Sheffield is a city steeped in local charm, great nights out, and incredible music. Think Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, Reverend and the Makers, Bring Me The Horizon, artists with huge anthems from a city that can party hard; and as a student in one of the city's two universities, you’re going to be joining in on all the fun.
Freshers week
You’ve moved over to Sheffield and things are a little bit unfamiliar, and you’re dreading all those hills? Where should you go out, what is there to do? Well, you don’t need to worry because we have you covered with this guide to Sheffield and the best areas that you can go to. You’ll know the city as well as the palm of your hand in no time.
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The best student nights in Sheffield
On Monday nights in Sheffield, there are few better places to spend little and play big than Tank, for Sunken Mondays. A night where student ravers from a mixture of both Unis gather every week to dance to Sunken’s high-energy brand of house, tech and dance anthems. A groovy way to start the week that comes highly recommended.
When Tuesday comes around, if you are a Uni of Sheffield student, you should look no further than Tuesday Club at Foundry. For over 25 years this night has been giving Sheffield students a livewire connection to underground electronic music, consistently delivering huge names and a perpetual boogie in its crowds. Tickets can be a tad more expensive than other nights, but totally worth it.
Wednesdays you are offered a choice. If you're in a ‘Uni of’ Sports team, then head down to Roar at Foundry to find all the sports teams going wild all night. However, this is a bit of a marmite night for students of the city, so for us, just head down to Corporation for their Skool Disco. An equally wild night that's dirt cheap and you get free entry if wearing a white shirt and tie, a true Sheffield student institution.
Thursdays should see you again return to Foundry if studying at ‘Uni of’ as it sees their best (in our opinion) student night of the week in Soul Jam, where you and your newfound pals can boogy to some funk and soul till late. Or, if you're feeling more of a classic night, the Thirsty Thursdays at ONYX will see you reyt, with dirt cheap drinks and great party vibes.
Finally, on Fridays, you simply can’t look past the Leadmill certified classic that is Leadmill Fridays. With two rooms, one playing pop and chart classics, and the other indie and rock classics, this night is a great all-rounder, where all your group should be happy, no matter their tastes. It always sells out and is always super cheap (80p Vodka Mixers!!!), which is especially good for a Friday night. Just head down, you’ll see what we mean.
Then, on the weekend. It’s Leadmill that comes out on top for the cheaper nights with their famous Sonic Saturday playing all the best in Indie, Funk & Soul, and Pop-Punk. However, on the weekend, the city is your oyster. There are raves aplenty at Hope Works, FORGE, and Tank. If you just want a proper bender, then bar crawl down West Street. Whatever you’re after Sheff will deliver.
The best student areas to go out in Sheffield
West Street
We consider this separate from the city centre, even though it technically is, mainly because, there are THAT many bars on here. Molly Malones, West Street Live, Tiger Works, The Cavendish, not to mention the University of Sheffield SU (with Foundry Cub inside) that is at one end. It’s truly the go-to place for student drinks in the city.
Kelham Island
Kelham Island is an area in Sheffield that has undergone a recent transformation. This is one for a special treat night out (as the bars around here are a tad more expensive), and especially one for the beer drinkers as it is home to ‘The Valley Of Beer’. There are bars like Kelham Island Tavern, The Riverside, and Yellow Arch Studios, as well as restaurants like Cutlery Works, Domo, and Pina (all of which are 10/10) for you to get some scran. A bit upmarket for a student, but nonetheless the true ‘hip’ quarter of the city with so much to offer.
Sheffield City Centre
Of course, the centre of Sheffield is always buzzing, even beyond West Street you’ve got all your usual recognisable names such as Spoons, Yates, All Bar One and Turtle Bay, but there is so much more. Fancy cocktails? Public has you covered. Bronco’s Rodeo could see you actually trying to last on a mechanical bull and The Washington is one of the best pubs you’ll find in the city. Not to mention The Leadmill, of course. Basically, you don’t have to worry, when it comes to booze, Sheff City Centre has it in abundance.
Division Street
Running parallel to West Street, Division Street is like its slightly calmer, more mature cousin. Still lined with bars including the incredible Forum, the pool/ping-pong/bar games bar that is Common Room, the Frog & Parrot, The Foresters, and many more, it’s a great place for a bar crawl if you prefer the bars to be a bit more chill with less loud music and less ‘studenty’. Always a great night out down here.
The best student clubs in Sheffield
The Leadmill is an institution in the Steel City and that’s not only for its gigs but for its club nights too! From the weekend affairs like Sonic Saturday and Leadmill Fridays, as well as a string of special nights that come around every so often like their Silent Disco, Club Tropicana (their incredible 80s night), and many more artists-specific nights. It’s always a blast and if you buy a Leadmill card the drinks are SUPER cheap.
Probably Sheffield's coolest night out, Hope Works, found in an industrialised part of the city, is a warehouse tucked away that continuously champions the very best in the underground dance scenes, and puts on some of the best raves in the whole seven hills of the Steel City.
The newest on the list, but more than deserving of a spot, Forge is the Steel City's newest dance mecca, welcoming all brands of dance music, but with a focus on drum and bass, house, and techno. Their huge sound system and unique LED lights put FORGE a step ahead of many other clubs in the area.
Tank is Sheffield’s underground techno, house and bass club where the party never stops. It has a series of huge residencies and recurring club nights that are some of the best that you will find in all of Sheffield.
Corporation puts on some absolutely huge nights and is one of the best nightclubs in Sheffield. With a history as both a club and music venue, they’ve been around since 1997 and put an emphasis on alternative music.
With varied nights throughout the week, you can lean into heavier and heavier sounds, with indie, rock, hip hop and metal all to be found here.
The best student clubs in Sheffield
The Leadmill is a must for all avid gig-goers. It’s so important to the UK music scene that it has a reputation across the entire country, mainly thanks to its 40+ year history. This is your place to see some of the best indie and pop artists around and even some local favourites. Plus, they have frequent live comedy from some of the biggest in the biz. There’s always something interesting happening down at The Leadmill, make sure to get yourself down.
Foundry has a huge reputation in Sheffield. It puts on a whole range of different acts from electronic music favourites to drum n bass and pop. They also put on some brilliant club nights, but as a venue, it really excels.
Located in Sheffield Students Union it likely won’t be too far away from you so go and enjoy the party.
Record Junkee is one of the most beloved record stores in Sheffield and it keeps a constant flow of artists coming in to play special shows. This 150-capacity venue is small and intimate but a chance to see some artists in a different setting from where you may usually be.
Located a bit of a way out in Kelham Island, Yellow Arch is one of the coolest gig spaces in the city. Championing independent artists, the venue has an awesome sound and an even prettier gig room. Plus the whole vibe of the space is welcoming and laidback, especially that beer garden. A must-visit for a gig!
Freshers FAQ's
When does Freshers Week take place in Sheffield?
Freshers in Sheffield will be from Sunday 22nd September to Sunday 29th September.
Do I need to provide ID at events?
Yes, as a requirement of law all bars, pubs, clubs and venues will require some form of valid ID which proves you are at least 18 years of age. Accepted forms of ID include a driver’s license or passport.
More about Sheffield
Irrespective of whether you're a first time visitor to the city, a frequently returning guest or a lifelong inhabitant, our guides are essential reading for anyone looking to make the most of their time in Sheffield.
nightlife
Sheffield is a city steeped in local charm, great nights out, and incredible music. Think Pulp, Arctic Monkeys, Reverend and the Makers, Bring Me The Horizon, artists with huge anthems from a city that can party hard; and as a student in one of the city's two universities, you’re going to be j…
