Your day by day guide to Freshers’ Week 2026 at the University of Sheffield

So you’ve unpacked your room, said goodbye to the parents and met your flatmates, now what? Freshers’ Week is the perfect opportunity to explore Sheffield and try lots of new things. I’ve comprised a full list of suggestions for each day. 

Monday

The first thing you do NOT want to miss is the Freshers ‘Fair at the SU running from 11am-4pm. You don’t need a ticket, just your student ID and it’s the perfect opportunity to get some freebies and have a laugh with your friends. Just come sooner rather than later as it gets very busy. 

Foundry then has Tropiloco, very popular event that has already sold out. The Sheffield Tab is doing a collab night with it so, if you see anyone interviewing people, don’t be shy! If you didn’t get your hands on tickets, this is definitely something to consider for future Mondays. Tickets for the next few weeks are out now on its website.

Another club option is Monday Corp at Corporation, known for having the cheapest drinks in Sheffield, so you don’t blow through the weekly budget on day one. You can buy tickets on its website but they are also available on the door.

Tuesday

Freshers’ Fair 2025

The SU’s second event of the week is the Activity Fair, running from 11-4pn, where you can explore potential clubs and societies to get involved in. This can be another great way to make friends outside of student housing and your course, giving you a chance to explore something new.

At Bar One (also in the SU) there’s a Sip and Paint starting at 7pm for a more mellow creative vibe. After buying your ticket on the SU website, it provides all the materials and even a complimentary cocktail. This could be great if you want an evening activity but clubbing isn’t quite your scene.

Foundry also continues its chain of Freshers’ events with The Big Freshers’ Icebreaker. This club night includes some competitions and opportunities to get on stage which are very entertaining to watch or if you’re feeling confident event get involved with.

For a different option, the very first Tydal Tuesdayis on at Sidney and Matilda. This features a variety of DJs across three different rooms, with The Basementplaying house and garage, The Factory playing disco funk and soul, and The Bar playing R&B and commercial. Tickets are available through Organised Chaos or on the door.

Wednesday

For something a little bit different there’s a Dog Life Drawingin Coffee Revolution where real four legged friends will serve as your inspiration. This could be great for anyone missing their own pet at home. Tickets for this are also available on the SU app.

The very first Roar is also taking place at Foundry. This is a weekly event many societies attend so if you’re planning to join one it may be worth getting familiar. It’s also known for seeing ridiculous costumes, so if you see someone dressed up as a pea – don’t question it.

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Thursday

Glass Onion student lock in Summer 2026

The SU is running its Discover Sheffield Freshers’ Market which will be running from 11am-4pm, showcasing local and independent businesses. You may find your new local spot or pick up some new room decor while you’re there. 

If you want to keep the shopping going the vintage shop Glass Onion are hosting its Student Lock-Inevent. The tickets are on their website for free or you can pay £1 to go an hour earlier at 4pm. This event gives students 30 per cent off items and could be the perfect chance to build your university wardrobe.

Foundry is also hosting SoulJam, a less typical club night which plays funk, soul and disco for a bit of a mix up compared to other freshers events.

Another slightly different event is Shit Indie Disco (or Shindie), playing, you guessed it, indie music!  This is also at Corporation and is new to Sheffield but will be running every Thursday so you’ll have to see if it becomes one of your regulars.

Friday

The last of the SU’s fairs also runs from 11am-4pm and is the Sports Fair. This is the perfect chance to meet people who share the same interests, re-ignite an old love for a sport or try something completely new. Each sports society has a variety of different levels and people to talk to at each stand about what would be best for you.

Foundry is hosting Freshers Festwith 00s Reloaded, a powerhouse band and four vocalists, bringing the night to life. Live covers of iconic 2000s artists including Beyoncé, Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse will be playing all night long.

If you fancy a different venue, Unit.90at Hazy Club is also running a Freshers’ night. This venue has two floors with The Grid playing party anthems, “sing alongs” and club classics and The Loftplaying house, tech house, UKG and heavy hitters.

Saturday

If you haven’t been to a Foundry club night at this point, what are you doing? To conclude Freshers’ Week, Poptarts is running on Saturday and for many quickly becomes a weekly occurrence. 

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way to spend your Freshers’ Week and, if you put yourself out of your comfort zone even once, that’s something to be proud of. With the wide variety of options in the list above I’m sure something will be for you and you may even find a new weekly ritual.

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