Moving to Sheffield for uni, and looking for ways to entertain yourself in the city? Well, good news, because there are plenty.
Probably known to your ‘rents as the ‘Steel City’, Sheffield is famous for its steel production back in the 19th century. But long since then, the city has grown to become known for having one of the most buzzing student nightlives in the UK, great food markets, shopping experiences and music festivals featuring the latest acts.
Whether you’re a party animal, a foodie, a coffee connoisseur, or someone who loves long walks in the countryside, you can pretty much guarantee that Sheffield has something for you.
Go for drinks on Carver Street
Carver Street is where you’ll find some of the liveliest bars and clubs in Sheffield. The Viper Rooms, Paris, and Crystal Bar are the places to go if R&B and club anthems are your thing, or check out Popworld if you love a good boogie to old-school pop tunes.
And, just off Carver Street, you can head around the corner to West Street Live for afters’ (open until 4am) where they pull affordable pints and have live bands playing every night of the week.
Check out the Moor Market
The Moor Market, located in the heart of Sheffield’s city centre, offers everything from street food, chain restaurants, locally sourced meat and veg, to craft beers and new garms.
And from this November, the Sheffield Vegan Market will be brought to The Moor for the first time ever. It’ll offer a variety of vegan fast foods, healthy snacks, cruelty-free cosmetics, craft cheeses, ethical apparel and more.
It’s also well worth checking out The Light, a cinema and bar located at the bottom of the Moor, which offers student discount on tickets and drinks.
Shop at Meadowhall
If you’re in need of a big retail therapy session at your favourite high street and designer shops, Meadowhall is the place to go to splash your cash. As the largest shopping centre in Yorkshire, you’ll easily lose a day wandering the halls of retail galore and dining in their food hall.
Take a stroll through the Peak District
Love luscious, green landscapes with breath-taking views? Then head over to the Peak District National Park where you can go for a stroll, cycle across hilly tracks and watch wildlife in its natural habitat.
Make fluffy friends at Graves Park Animal Farm
When you move away from home, you may be leaving behind some seriously loved pet friends who you’ll miss dearly (maybe even more than your own parents). But, whilst they can’t be replaced, there’s a place you can go to get your fluffy fix: Graves Park Animal Farm.
It’s free admission, 7 days a week, and you can meet Shetland ponies, alpacas, goats, piglets, guinea pigs, lambs and more.
Crack the code at The Great Escape
If you’re someone who loves a good puzzle and considers themselves a secret detective at heart, The Great Escape is a fun challenge to smash with a group of mates (4 plus people gives you the best value).
For thrill-seekers who enjoy freaking themselves out for entertainment, Abducted, Alcatraz, Homicide, The Devil’s Playground, Run and Outbreak are all highly rated immersive experiences to go for.
And, for those who just enjoy a good mystery solving session without the spooks, Submarine or The Mad Scientist are the games for you.
Be at one with nature in Sheffield Winter Garden
If the Peaks are a little too far away, but you’re looking to inject some greenery into your day, Sheffield Winter Garden is a very Instagrammable glasshouse you can go to which is located just 5 minutes away from the city centre. You can admire a variety of 2,000 plants from all over the world, take some new pics from the 'gram and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Grab a drink and a bite to eat at Tamper Coffee Sellers Wheel
Fancy yourself a bit of a coffee connoisseur? Sip on uniquely blended kiwi inspired coffee, and grab a bite to eat at Tamper Coffee Sellers Wheel. The café restaurant offers a range of coffees, tasty breakfast/lunch options and cocktails. It’s a 19th century former silver smiths and has cool, industrial loft style décor.
Do something different and go to Owlerton Greyhound Stadium
Get a group together to grab drinks and watch greyhounds bolt around the track at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium. Located just 5 minutes from the city centre, the stadium is a great place to have a fun and affordable night out.
Book tickets to Tramlines
Its name derived from Sheffield’s famous use of trams to get from one place to another in the city, Tramlines festival offers an ever-evolving line-up of both well-known and up-and-coming artists.
Summer 2019’s acts included Annie Mac, Two Door Cinema Club Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Lewis Capaldi, Redlight and more.
Excited to get yourself over to Sheffield already, but you’re not sure where to stay? Fresh offers student accommodation close to Sheffield Hallam and University of Sheffield campuses, so you can get to your lectures in no time.