Freshers’ Week survival kit: Seven must-know tips for new Sheffield university students

Freshers’ Week in Sheffield is a wild mix of club nights, free pizza, potentially chaotic weather, and more Skibidi Rizz Bombs than you’ll know what to do with.

If you’re wondering how to not just survive, but actually thrive your way through the silly fresh era, we’ve got you covered.

Here are the seven essential tips all incoming Sheffield Uni students must know, from someone who desperately wished they’d known these things in their first year.

Pack smart: For the weather and the nights out

Sheffield weather is chaos, and umbrellas definitely won’t last 30 seconds. Save yourself turning up to your introductory lecture drenched by bringing a proper coat and shoes that can handle puddles (and hills…).

The Sheffield hills are real, so prepare yourself for the free workout every time you walk to your lectures. But hey, at least at least you’ve ticked off your cardio for the day every time you walk to West Street.

Also, be sure to pack any fancy dress you have at home: It’s a Uni student essential. Whether that means the cowboy hat on top of your wardrobe or your 2024 Halloween costume, fancy dress is a necessity for society socials and themed club nights. Don’t ask, just join in.

Becoming a pro at pres

Good pres make great friendships, and are the perfect way to break the ice with your new flatmates. Make sure to bring some kind of funky light (a galaxy projector was a personal favourite) and some drinking game knowledge to kick off Freshers’ Week.

Bonus tip: If you want to make a great first impression, bring a digital camera. Everyone is a sucker for a digi-cam pic before a night out.

West Street

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Even though you’ve just moved into your new accommodation, your real home in Sheffield is West Street. There’s £1 shots from West Street Live containing all the chaotic energy (and skibidi rizz, IYKYK) you need for Freshers’ Week, and Molly Malone’s hosting everything from weekly live music to the ‘Big Fat Quiz. Spending a night there is the perfect welcome to your new city.

West Street is also home to an abundance of kebab shops, ideal for the post-night-out cheesy chips, so pick your favourite from the start and be prepared to stay loyal to it the entirety of your degree.

Students’ Unions

Freshers’ Fairs at the Students’ Union are the perfect place to load up on free pizza, tote bags, and that incredible £5 large Dominos pizza voucher, which is the perfect hangover cure.

You can also explore the large number of societies university has to offer. With a vast range of societies in Sheffield, from sports to a wine society, there’s something for everyone. Take this opportunity to make friends outside of your flat and course, and make the most of the “Give it a go” sessions by trying something completely new. Plus, society cards equals discounted drinks.

The Foundry at the University of Sheffield’s Student’s Union is also a favourite for Freshers’ Week club nights and all year round. With three rooms playing various music genres and eight different themed club nights over Freshers’, it caters to everyone’s night out preferences. The Official Welcome Party is also great for bonding with your flatmates on night one!

And don’t worry new freshers – even though Leadmill sadly closed its doors before your arrival (RIP), Foundry will be hosting the infamous Leadmill Friday from Freshers’ Week onwards.

Touching grass

If you’re in need of some fresh air to cure a hangover, or if nights out aren’t your thing, Sheffield has some great green spaces: Botanical Gardens, Crookes Valley Park and Forge Dam are some personal favourites.

If you’re looking for a wholesome activity to do with your new flatmates that doesn’t involve drinking, the Peak District is also right on your doorstep and a short bus ride away.

Surviving Freshers’ Flu

Stock up on vitamin C tablets and stay hydrated but, most importantly, embrace it. Freshers’ Flu, unfortunately, is pretty much unavoidable. Just make sure you arrive with a stash of cold and flu tablets, because the Broomhill Morrisons sells out FAST.

Save your bank account

You are a uni student now after all, so take full advantage of student discount by using apps like UNIDAYS and Student Beans.

On the 2^nd October, Meadowhall is hosting their annual Student Event, with hundreds of student discounts on offer across the shopping centre. If you’re looking for a Freshers’ Fair part two, there are loads of “Spin the Wheels” dotted around giving you freebies.

Equally if you’re looking for a way to fuel your caffeine addiction without spending all your student loan, definitely download the BetterPoints app. You get points just for walking to your lectures, and 500 BetterPoints can get you a free hot drink from any university café. Seriously, there is no catch.

Whether you’re here for the nights out or just the free tote bags, make the most of Freshers’ Week – just don’t forget your coat and have fun!

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