LIFE IN SHEFFIELD

The Sheffield music scene is legendary. The city has produced some of the UK’s best-known electronic, indie, rock and pop acts of the last 40 years. And in more recent times, a new breed of self-reliant Sheffield bands and artists have grown world-renowned reputations. With nearly 70 venues in Sheffield, you’ll be able to find gigs by local and international acts nearly every day of the week. It’s also home to some fantastic events and festivals, such as No Bounds and Tramlines, which continues to attract the biggest bands and thousands of festival goers each year. The city is also home to some iconic music venues such the Corporation and the City Hall, and famous recording studios such as Yellow Arch.

Sheffield is a student city, with two large universities. The University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University, located in the city centre. This makes Sheffield incredibly diverse, attracting students from 150 countries around the world. It’s also one of the country’s safest large cities and is very student friendly, meaning you’ll be able to find student discounts virtually on every corner. There’s also plenty of choice available when it comes to student accommodation.

Sheffield, known as the ‘Green City’, is very much an outdoor city. You’ll not have far to walk to its many parks, hills and rivers. You’ll regularly spot many Sheffield residents making the most of the area by mountain biking, walking, climbing, kayaking and paddle boarding. It also borders The Peak District National Park with its trails and routes for hiking, mountain biking, caving and rock climbing, making it the perfect place for adrenaline junkies. Sheffield works hard to keep its city green and in 2021, it was named by the NatWest Green Cities report as the UK’s greenest city.

Sheffield is known for its DIY ethic that’s all about the music, the people, and the places. It’s a vibe that creates truly memorable nights out, not just the same old experience. West Street and Division Street offer a vibrant mix of restaurants, pubs and bars. And around the Kelham Island area you’ll find some of the city’s best bars and night markets and traditional pubs. If it’s clubbing, you’re after, head to Code or Tank.

Over 7% of Sheffield’s population is employed in the creative industries, nearly double the national average. The city hosts a wide range of festivals, including those dedicated to music, literature, and filmmaking. It is also home to the Cultural Industries Quarter, a conservation area that celebrates the region’s cultural importance and supports the development of industries linked to music, art, film, and performance. Sheffield offers many art galleries with exhibitions throughout the year, often with discounted tickets for students. Many of the galleries and museums are free to enter.

Across the city you will find cafes, bars, street food outlets and restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets, and the discovery of a new favourite place will be a regular occurrence. If you want to sample food from around the world, make your way to London Road. There are food halls such as the Kommune in Castlegate and The Cutlery Works in Kelham Island. If you like to mix food and live music, then head to Peddlar Market. Sharrow Vale Road is perfect for a stroll and a visit to some independent eateries and coffee shops. And not to be missed is the Sheffield Food Festival, a celebration of Sheffield’s local food and drink.