A to Z student guide to the city centre 📖
📖 Article published on 15 September 2025. All information correct at time of publication.
Sheffield in September can mean only one thing - the arrival of tens of thousands of students.
For undergraduates, discovering the best places to eat, drink, shop, study and socialise can take time.
So we’ve put together this handy guide to the hidden gems and must-visit locations around the city centre.
A is for… alternative, as in The Alternative Store 👗
Located on the quirky, bustling Devonshire Street, here’s where you can pick up the ubiquitous student uniform of hoodies, beanies and casual gear.
Their 0114 area code t-shirts are a subtle way to show off that you now live, nay, belong, in the Steel City.
B is for… big screen entertainment 🎬
Sheffield city centre is home to no less than four cinemas.
Head to local legend The Showroom on Paternoster Row for expertly curated indie films and special cinema clubs.
The Curzon on George Street has a fabulous roof terrace, and a reputation for world cinema.
Luxurious seating and 3D options can be found at Odeon Luxe on Arundel Street, and head to The Light on The Moor for all the latest blockbusters, served with a side of pizza.
C is for…coffee ☕
Diehard coffee connoisseurs should head to artisan specialist Mow’s Coffee on Arundel Street, right in the heart of Sheffield Hallam’s main campus buildings, for batch brew, changing specials and in-depth coffee knowledge.
If you need to caffeinate and study, Danish-style Hygge in Fitzalan Square has hanging chairs and cosy nooks to curl up in.
For (lots) more options, check out our guide to city centre cafe culture.
D is for…Devonshire Green 🟩
This urban oasis is just steps away from university, and city, life.
It’s home to various events throughout the year, including The Fringe at Tramlines during the summer.
It makes a great spot for a study break or lunch with friends.
E is for… eating out 🍽️
Sheffield has a flourishing food scene covering many cuisines. Head to Street Food Chef on Arundel Street for all things Mexican and China Red off The Moor for authentic Sichuan dishes plus a bargain set lunch (£12.50 for two courses.)
Many eateries offer a student discount, including West Street Turkish favourite Efes and student hangout The Forum on Devonshire Street.
And food halls Sheffield Plate or Cambridge Street Collective are also ideal for large groups with different dinner requirements.
F is for… Fjällräven 🎒
This flagship outdoor shop on Charles Street is one of only two in the UK.
It is THE place to head to if you need a university backpack which is robust enough to handle all your gear, water resistant, and comfortable to boot.
G is for… gaming 🕹️
Sheffield is home to the National Videogame Museum on Angel Stree which has more than 100 playable exhibits.
Superfans can delve into the history, culture and artistry of the game.
And there’s no better way to bond with new pals or flatmates than over a game of Sonic or Space Invaders.
H is for… haircuts 💈
On West Street, Henger barbershop offers a student discount and walk-ins.
Well-established hairdresser Wigs and Warpaint, at West One Plaza, is known for its creative approach to colouring.
I is for…an Irish pub ☘️
There are many wonderful, traditional pubs in Sheffield city centre, part of the official beer capital of the world.
The Dog and Partridge on Trippet Lane is one of them. It’s the longest continually serving pub in Sheffield, as pints have been pulled there since the 1790s.
More recently, it has clinched two awards and was rated the city’s finest Irish pub by The Times’ beer writer Pete Brown.
Conor Smith, who has run the pub with wife Sorcha since 2013, said: “We are really lucky that our customers are so varied. We get everything from first year students to pensioners and university staff coming in.
“We focus on making people feel welcome, which is a big thing in Ireland and is really important to us. The bar has a massive range of drinks, with an Irish slant as you’d expect. So there’s really good Guinness and Murphy’s but also lots of Irish whiskeys and gins.”
Visitors can also enjoy a very affordable biachlár, or menu, of home-cooked Irish food at the pub.
It includes their famous Dublin spice bags (usually chicken, chips, peppers and onions cooked in a salt and chilli seasoning with curry sauce) for a student-friendly £7.90.
The pub also serves up music in the form of Sunday sessions and DogFest, a chance for local musicians to perform.
J is for… Jo Peel 🎨
She’s just one of the many street artists who’ve made Sheffield city centre a colourful urban gallery.
You can spot her distinctive work on the way to lectures - on Glossop Road, Sidney Street and Brown Street.
Several pieces of street art have sprung up in the city centre recently, including Rivers and Hills, Sheffield’s biggest.
Sheffield legend Pete McKee has also unveiled a brand new piece celebrating the city’s famous spicy sauce, Henderson’s Relish.
Discover more of the city centre’s street art scene with our special guided tour.
K is for…karaoke 🎶
Sheffield has plenty of venues where you can blast out your favourite 1980s or K-pop hits.
Sports bar Box Sheffield at Barker’s Pool has a variety of private karaoke rooms, suitable for groups of six people and up.
If stage fright isn’t a concern, 1990s music specialist nightclub Popworld on Carver Street also offers karaoke before 10pm on Saturdays.
Boom Battle Bar on The Moor, an adult playground with activities ranging from axe throwing to shuffleboard, also has private karaoke pods and more than 10,000 song choices.
L is for… Leah’s Yard 🛒
Steeped in Sheffield history, this charming independent retail destination is a wholesome place to while away an afternoon.
