The sun came out in Sheffield, and so did all of the students

Let’s be honest – the second that first beam of sunshine peeks through the grey abyss that is Sheffield’s usual weather forecast, we all collectively lose the plot (in the best way possible).

The past couple of weeks have been kind of sunny (actually deceptively cold with blue skies), but that hasn’t stopped us from entering full summer mode as if we’re living in Barcelona, not Broomhill.

Whether you were braving the chill in shorts and sunnies or making a very questionable weather-based decision to wear sandals, here’s what every Sheffield student either has done or will do the next time the sun dares to shine.

Balls. Everywhere.

There’s something about a sliver of sunshine that awakens the inner athlete in absolutely everyone. Suddenly, every patch of grass in Weston Park turns into a multi-sport arena.

There are rogue games of catch, a group of lads doing suspiciously intense footy passing drills, frisbees flying about everywhere, and that one person trying to get everyone into rounders even though no one really remembers the rules.

It’s all fun and games until a half-deflated football only just misses a stranger’s head mid-sunbathe. Bonus points if someone shouts “HEADS!” way too late.

Picky bits in the park 

You grabbed a spot in one of the Big Three (CVP, Endcliffe or Weston Park), laid down a towel pretending it was a picnic blanket, and got straight to grilling on one of those disposable barbecues, or just tucked into a few picky bits.

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There probably wasn’t enough food to go around, no one brought cutlery, and the only seasoning was ash. The drinks were warm, the food was burnt, and someone definitely came way too close to setting a tree on fire.

However, the sunglasses finally made an appearance, so seeing it all unfold through those tinted lenses made it feel like you were abroad. Magical.

Ran to Forge Dam and back 

 You watched your mate do the Sheffield Half Marathon and suddenly decided you too were born to run. You laced up your trainers, mapped a scenic route to Forge Dam, and promised yourself it was just a “light jog.”

Halfway there, you realised Forge Dam isn’t even that scenic and running is actually the worst. But you made it to the café, got an ice cream for a cheeky little treat, and then walked all the way back. Job done.

Pub gardens

Ah yes, the unofficial study space of Sheffield students. There’s nothing quite like rewarding a solid hour in the IC with just one pint in the pub garden that turns into five.

You probably headed to Hally House, Springy or the very conveniently located Uni Arms, and absolutely forgot that SPF exists. You misjudged the power of UV 4 and now your nose is burnt, your chest is a bit too pink, and your head’s slightly fuzzy. Still, pints hit different in the sunshine so you might as well enjoy it whilst you can.

Little trip to The Peaks

Let’s be real – The Peaks were made for sunny Saturdays and hungover hikes. You and your housemates probably decided to “be outdoorsy” for the day, googled “easy Peak District walks near Sheffield,” and ended up in Hope Valley with nothing but a Tesco meal deal, a tote bag, and vibes.

Did you get lost? Maybe. Did you sit on a rock for three hours pretending it was Coachella? Absolutely. No one’s legs were prepared for the incline, but it was all worth it for the Instagram story of you on a hill captioned “golden hour in the peaks”

Basically…

The moment the sun comes out, we all abandon our degrees, buy the most impractical clothes, and act like the semester isn’t still going on. And honestly? We deserve it.

So next time the skies go blue, grab your cans and your best mates – and soak up the rarest of Sheffield’s sunny days.