Freshers’ Week in Sheffield is a wild mix of club nights, free pizza, potentially chaotic weather, and more Skibidi Rizz Bombs than you’ll know what to do with. Here’s everything you actually need to know to survive it.
Pack smart: for the weather and the nights out
Sheffield weather is chaos, and umbrellas definitely won’t last 30 seconds. Save yourself turning up to your introductory lecture looking drenched by bringing a proper coat and shoes that can handle puddles (and hills…)
The Sheffield hills are real, so prepare yourself for the free workout every time you walk to your lectures. But hey, at least they make your walk to West Street your cardio for the day.
Also, be sure to pack any fancy dress you have at home: It’s a Uni student essential. Whether that being the cowboy hat on top of your wardrobe or your 2024 Halloween costume, fancy dress is a necessity for society socials and themed club nights. Don’t ask, just join in.
Becoming a pro at pres
Good pres make great friendships, and are the perfect way to break the ice with your new flatmates. Make sure to bring some kind of funky light (a galaxy projector was a personal favourite) and some drinking game knowledge to kick off Freshers’ Week.
Bonus tip: If you want to make a great first impression, bring a digital camera. Everyone is a sucker for a digi-cam pic before a night out.
West Street
Even though you’ve just moved into your new accommodation, your real home in Sheffield is West Street. There’s £1 shots from West Street Live containing all the chaotic energy (and skibidi rizz, IYKYK) you need for Freshers’ Week, and Molly Malone’s hosting everything from weekly live music to the ‘Big Fat Quiz. Spending a night there is the perfect welcome to Sheffield.
West Street is also home to an abundance of kebab shops, ideal for the post-night-out cheesy chips, so pick your favourite from the start and be prepared to stay loyal to it the entirety of your degree.
Students’ Unions
Freshers’ Fairs at the Students’ Unions are the perfect place to load up on free pizza, tote bags, and that incredible £5 large Dominos pizza voucher, which is the perfect hangover cure.
You can also explore the large number of societies university has to offer. With a vast range of societies in Sheffield from sports to a wine society, there is something for everyone. Take this opportunity to make friends outside of your flat and course, and make the most of the ‘Give it a go’ sessions by trying something completely new. Plus, society cards equals discounted drinks.
The Foundry at University of Sheffield’s student union is also a favourite for Freshers’ Week club nights and all year round. With 3 rooms playing various music genres and 8 different themed club nights over Freshers Week, it caters to everyones night out preferences. The Official Welcome Party is also great for bonding with your flatmates on night one!
And don’t worry new freshers – even though Leadmill sadly closed its doors before your arrival (RIP), Foundry will be hosting the infamous Leadmill Friday from Freshers Week onwards.
Touching grass
If you’re in need of some fresh air to cure a hangover, or if nights out aren’t your thing, Sheffield has some great green spaces: Botanical Gardens, Crookes Valley Park and Forge Dam are some personal favourites.
If you’re looking for a wholesome activity to do with your new flatmates that doesn’t involve drinking, the Peak District is also right on your doorstep and a short bus ride away.
Surviving Freshers’ Flu
Stock up on vitamin C tablets and stay hydrated but, most importantly, embrace it. Freshers’ Flu, unfortunately, is pretty much unavoidable. Just make sure you stock up on cold and flu tablets before you come, because the Broomhill Morrisons sells out FAST.
Save your bank account
You are a uni student now after all, so take full advantage of student discount by using apps like UNIDAYS and Student Beans.
On the 2nd October, Meadowhall is hosting their annual Student Event, with hundreds of student discounts on offer across the shopping centre. If you’re looking for a Freshers’ Fair part two, there are loads of ‘Spin the Wheels’ dotted around giving you freebies.
Equally if you’re looking for a way to fuel your caffeine addiction without spending all of your student loan, definitely download the BetterPoints app. You get points just for walking to your lectures, and 500 BetterPoints can get you a free hot drink from any university café. Seriously, there is no catch.
Whether you’re here for the nights out or just the free tote bags, make the most of Freshers’ Week – just don’t forget your coat and have fun!
