fenton House: The Sheffield Hallam Showdown
Two of the most popular halls for Sheffield Hallam students. Same price bracket. Same provider rating. Very different experiences.
Let me break down exactly which one is right for you.
The Numbers At A Glance
| Factor | Archways | iQ Fenton House | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 Price (from) | £78/week | £89/week | Archways |
| 📍 Walk to Hallam | 4 minutes | 10 minutes | Archways |
| 🔒 Safety Score | 99.6/100 (2 crimes) | 0/100 (1,417 crimes) | Archways |
| ⭐ Provider Rating | Unite (2.7★) | iQ (2.7★) | Tie |
| 🛒 Nearest Supermarket | 265m | 61m | iQ Fenton |
| 💪 Nearest Gym | 432m | 99m | iQ Fenton |
| 🌐 Broadband | Gigabit | Unknown | Archways |
| 💳 Deposit | £390 | £445 | Archways |
| 📊 Annual Cost | £3,978 | £4,539 | Archways |
The £561 Question
Over a 51-week contract, Archways saves you £561 compared to iQ Fenton House.
That's 7 weeks of groceries. Or 56 pints at Sheffield prices. Or 3 months of gym membership.
Location: This Is The Big One
Archways: 4-minute walk
- Literally next to Sheffield Hallam's city campus
- Roll out of bed for 9am lectures
- Right by the train station
- Student-heavy area
iQ Fenton House: 10-minute walk
- Still walkable, but you'll feel it in winter
- Closer to the city centre amenities
- More shops and cafes nearby
- Busier, more urban feel
My take: If you prioritise sleep and hate rushing, Archways wins. If you want to be in the middle of everything, Fenton House has more going on around it.
The Safety Elephant In The Room
I need to be upfront here. The crime data difference is stark:
- Archways area: 2 crimes reported (last 12 months)
- iQ Fenton House area: 1,417 crimes reported
Now, context matters. Fenton House is in a busier, more central location. More footfall = more reported crime. Most of it is probably low-level stuff.
But if safety is your #1 priority, Archways is objectively in a quieter area.
The Providers: Same Rating, Different Vibes
Both Unite (Archways) and iQ (Fenton House) have 2.7 stars on Trustpilot. Neither is amazing.
Common Unite (Archways) complaints:
- Maintenance can be slow
- Basic facilities
- Some noise issues
Common iQ (Fenton House) complaints:
- Hidden fees
- Aggressive upselling
- Mixed maintenance response
The truth: At this rating, your experience depends more on the specific building manager than the brand. Both are hit-or-miss.
Room Options
Archways:
- En-suite rooms from £78/week
- Max price around £104/week
- Narrower range = more consistent experience
iQ Fenton House:
- Starting at £89/week
- Goes up to £223/week for premium rooms
- More variety, but also more chances to overpay
The Verdict: Who Should Pick What
🏆 Choose Archways If...
- ✅ Budget is your priority (£11/week cheaper)
- ✅ You hate early morning walks
- ✅ You want the safest location
- ✅ Gigabit internet matters to you
- ✅ You value simplicity over options
🏆 Choose iQ Fenton House If...
- ✅ You want to be near shops and gyms
- ✅ City centre buzz matters more than quiet
- ✅ You're considering a premium room
- ✅ Supermarket proximity is key (61m away)
- ✅ You don't mind a 10-min walk
My Honest Pick
For most Sheffield Hallam students, Archways is the smarter choice.
It's cheaper, closer, safer, and has confirmed gigabit broadband. The 6-minute walk difference doesn't sound like much until it's raining sideways in February.
The only reason to pick iQ Fenton House is if you specifically want to be in a busier area with more amenities on your doorstep.
View Archways → View iQ Fenton House →
Prices are estimates from January 2026. Always verify current rates before booking.