Here’s a comprehensive A-Z guide of everything new Sheffield university students need to know

If you’re planning to go to the University of Sheffield or Sheffield Hallam University this September, this is your ultimate information guide.

First of all, you’ve made an excellent choice! Clearly you have good taste. Sheffield is a great place to study, and the best thing about student life here is that there really is something for everyone.

From accommodation and societies to nightlife and cafes, here’s the full A-Z of everything you need to know about the city’s two universities:

A – Accommodation

Starting with the University of Sheffield, first-year accommodation is available in the Endcliffe and Ranmoor student villages, or in City residences such as Allen Court and St Vincent’s Place.

Endcliffe and Ranmoor are made up of several accommodation blocks divided up by green spaces and paths. It very much has a community feel. Endcliffe has a village shop and The Edge – which has a bar, study space, piano room, and laundry facilities. The Ridge at Ranmoor has a common room, laundry facilities, and a free gym (which Endcliffe residents can also use).

You can choose between en-suite, shared bathrooms, and catered accommodation.

See our full guide to University of Sheffield accommodation here.

Sheffield Hallam has 12 halls of residence – managed by private accommodation providers. They range between £99 and £210 per week, have ensuite and shared bathroom options, and are within walking distance to City and Collegiate campuses. View the full list here.

B – Buildings

Sheffield Hallam has moved some teaching from its Collegiate Campus to exciting new part of their City campus this year. The modern development includes state-of-the-art equipment (including a trading floor and immersive VR suite) and will host subjects in business, law, social sciences, and technology.

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City campus is situated just above the train station, while Collegiate campus is west of the centre and in parallel with the popular Ecclesall Road.

The University of Sheffield isn’t a campus university – but you’ve not got all that far to go. The Sir Frederick Mappin Building and Pam Liversidge Building (engineering) are among the easternmost parts, and are around a 35-minute walk from the first-year Endliffe and Ranmoor accommodations. One of the westernmost buildings, the Medical School, is around a 20-minute walk from the same accommodations.

The university’s newest building, The Wave, opened in 2023 as the home of Social Sciences.

The Wave (left) and Hallam’s Cantor building (via Google Maps)

C – Cafes and coffee shops

What better way to start life in Sheffield with aesthetic study sessions in one of many independent cafes? The city is full of hidden gems to try out.

Some recommendations to get you started: Birdhouse Tea on Sidney Street and 420 Degrees on Division Street.

D – Diversity

Sheffield is made up of various cultures and demographics, and there are events on the annual calendar to celebrate this. Namely a growing Chinese Lunar New Year celebration and the recently established Kelham Pride.

E – Eating out

This cultural diversity also means Sheffield has a richly varied food scene. There’s a smorgasbord of chains, local start-ups, Michelin stars, and menus that won’t damage your bank account. Plus – Europe’s largest foodhall, Cambridge Street Collective, which opened last year.

F – Fresher’s week

Discover places around the uni and meet new people, all with events kicking off on the 15th September at Hallam and 19th September at Uni Of. Head on nights out, or make your way to along to your uni’s Fresher’s Fair (always good for freebies and perhaps a slice of free pizza…) That’s on 18th September at Ponds Forge for Hallam, and 22nd September at Sheffield SU.

G – Greenest city

Sheffield is known as the UK’s greenest city and it’s a well-deserved title. There’s some great spaces such as the Botanical Garderns, Western Park, Crookes Valley Park, and Devonshire Green – all not to far from campus and ideal for catching up with friends, reading a good book, or just watching the world go by.

H – Hills

Good news for the cardio fans: Sheffield has a lot of hills. Proper ones. But you’ll get used to them eventually, we promise!

I – Independent shops and markets

Regular markets include monthly the Peddler street food market at Kelham Island, the Pollen Flower Market, Quayside crafts and food market, and the weekly Moor Market.

And Division Street and Sharrow are perfect for a trip through some local independent shops!

J – Jobs advice

Both universities have careers advice teams to help with one-to-one support. Specified courses also offer years abroad and years in industry – fantastic for getting some more experience under your belt!

K – Kelham Island

Formerly an industrial development, the rejuvenated Kelham Island is now a hub for some of the best food and drink Sheffield has to offer – including the monthly Peddler street food market!

L – Libraries

The University of Sheffield has two main 24/7 libraries. Information Commons is a seven-storey building with study space, computers, a sensory study room. Western Bank library has plenty of study space too – with one floor boasting a glass frontage overlooking Western Park.

