Since I’ve been studying at the University of Sheffield for two years now, I thought I’d collect together some of the best things to do, along with the best time to do/visit them. There’s way more that could go onto this list but ya girl has tried and tested these ones, and I can confirm that they make a beautiful year overall. Okay so as we’re doing this through the eyes of a student, lets start at the beginning of semester 1..
SEPTEMBER is for: Searching for cute room items in the new IKEA.
Pinterest boards and fresh student loan at the ready, you are SO ready to decorate your new room, and there’s only one place that can solve your furnishing needs as well as double up as a day out- IKEA. My housemates and I went later on in the year but really September’s the right time. We ended up coming through the checkout with two soft toy rats (?) and candles that technically we weren’t allowed to light in our house, but the cheap clothes rack made a cute (albeit unnecessary) addition to my second year bedroom.
OCTOBER is for: Organising a trip to the peaks.
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After a couple of weeks you realise that it might not be sunny for much longer; it’s time to explore outside before its too late. In our case it already was too late, but holding onto the top of Win Hill so that we didn’t get blown away was actually a refreshing adrenaline boost after the fear of ice breaker seminars had worn off. A meal at the Yorkshire Bridge Inn follows beautifully before you hop on the bus back to the city.
NOVEMBER is for: Never tasted better doughnuts.
Once reading week has arrived, you need a cute place to take a friend when you're not essay writing. Eve Kitchen in Sharrow Vale is in my opinion the ultimate destination for a coffee, a handmade doughnut, and an Instagram story. To be honest Sharrow Vale is just the loveliest place in general, but I think this little shop is the cherry on top. In the summer they also do ice cream filled doughnuts.. how perfect?
Okay so it’s not so close by, but the food and atmosphere of the night market bring you the warmth you’re craving now that winter is upon you. It’s coming up to the end of term anyway, so soon enough you’ll probably be back home for Christmas. The night market is the loveliest way to make the most of the time left at the end of the semester and perfect if you want to try out a load of good food.
JANUARY is for: Justifying your lack of revision with a walk in Endcliffe Park.
January exams are upon you, and you will do ANYTHING to avoid revising, but with your room totally clean and your phone out of battery the next thing to do is go for a walk. Just far enough away that it gets you out of the house for a while, but close enough to persuade your housemates to come along too, Endcliffe Park is perfect for procrastination.. The little stream also looks suuuper cute in the snow.
FEBRUARY is for: Fridays at Marmadukes.
The grey weather and tiredness after exams mean that Sharrow Vale is no longer an option for a quick coffee after lectures. My friend introduced me to Marmadukes, the cosiest cafe in Sheffield with the cutest little wooden tables when we were too lazy to walk home after German conversation class on a rainy Friday afternoon. It’s so perfect for warming up and relaxing after a week of uni, and once again, holds many insta story possibilities..
MARCH is for: Making my way downtown (Via Division Street.)
So you’re settling into second semester and it’s time to explore again. Although pretty much everybody walks along Division Street to get to town, it’s for sure worth slowing down and taking a look in some of the shops. The best outfits in Sheffield are arguably always seen on Division Street, and you never know if you’ll find a gem for yourself in the thrift shops. Steamyard Coffee is on this road as well, another favourite on a Friday afternoon.
APRIL is for: A visit to Sharrow Vale Market.
I always somehow manage to find out that Sharrow Vale Market is happening JUST as its too late, and arrive halfway through. Although I’ve only seen little bits of the event, the atmosphere is still so great and it just makes my love for Sharrow Vale even stronger. There’s another market held here in the winter but I prefer how chilled out it is during spring time. Maybe this is the time for one of those ice cream filled doughnuts..
MAY is for: Many evenings in the Botanical Gardens.
It’s exam season again, time for more walks. The Botanical Gardens are possibly my favourite place in Sheffield all year round, but they’re particularly amazing in May; the flowers are all out and after a day of sun the air smells super sweet, it’s so relaxing and even a good place to get some revision done during the day. I ended up going here all the time during the evenings this May, the place is just so beautiful.
JUNE is for: Jealousy- revising in Weston Park when you just want to sunbathe.
Exams are starting to come to an end but you still have three.. Overlooking the park while studying in Western Bank is getting too much.. Time to get the picnic blanket out and bring your books outside to Weston Park. Although there might be a fair few people relaxing and making you envious, at least you know that you’re still within WiFi range of the library and you’re not missing out on the sun.
JULY is for: Jumping back on the bus to the peaks…
Every time I travel back home through the peaks at the end of the year I wish that I’d taken advantage of the beautiful places just outside Sheffield, forgetting that us students are only actually in the city during the rainy and snowy times of the year. This year I came back to visit Ladybower Reservoir, just below Win Hill. It’s so beautiful, especially on a super sunny day, and is only a short bus journey away.
AUGUST is for: Arundel Street or Westfield Terrace?
Let’s face it, most university students won’t be in Sheffield during August, but if you are, this is the time to get an iced coffee at Tamper. I’ve only been to the Sellers Wheel location but the relaxed atmosphere was perfect for a summer’s day, especially being sat outside in the courtyard. Even for a quick drink before the train journey back home this coffee shop is so lovely.
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