Sip craft hot chocolate at the Chocolate Bar, pick up a book at La Biblioteka or head for a drink at Hop Hideout, an award-winning beer tasting room and shop.
Find Leah’s Yard at Cambridge Street.
M is for…The Moor 🛒
Shop at more than 50 outlets, from retail giants such as Primark, Boots, USC and H&M, to homegrown department store Atkinson’s and the Aladdin’s Cave of traders that is The Moor Market.
Korean superstore Oyeso is also set to open a three-storey outlet - its biggest yet - on The Moor soon.
It will stock homeware, beauty, produce, stationery and trending products, with fun touches such as an ‘ice up’ station and selfie areas throughout.
N is for…Not Open; Don’t Come 🍷
This nattily named, speakeasy wine bar in Orchard Square works by asking customers to call a number on the former fire exit entrance when they arrive.
It’s open at weekends and until 2am for elevated (literally, it’s in a loft) after parties.
O is for…Orchard Square 🛒
Open-air shopping and leisure court Orchard Square has plenty more to offer.
Track down a bargain at TK Maxx, browse the latest novels at Waterstone’s or head for Sheffield-made, Neapolitan style pizza at Proove.
P is for Pinstone Street 🏨
Strolling along this pedestrian-friendly street will take you past both historic Sheffield Town Hall and the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel (the perfect stopover spot to impress any visiting relatives).
It also leads you to the Heart of the City redevelopment, where you’ll find premium shops and eateries.
Major events, including Sheffield’s popular Christmas markets, are also held in and around the picturesque Peace Gardens.
Q is for… queer community 🏳️🌈
Members-only club Gut Level is a DIY venue hosting gigs, club nights, workshops, co-working and events for the community.
They operate from a new space on the historic thoroughfare Chapel Walk.
R is for…records 🎶
Those from Bear Tree Records on Devonshire Street, to be exact.
This store specialises in handpicked, high-quality vinyl spanning every genre you’ve heard of, and some you probably haven’t.
S is for…. Søstrene Grene 🧵
Danish-style and affordable prices make this homewares store the place to head for semester one stationery supplies and room decor alike.
Their collection of notepads, folders, pens and organisers (like this 2025-2026 study planner, pictured) is worth the trip alone.
But they also stock crafting supplies and delicious snacks, like their made-for-sharing long crisps.
T is for…. theatre, of course 🎭
Sheffield has four theatres, the most outside of London.
And anyone aged between 16 and 25 can enjoy £5 theatre tickets for most shows at Sheffield Theatres.
For the very latest on productions at Sheffield Theatres please visit What's on | Sheffield Theatres and click here to be added to the Sheffield Theatres mailing list.
U is for…Unit Sheffield 🍔
This easygoing, burger joint on Headford Street has something for everyone - it is halal, with gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
The packed burgers are worth drooling over, as are the indulgent drinks. Pistachio milkshake, anyone?
V is for…vintage 👗
It’s easy to be stylish and sustainably minded in Sheffield, with a range of vintage, thrift or secondhand stores.
Student favourite Glass Onion offers carefully curated or adapted pieces, striking window dressing and easy-to-browse clothing sections.
It’s also South Yorkshire owned. The brand began life in Barnsley and opened the Division Street store three years ago.
Store manager Phoebe Price said: “I think people love us because our shop is really curated. We’re trying to bridge the gap between the high street and a traditional vintage store.
“Most people come to us for jeans because we really know our stuff on denim. The team is also super friendly, people get to know us and we have a lot of regulars.”
The store team is currently preparing for an annual highlight, their student lock-in event on Thursday 25 September from 4pm-7pm. Expect freebies, double student discount and a DJ. Oh, and a big queue.
Phoebe added: “We do feel a difference in September. We always go to the freshers’ events and have a student lock in, that’s a crazy time. We’ve had people queuing for it all down the street to Sainsbury’s.”
W is for…West Street 🍻
A one-stop shop for student life, this iconic party street is where you’ll find dozens of places to socialise, dine and dance.
For music, try West Street Live, for student drinks and vibes try The Cavendish, and for unlimited sushi try the Tsuki Japanese restaurant.
X is for… XO sauce ♨️
Pick up this Cantonese cooking staple, along with a vast range of noodles, frozen dumplings and Asian groceries at Yi-mart oriental supermarket on Matilda Street.
Y is for… the yellow tram service 💺
Did we mention Sheffield is *quite* hilly?
Hop on one of these to take you from Fitzalan Square up to West Street or the University of Sheffield stop.
Just while your calf muscles get used to the inclines.
Z is for… Zombie cocktails 🍸
Sheffield city centre has plenty of places to say cheers with a cocktail - or mocktail.
Try Latin-inspired rum specialist Cubanas and quirky Bamboo Door, both in Leopold Square, for the Tiki classic Zombie.
Manahatta on Balm Green and Turtle Bay on Holly Street run two-for-one deals.
For more than a single tokenistic mocktail, head to Public underneath Sheffield Town Hall or The Botanist at Charter Square.
For more inspiration from the myriad of businesses that call Sheffield city centre their home, visit our full organisational listing 👀