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Located in Yorkshire and the Humber, Sheffield is situated very centrally within the UK. Known for its shopping, nightlife and public parks, there’s a lot for the city to offer its students. With an undergraduate population of over 30,000, you can be sure the city does plenty to cater to student interests. To find out what our top picks are for a range of student activities across the city, keep reading.

1) Delicious Clam

Good for: Anyone who loves music.

What is it: A venue, label and practice space.

Why you should go: Whether you’re an artist or just an enjoyer of music, Delicious Clam is one of the top places to check out in Sheffield. Check out some of the local bands performing, get your own band signed on their label, or use their practice rooms as a jam space to put together some new songs.

2) Bramall Lane

Good for: Catching a football match.

What is it: The oldest professional football ground in the world.

Why you should go: If you’re a Sheffield United supporter, then you’ve probably already been, but we’re sure you’ll want to go again. If you’re supporting a different Premier League team, then you might want to head to Bramall Lane when it’s your team’s turn to play Sheffield. The stadium also hosts concerts on occasion, so even non-footy fans might find a reason to take a trip to Bramall Lane.

3) The Graduate

Good for: Craft beer.

What is it: A craft beer pub that serves food at good value.

Why you should go: It’s in a student area of town and literally called ‘The Graduate’, so you can definitely expect this to be a student hotspot. The prices are student friendly as well, and you’ll find a wide range of drinks and food on offer.

4) Meadowhall

Good for: Finding a new outfit.

What is it: The local shopping mall.

Why you should go: It’s Sheffield’s leading shopping and leisure destination, so we’d be very surprised if you don’t end up making a visit during your studies. You’ll find a huge range of shops and restaurants, many offering student discounts. There’s also a cinema in the shopping centre, so you can catch one of the latest releases on the big screen.

5) The Leadmill

Good for: Dancing the night away.

What is it: Sheffield’s longest running nightclub and music venue.

Why you should go: Well, it’s not the longest running for no reason. It hosts regular club nights with different vibes to appeal to different music tastes and hosts a range of live events as well, with big names such as Def Leppard performing here.

6) Sheffield Winter Gardens

Good for: Reconnecting with nature.

What is it: A huge temperate glasshouse with over 2,500 plants.

Why you should go: You’ll get to see 2,500 plants from all over the world, and thanks to the design of the Building Management System, it’s warm even in winter and never gets too hot in the summer. It’s free to enter so there’s really no reason not to spend an afternoon checking out all the different types of plants on display.

7) Bungalows and Bears

Good for: Food, drink and music.

What is it: A pub in an old fire station with a really fun name.

Why you should go: They serve ales, cocktails, brunches and burgers, so there’s pretty much something to keep everyone happy here. Plus, the pub’s name is great – who wouldn’t want to say they’ve been somewhere called ‘Bungalows and Bears’?

8) Kelham Island Museum

Good for: Learning about Sheffield’s industrial history.

What is it: A steel-making museum with on-site craftsmen and interactive galleries.

Why you should go: It’s always good to learn about the place you’re living in, and Sheffield has a lot of interesting history. If you’re interested in engineering or mechanics, then that’s an added bonus. On your visit, you can see the River Don Engine as well as two old Sheffield Simplexes, a reconstruction of a die-sinkers workshop and much more.

9) Lyceum Theatre

Good for: Seeing a play.

What is it: One of Sheffield’s three major theatres.

Why you should go: Located in the city centre, the Lyceum shows a range of touring West End productions and locally-produced shows. It’s also a part of the Sheffield Theatres complex, so if there’s not a show on you want to see here, it’s worth checking out the other two theatres in the complex, the Crucible and the Playhouse.

10) Manor Fields Park

Good for: A bike ride or walk in nature.

What is it: A public park just outside the city.

Why you should go: It’s always nice to kick back and relax, and what better way to do it than in a public park? Take a picnic and some mates and chill out after deadlines or take your work with you and revise or write essays in the sun.

Key info about Sheffield

Sheffield is known for its large student population, great shopping opportunities and vibrant nightlife, which naturally makes it a popular choice for many students. What many students don’t realise initially is that the city also offers a fascinating history, and plenty of parks and green spaces to make the most of. With all this plus its location in the centre of the UK, it really is offering the best of both worlds to students.

The first of Sheffield’s two universities is the University of Sheffield. With an undergraduate population of almost 20,000, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make friends with students both on your course and throughout the university. The uni ranks highly in league tables, and also receives great reviews from its students right here on Whatuni.

Read students’ reviews of the University of Sheffield.

The city’s largest uni, Sheffield Hallam University, has almost 25,000 undergraduates, and focuses on employability, with over 20,000 placements and internships offered to students every year. Courses are designed with employability in mind, and all students are guaranteed work experience as part of their degree. Students love the uni, so why not read what they’re saying about Sheffield Hallam University?

Read students' reviews of Sheffield Hallam University.

Thinking about studying in Sheffield but not sure what subject is right for you? Start your search here.