Hallam also has two 24/7 libraries: Adsetts on the City campus, and another on  the Collegiate campus.

Both have online facilities to read select books remotely.

M – Music

Sheffield has a rich musical history. It’s the birth place of the Arctic Monkeys, Pulp, Self-Esteem to name just a few.

That music scene is still rocking. There’s the Sheffield Arena; several music festivals; shows at the Octagon and the Foundry on University of Sheffield campus; and venues such as the Sidney and Matilda and The Washington which showcase up-and-coming artists and live music.

Pulp at Tramlines 2025

N – Nightlife

There’s no shortage of clubs to choose from. West Street is famously where most of these are, but there are others dotted elsewhere around the city centre too.

In terms of student nights, Hallamnation is the official one for Hallam students. In Sheffield SU’s Foundry, Roar is the Wednesday night equivalent for University of Sheffield students.

Foundry also hosts the long-established Pop Tarts every Saturday and will now be taking on the mantle of Leadmill Fridays from the city’s recently closed venue The Leadmill (amongst hosting other themed club nights).

O – Outdoor activities

It seems odd to say one of the best things to do in Sheffield is outside of Sheffield. But when your fortunate enough to be at a uni on the edge of the Peak District, it’s definitely worth exploring.

Head out on a bus with your friends or flatmates for a hike. Or maybe even a climb? Sheffield has over half a dozen rock climbing gyms to help.

P – Pubs

Pubs! There are independent pubs for every beer drinking or pie eating need. Plus, for any Spoons fans, there are 10 around the city – the seventh highest amount out of all Russell Group unis.

Q – Quirky socials locations

Not up for a club or a pub? There’s crazy golf at Golf Fang (which has it’s own a Jeremy Kyle themed room), a real-life Mario Kart-style racing experience at BattleKart, and participate in legendary gameshows at Gameshow All Stars!

R – Rivelin Valley

A scenic trail just over the hill from student area Crookes. If you can’t make it to the Peaks, this is one of the next best things!

S- Societies & sports

Sports, academic, and social societies are always worth a try! Many will run taster sessions during the first few weeks and you can find out more about each at the Freshers’ Fairs.

Sheffield SU has more than 330 societies. Fancy joining the Cheese Society or Duck Society, perhaps?

Hallam has 52 social societies (including a Wine Appreciation society!) and 43 academic societies to choose from.

T – Transport

18 to 21-year-old students get cheaper travel on trams and buses with a Zoom Beyond Travel pass! The tram is super useful and runs out to Meadowhall shopping centre, Sheffield Arena, and there’s a route from Sheffield train station to the centre of University of Sheffield campus too.

U – Students’ Unions

The Students’ Unions are there as hubs for students and societies alike, and both have elected officer teams to represent you as students. In the past year both SUs’ work has included a successful campaign for bus franchising to reduce the cost of travel alongside much more.

Hallam SU is located at the HUBS on City campus. It has a cost of living shop, a common room, a merchandise store, and advice centre.

Sheffield SU is situated at the heart of Main campus and is frequently ranked on various tables as the best in the country, including a seven-year streak at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards between 2017 and 2024. It is home to cafes, a small supermarket, a swap shop, merchandise store, food outlets, student radio, and live events and club nights at the Foundry,

V – Varsity

Varsity is the big event on the Sheffield sporting calendar. Every spring, the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University compete against each other in more than 80 events over a two week period.

It usually culminates in an ice hockey match in front of a sold-out crowd of students at Sheffield Arena – making it the largest college ice hockey contest outside of North America. Boxing, football, cycling, rugby, volleyball, tennis, rowing, snow sports are also among the events on offer.

The team in black and gold, the University of Sheffield, has been on something a winning streak in recent years. But perhaps Hallam may have some new emerging stars on board to help them end that in 2026?

Varsity 2025 ice hockey at Sheffield Arena

W – Wellbeing and mental health

Both universities offer wellbeing support services – with people on hand to talk too if you need it.

X – Extras you didn’t know you needed

There’s always something happening in Sheffield. A street art festival? Got that. The world’s oldest football club? How about two.

Y – Yorkshire culture

The only thing better than a degree? Becoming an honorary resident of God’s Own Country (bonus points if your already from Yorkshire).

Just remember: it’s a breadcake, not a breadroll, and it’s Hendo’s – not that Worcestershire Sauce stuff. Forever defending our Hendo’s.

Z – Zero regrets

Come to uni in Sheffield and never look back! Congratulations on choosing your new favourite city, Fresher!

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Featured image via Google Maps