Fun things to do in Sheffield for students
Sheffield is a vibrant city, home to thousands of local and international students. From its thriving arts scene to picturesque green spaces and buzzing nightlife, Sheffield city centre and its surroundings have something for everyone.
This guide to fun things to do in Sheffield has you covered. Explore top-rated attractions, hidden gems and budget-friendly spots that make Sheffield a must-explore destination for students. Get ready to discover the best things to do in Sheffield, England - right on your doorstep.
Free things to do in Sheffield
Sheffield has two main universities - Sheffield University and Sheffield Hallam University - so it’s full of students looking for fun things to do that won’t break the bank. Here are our top ideas for cheap things to do in Sheffield.
Sheffield Botanical Gardens
Sheffield Botanical Gardens is a tranquil escape from city life. It features over 18 different garden areas and listed buildings.
On a sunny day, stroll around the gardens to see beautiful rock and water features, green lawns and perfectly manicured gardens. Entry to the gardens is free and they often host various talks, courses and exhibitions.
Sheffield Cathedral
Sheffield Cathedral, built in the 12th century, has been a local place of worship for hundreds of years. The cathedral is open to the public and located in Sheffield town centre.
The beautiful cathedral features areas built with stained glass windows and stones from an 11th-century Norman church. It also hosts Tudor monuments, including one commemorating the 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, the husband of Bess of Hardwick and guardian of Mary Queen of Scots during her 14 years of imprisonment in Sheffield.
Kelham Island Museum
The Kelham Island Museum opened in 1982 and is home to objects, pictures and archive material representing Sheffield’s rich industrial history. The museum stands on a man-made island that’s over 900 years old and is home to the 2,000hp River Don Engine, the most powerful working steam engine in Europe. There’s no entry fee, so add it to your list of free things to do in Sheffield.
Tourist attractions in Sheffield
If you’ve just moved to a new city like Sheffield, enjoy being a tourist and check out all the local attractions and hotspots during your studies.
Sheffield Winter Garden
The Winter Garden is one of the largest temperate glasshouses in the UK and is home to more than 2,500 plants from around the world.
The Winter Garden is located in the heart of the city, making it a perfect oasis to escape to when you need a break from lecture halls. The garden is free to the public and can be accessed from the Millennium Gallery, Millennium Square and Tudor Square.
Bishop’s House
The Bishop’s House was built in 1554 and was originally a yeoman’s farm. In 1884, the estate was bought by Sheffield Corporation and became Meersbrook Park, which was occupied until 1974.
Today, Bishop’s House is an architectural treasure and has been restored into one of the most well known Sheffield museums with regular exhibitions and tours. Take a break from studying and learn all about the building's historical architecture and who lived there. Entrance is free to all.
Graves Gallery
If you’re an art lover then visiting the Graves Gallery is one of the best things to do in Sheffield. The gallery opened in 1934 and is situated above the Sheffield Central Library.
With its Art Deco interior, the Graves Gallery offers visitors a serene space to enjoy famous artists like William Turner, Bridget Riley, Sam Taylor-Wood and Marc Quinn. Entrance is free and easily accessible in the heart of Sheffield town centre.
Activities in Sheffield
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in Sheffield when you’re a student. Whatever your mood, the city has something to keep everyone entertained.
Meadowhall Sheffield
The Sheffield Meadowhall Shopping Centre is your go-to retail spot in South Yorkshire. Shop to your heart's desire and explore all the different retail, food and drink spots. You can also get a group of friends together and visit the Vue cinema to watch the latest films.
Sheffield Theatres
If you’re searching for more indoor things to do in Sheffield, visit Sheffield Theatres. It’s home to three main theatres - the Crucible, Lyceum and Playhouse - all of which host a range of amazing performances all year round. From modern ballet to fun musicals, visit their website to book your tickets.
National Videogame Museum
The National Videogame Museum is an interactive space where visitors can play over 100 unique games and learn about the history of video games.
When considering Sheffield museums, this is one of the most popular. It opened in 2018 and has an amazing collection of retro arcade machines and modern game consoles. The next time you need a break from studying, buy a discounted ticket for just £12 and practice your gaming skills.
Showroom Cinema
Watch the latest films at the Showroom Cinema, located right next to Sheffield train station. The building was originally a car showroom and was converted into a cinema in 1995. Now, it’s a movie house, office space and creative venue for the public to enjoy.
Students can enjoy discounted tickets: £8.50 during peak times and £7.50 during off-peak times.
