As a student, you're probably going to be out a lot exploring Sheffield and having fun with your friends. If you're new to Sheffield and what it has to offer, there SO many bars, pubs, and clubs around the city which are perfect for students. However, Sheffield also has lots to do if you'd rather have a quieter night that involves minimal alcohol or none at all. Here are a few suggestions of some of the best places to go and the best things to do...

Pubs, bars, and clubs

The Nursery Tavern

If you're after a good old pub to just chill out and enjoy a few beers with your friends, The Nursery Tavern is the place to go. Offering a wide selection of drinks, live sport, pub grub at very low prices, and an impressively large beer garden, students often flock here during their time at uni.

Bungalows and Bears

What used to be an old fire station is now the curiously named Bungalows and Bears, a great place to go for a night filled with food, drink, and live music. With a handpicked range of craft beers and cask ales on tap, signature gins, new and old favorite cocktails, a selection of wines, and low or non-alcoholic drinks, there's something for everyone here. Food-wise, expect juicy burgers, chicken dishes, pub classics, and a range of veggie options.

The Leadmill

Known as Sheffield's longest-running live music venue, The Leadmill has had popular acts such as Oasis, Coldplay, Paul Weller, Arctic Monkeys, The Stone Roses, and Kings of Leon who have all played at this iconic venue. Voted Sheffield's 'best live music venue' on several occasions, The Leadmill has received awards from the likes of NME and Live UK. The Leadmill also hosts lots of student nights, so this is a place that you will most likely end up visiting at least once during your time at Hallam.

The Wick at Both Ends

The Wick at Both Ends, or simply referred to by many as The Wick, is a cozy little gem with lots of cute fairy lights, giving off that friendly, relaxed type of vibe. Offering fine ales and beers from around the world as well as great-tasting, unique cocktails, The Wick also has a menu of European small dishes if you fancy a little nibble. Whether it's drinking or dining, you can do both whilst relaxing on one of the comfy sofas or in a booth next to the windows. If you want to party, The Wick is known to get pretty busy on a Saturday night…

Picture House Social

For anyone who loves a good cocktail and likes trying something new, get yourself down to the award-winning Picture House Social. Try one of their Holy Highballs which includes classic cocktails and spirit pairings. There's also a separate cocktail menu where all drinks are served in a bottle and include a few twists on old favorites. There's also a range of draft beers and wines, and if you fancy a bite to eat, choose from Neapolitan-style pizzas or Italian street food. For a bit of fun, get stuck into a game of ping pong, table football, or shuffleboard in their new area, Shuffle Shack, with your mates (you can even go nostalgic with their vintage arcade games!) Picture House Social also hosts a range of live music events and has a private terrace, so whether you're up for a gig or fancy challenging your mates at the games, you can do both here.

Other things to do in Sheffield

Head to the cinema

Going to the cinema is the perfect way to spend a quiet evening if you don't want to go 'out out'. Sheffield has several cinemas dotted around the city including Light Cinema, ODEON Luxe, Curzon, and Cineworld. If you're up for watching a European Art House film or a re-release of an old school favorite, the Showroom Cinema is the place to go which is one of Europe's largest independent cinemas (it's also situated directly across from The HUBS so you can't miss it!).

Go out for dessert

Dessert places are becoming more and more popular with all ages and if you're a dessert fan, Sheffield has plenty of dessert parlours for you to take your pick from. For a classy and 'Instagram-worthy' place, try the pretty and elegant Alyssum Café Bistro which offers a range of freshly-baked cakes, brownies, crepes, and more. London Road is also home to many popular dessert restaurants including La Crème, Treatz, Sugar, and dessert takeaways if you fancy staying at home and tucking into something sweet and tasty.

Hit the shops

There are lots of places to go shopping in Sheffield so you can shop 'til you drop. The Moor is home to high-street favourites such as Primark, JD Sports, and Game, while Orchard Square has FatFace, TK Maxx, The Body Shop and more. If you want variety, Meadowhall is just a 10 minute train ride away and has it all including Debenhams, Topshop, and Apple. Meadowhall is also the largest shopping centre in Yorkshire and is open until 9 pm in the week.

Grab a bite to eat

There are so many great places to go out for food in Sheffield, from pub grub eateries to burger bars and global cuisine restaurants. For all things fried chicken, try Lucky Fox on Division Street which takes inspiration from a New York diner and serves chicken wraps, salads, waffles, and more. For a bit of Mexican, Street Food Chef offers the best in Mexican deliciousness from burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. If you're after a selection of vegan options, Church - Temple of Fun at Kelham Island has a 100% vegan menu and also has a range of cool arcade games. It was also founded by Oli Sykes, frontman of Bring Me The Horizon, who is one of Sheffield's finest musical acts.

See a gig

For live music, comedy, and more, Sheffield has lots of large-scale and independent venues. For students, The Leadmill, Plug, and Tank are among the favourites for live music from local bands to resident house DJs. For comedy and sports events as well as live music, O2 Academy, Sheffield City Hall and Utilita Arena are also some of the best and most popular venues to head out to.

Don't forget to check out the events we have coming up over the next few weeks and sign up!