If you’re a fresher or new to the steel city, no doubt you’ll want to map out the best student hangouts in Sheffield. Whether you’re in the mood for a pint or want a quiet place to study, we’ve listed some of our favourite insider spots to explore.
1. Kommune
Kommune is a really dynamic space in the heart of Sheffield’s old city. It’s got loads of different food and drink options with separately operated restaurants and cafes inside, as well as an art gallery and retails shops. Kommune also has a full program of events like game nights, film showings, and writer’s circles.
Insider tip: don’t miss out on their breakfast club, every day their open kitchen offers a brekkie option for a fiver, 10:00-12:00.
2. University of Sheffield Students’ Union
For University of Sheff students, Sheffield Students’ Union offers multiple food spots, bars, cafes, and resource centres. The Foundry is an event space with concerts and shows. Interval is a fab outdoor beer garden (with indoor space too if the weather isn’t playing nice).
Make sure to check out the Sheffield Students’ Union calendar and take advantage of everything they have to offer.
3. The HUBS – Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union
If you’re enrolled at Hallam, then your students’ union, The HUBS, is located on Paternoster Row, close to Sheffield train station. The building itself has unique circular pods to divide the different areas. There are common rooms, advice centres, a Coffee Union, and more. Check out the event calendar to see the variety of available options; fitness classes, live music, movie nights and more.
4. Devonshire Green
On sunny days, head over to Devonshire Green, a lovely public green space in the City Centre, between Fitzwilliam Street and Eldon Street. While there are events and concerts at the outdoor amphitheatre, with lots of seating, it’s also the perfect place for some outdoor reading/studying. Or take a break and have a picnic with your mates.
5. The Cabin
We could sit in The Cabin for hours. (However, the queue gets long on weekends, so not the best time to linger). Just as the name implies, this timber-clad restaurant has a woodsy-homey feel and offers up even more comfort with their massive plates of pancakes and waffles. Their coffee is killer (perfect study aide), and they even have a cute gift shop. If you want to get cosy with a cuppa and study a bit on a dreary day, this is your spot.
6. Nursery Tavern
Looking for a more packed, lots going on environment? Look no further than Nursery Tavern on Ecclesall Road. We think their website describes this spot brilliantly: “You’ll always find a warm welcome at The Nursery Tavern. It’s a place where you can enjoy the day whether you fancy a few rounds with mates, a spot of lunch with colleagues or a cosy meal for two. Where great food and live sport lift your spirits. And where the banter flows as freely as the drinks.”
Just note that this is not a place to bring the books, but if you want to catch a match, or have a fun time—head on over to this local favourite.
7. Let’s Sushi
Sometimes you just need some brain food to power through your coursework. If you want a lunch or dinner sushi break, hop over to Let’s Sushi on West Street. They offer fab takeaway for those busy days as well as dine-in options. Oh and did we mention it’s delicious!
8. Endcliffe Park
For those warm summer and spring months, Endcliffe Park is an ideal little oasis in the middle of Sheffield. It’s a fantastic place to take a stroll, enjoy the scenery and clear your mind. Weather permitting, you can even throw a weekend BBQ. There’s also a lot of interesting memorials and a cafe on site, with festivals and fairs throughout the year.
9. Steam Yard
Let’s be real, at uni, we all run on coffee. Steam Yard is one the best shops in Sheffield, (truly it’s not just us who believe that, check out The Tab’s glowing review). Come here to meet up with pals, have a study sesh, and make sure to treat yourself to a cronut, you won’t be disappointed!
Explore All of the Best Student Hangouts in Sheffield
Sheffield is an exciting and lively city, perfect for the urban uni experience. Make sure to hop around and explore all of the best student spots it has to offer.
Don’t forget the hangouts LIV Student Sheffield has as well, bang in the middle of the city on Ecclesall Road, our community offers a roof terrace, study rooms, an on-site cafe and more!