Lane7
Have the ultimate fun night out at Lane7 - a bar with bowling lanes, pool tables, darts, beer pong, shuffleboard and ping-pong. You can also grab food from its restaurant ‘Fat Hippo’ which serves delicious burgers and bar snacks.
Student Beans is a student discount platform that typically offers discounts for venues like this - check it out before adding Lane7 to your list of the best things to do in Sheffield at night.
Things to do in Sheffield city centre
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Sheffield city center and visit attractions like the Millennium Gallery, the Treehouse Boardgame Café, and the beautiful Sheffield Town Hall.
Millenium Gallery
You can see Sheffield’s most amazing contemporary artwork, metalwork and design exhibitions at the Millenium Gallery.
The gallery has two permanent exhibitions and is free to enter. The Sykes Gallery is home to a metalwork collection of over 13,000 pieces and The Guild of St George’s Ruskin Collection features items from Victorian artist and writer, John Ruskin.
Treehouse Boardgame Café
With over 800 board games, there’s no way you’ll get bored when visiting The Treehouse in Sheffield town centre. It’s a vibey café with a deli-style menu. There’s a games cover charge of £2 each per hour (for unlimited games access) but they do offer half-price cover for students on weekdays before 6pm and all day on Wednesdays.
Sheffield Town Hall
Since 1932, Sheffield Town Hall has been a beloved local venue hosting hundreds of live music performances and events. In fact, they host over 750 events per year.
It’s located in a beautiful Grade II listed building and even sustained damage from a WWII bomb. If you’re in the mood to explore some of Sheffield’s heritage, visit the Town Hall to learn all about its history and architectural upgrades over the last nine decades.
Places to eat in Sheffield
When you’re out and about in Sheffield, don’t miss the chance to visit these student-friendly dining options.
The Moor Market
The Moor Market is home to over 90 independent traders and is a top attraction for foodies. They sell an amazing range of fresh produce, drinks and food. It’s also home to the popular beer shop ‘Beer Central’, as well as fun haberdasheries and homeware, jewellery and clothing stalls.
Kommune
If you’re tired of meal prepping then treat yourself to a delicious meal at Kommune. It’s a food hall that hosts various independent kitchens and traders. Enjoy an all-day dining experience in the Grade II listed building in Sheffield city centre (right next door to the National Videogame Museum). It also has a bar where you can buy local beers and cocktails.
Twisted Burger Company
Twisted Burger Company is the perfect place for you and your friends to meet when exploring Sheffield's thriving food scene. Take advantage of their happy hours and test their menu of succulent gourmet burgers and sides, including a roast dinner burger available every Sunday.
Steam Yard
Steam Yard is a cosy café in the cobbled Aberdeen Court known for serving great coffee, donuts and bagels. It has a comfy outdoor seating area and was named the most Instagrammable indie coffee shop in the UK in 2020.
Marmaduke’s Café Deli
Marmaduke’s is a local gem serving up mouth-watering breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s also known for its bespoke coffee and sustainable approach to sourcing fresh produce. Next time you’re looking for things to do in Sheffield, visit one of their three locations: Norfolk Row, the Sorting Office or Cambridge Street.
Things to do near Sheffield
If you’re looking to travel out of Sheffield and explore nearby cities, visit Lincoln or Huddersfield - they’re steeped in history and are around an hour's train ride from Sheffield town centre.
For another fun day out, visit the big city of Manchester. There are plenty of things to do in Manchester, such as visiting its iconic parks, galleries, museums and popular food spots.
FAQs
What is Sheffield best known for?
The city is renowned for its industrial heritage (often coined the ‘Steel City’) and diverse cultural heritage. Due to its location, Sheffield is part of the Peak District National Park and offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK.
Is Sheffield a nice place to live?
Sheffield is known as a great place to live because it offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. The city boasts a rich industrial heritage alongside a thriving cultural scene and easy access to stunning green spaces.
What food is Sheffield known for?
Sheffield cuisine is hearty and traditional. In keeping with popular Northern traditions, dishes like roast dinner, Yorkshire pudding and fish and chips are popular. The condiment ‘Henderson’s Relish’ is proudly made in Sheffield and has a similar taste to Worcestershire sauce.
From discovering the city’s art scene and local markets to unwinding in its trendy cafes, there’s an endless list of things to do in Sheffield for students. When it comes to finding a place to call home in Sheffield, we provide modern, purpose-built student accommodation for students from all over the world. Keep an eye out for the cinema rooms.
Visit our website and check out what we have on offer in Sheffield.
