Things to do in Sheffield for students
Sheffield has a lot to offer as one of the UK’s most popular cities for students. Known as the ‘steel city’ because of its manufacturing history, it is home to more than 60,000 students from around the world. Whether you’re into art, food, nature or nightlife, you’ll find plenty of things to do within the welcoming student community that Sheffield offers. Here’s a guide to some of the top things to do in Sheffield for students, to help you make the most of your time in this vibrant city.
Dive into the cultural scene
As well as being home to the University of Sheffield which is 105th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025), Sheffield has a vibrant cultural scene. It’s not surprising that it was recently named as one of the top three ‘best student cities’ in the UK (StudentCrowd 2023). There are so many fun things to do in Sheffield - here are some student favourites:
Museums and galleries
Whether you're into industrial history, contemporary art, or natural sciences, you'll find a museum or gallery in Sheffield to inspire you. Student favourites include The Millennium Gallery - Sheffield's leading venue for art, craft, and design and the Weston Park Museum - known for its engaging and interactive exhibits that bring history, science and culture to life.
Nightlife and entertainment
If you’re into comedy, theatre or cinema, there are so many places to go in Sheffield. The Leadmill hosts regular stand-up nights, or you can enjoy an evening of drama or dance at the Crucible or Lyceum theatres. Make sure you use your student discount at The Showroom Cinema, an independent cinema that shows a mix of new films, independent films and classic movies.
Shopping
Sheffield is a fantastic destination for shopping. From areas like the Devonshire Quarter, which has interesting boutiques and vintage stores to Meadowhall Shopping Centre which has over 290 stores, Sheffield has something to suit every shopper's taste.
Student-friendly eats and drinks
The UK may have a reputation for its Sunday roasts and fish and chips, but Sheffield is a haven for food-loving students, whatever your budget. The Kommune Food Court, in the centre of town, offers everything from authentic Italian pizzas to spicy Thai street food and is ideal for a quick bite with friends. If you’re looking for more of a café vibe then head to the Devonshire Quarter, perfect for relaxing between classes or catching up on study sessions while enjoying freshly baked pastries, a Middle Eastern mezze, or a classic British afternoon tea.
Find out why our students love studying in Sheffield
Engage with the student community
Being away from home can feel daunting at first but you’ll have opportunities to get involved in the student community from day one. You’ll have access to the University of Sheffield’s Students’ Union, which has ranked number one in the UK for seven consecutive years (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2017-2024).
Sheffield offers over 350 clubs and societies, ranging from sports teams and cultural groups to creative arts and social causes. Getting involved in a student club will give you the chance to meet like-minded people and further improve your English speaking skills, so make sure you visit the Activities Fair in your first week to chat to current members and find out more about your favourite clubs.
There are many activities in Sheffield to get involved in. Beyond societies, there are also plenty of volunteering opportunities; the University of Sheffield’s community projects and Sheffield Volunteering programmes offer many opportunities each year. You can choose from initiatives like supporting local schools, working with environmental charities, or joining social justice organisations. With over 2,000 students participating annually, these programmes provide training and support, and you’ll have the flexibility to volunteer regularly, join one-off events, or create your own project. Your volunteering will boost your employability by showcasing your leadership and teamwork skills.
Outdoor adventures
When you move to Sheffield you’ll have the stunning Peak District National Park right on your doorstep. Just a short journey from the city, the Peak District offers endless opportunities for adventure, from hiking and rock climbing to cycling through beautiful landscapes. For a more relaxed outdoor experience, head to the Sheffield Botanical Gardens, perfect for enjoying nature, or even having a peaceful study session among the vibrant plants and historic glasshouses.
Discover hidden gems
If you’re still left wondering what to do in Sheffield, the best way to uncover Sheffield’s unique character is to wander through its streets - you'll find hidden gems around every corner! The Cultural Industries Quarter is full of vibrant street art, while unique cafés, vintage stores, and boutique shops offer everything from handmade crafts to one-of-a-kind fashion finds. Just a short stroll away, Kelham Island offers its own charm, combining industrial heritage with a contemporary twist. Here, you’ll find independent galleries, artisan markets, and specialty shops nestled among the historic warehouses.
Sheffield also hosts a range of exciting festivals and events throughout the year. Enjoy live music at the annual Tramlines Festival, immerse yourself in literature at the Off the Shelf Festival of Words - one of the UK's largest literary festivals, or catch up with the latest documentaries at Sheffield DocFest - the country's leading documentary festival.
Study at the University of Sheffield
Ranked 13th in the UK by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024, the University of Sheffield is one of the UK’s leading universities. It also appeared in the list of top 20 universities targeted by graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2024).
Various pathway programmes at the University of Sheffield International College help international students prepare for a degree course. The International Foundation Year provides the perfect pathway to an undergraduate degree at the University of Sheffield, while the Pre-Masters programme helps prepare you for a postgraduate degree. Visit the University of Sheffield International College website for more information on fees and entry requirements and visa requirements.
Born in Myanmar. Made in Sheffield.
I’m a big foodie, so I thought food would be a big problem. Coming here, seeing the variety of restaurants that make me really happy and especially the nature, it’s really photogenic. Everywhere I go I can whip out my phone and take a few pictures and I’m pretty sure there’ll be a nice view somewhere.
Shin from Myanmar
Studied International Foundation Year Science and Engineering
Progressed to BEng Bioengineering
FAQs
Is Sheffield a good city for students?
Yes - there are so many things to do in Sheffield for students. It’s home to over 60,000 students and offers a dynamic cultural scene, fantastic educational opportunities, and a welcoming atmosphere. Sheffield was recently named one of the top three 'best student cities' in the UK, thanks to its vibrant student community and diverse range of activities.
Where do students hang out in Sheffield?
Popular areas include the Devonshire Quarter for its quirky boutiques and cafés, the variety of clubs and societies available on campus at the University of Sheffield and the Kommune Food Court which offers food from around the world.
What is Sheffield best known for?
Sheffield is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene and rich industrial heritage. It also has a thriving arts scene, various exciting festivals throughout the year and the Peak District National Park on its doorstep.