As a student, you're probably going to be out a lot exploring Sheffield and having fun with your friends. If you're new to Sheffield and what it has to offer, there are lots of cool bars, pubs and clubs around the city which are perfect for students. However, Sheffield also has lots to do if you'd rather have a quieter night which involves minimal alcohol or none at all. Here's a few suggestions of some of the best places to go and the best things to do...

Pubs, bars and clubs

The Nursery Tavern

If you’re after a good old pub to just chill out and enjoy a few beers with your friends, The Nursery Tavern is the place to go. Offering a wide selection of drinks, live sport, pub grub at very low prices and an impressively large beer garden, students often flock here during their time at uni. You can also take advantage of the Freshers deals on food and drink from Monday 16 September to Sunday 13 October, so get yourself there!

Bungalows and Bears

What used to be an old fire station is now the curiously named Bungalows and Bears, a great place to go for a night filled with food, drink and live music. With a handpicked range of craft beers and cask ales on tap, signature gins, new and old favourite cocktails, a selection of wines and low or non-alcoholic drinks, there's something for everyone here. Food wise, expect juicy burgers, chicken dishes, pub classics and a range of veggie options.

Leadmill

Known as Sheffield's longest running live music venue, Leadmill has had popular acts such as Oasis, Coldplay, Paul Weller, Arctic Monkeys, The Stone Roses and Kings of Leon who have all played at this iconic venue. Voted Sheffield's 'best live music venue' on several occasions, Leadmill has received awards from the likes of NME and Live UK. Leadmill also hosts lots of student nights, so this is a place that you will most likely end up visiting at least once during your time at Hallam.

The Wick at Both Ends

The Wick at Both Ends, or simply referred to by many as The Wick, is a cosy little gem with lots of cute fairy lights inside, giving off that friendly, relaxed type of vibe. Offering fine ales and beers from around the world as well as great-tasting, unique cocktails, The Wick also has a menu of European small dishes if you fancy a little nibble. Whether it's drinking or dining, you can do both whilst relaxing on one of the comfy sofas or in a booth next to the window. If you want to party, The Wick is known to get pretty busy on a Saturday night…

Picture House Social

For anyone who loves a good cocktail and likes trying something new, get yourself down to the award-winning Picture House Social. Try something from their Holy Highballs menu which includes classic cocktails and spirit pairings. There's also a separate cocktail menu where all drinks are served in a bottle, and includes a few twists on old favourites. If you're not feeling spirits or cocktails, choose from a range of draft beers and wines and if you fancy a bite to eat, tuck in to Neapolitan style pizzas or Italian street food. For a bit of fun, get stuck into a game of ping pong or table football with your friends, or go nostalgic with vintage arcade games. Picture House Social also hosts a range of live music events and has a private terrace, so whether you're up for a gig or fancy challenging your friends at the games, you can do both here.

Other things to do in Sheffield

Head to the cinema

Going to the cinema is the perfect way to spend a quiet evening if you don't want to go 'out out'. Sheffield has several cinemas dotted around the city including Light Cinema, ODEON Luxe, Curzon and Cineworld.  If you're up for watching a European Art House film or a re-release of an old school favourite, the Showroom Cinema is the place to go which is one of Europe's largest independent cinemas. It's also situated directly across from The HUBS so you can't miss it!

Grab a bite to eat

From pub grub eateries to burger bars and global cuisine restaurants, Sheffield has so much variety when it comes to dining out. For all things fried chicken, try Lucky Fox on Division Street which takes inspiration from New York diners and serves chicken wraps, salads, waffles and more. For a bit of Mexican, Street Food Chef offers the best in Mexican deliciousness from burritos, quesadillas and nachos. If you're after a selection of vegan options, Church - Temple of Fun at Kelham Island has a 100% vegan menu and also has a range of cool arcade games. It was also founded by Oli Sykes, frontman of Bring Me The Horizon, who are one of Sheffield's finest musical acts.

Hit the shops

There are lots of places to go shopping in Sheffield so you can shop 'til you drop into the night. The Moor is home to high-street favourites such as Primark, JD Sports and Game, while Orchard Square has FatFace, TK Maxx, The Body Shop and more. If you want variety, Meadowhall has it all including Debenhams, Topshop and Apple. Meadowhall is also the largest shopping centre in Yorkshire and is open until 9.00pm in the week.

Go out for dessert

Dessert places are becoming more and more popular with all ages and if you're a dessert fan, Sheffield has plenty of dessert parlours for you to take your pick from. For a classy and 'Instagrammable' place, try the pretty and elegant Alyssum Café Bistro which offers a range of freshly-baked cakes, brownies, crepes and more. London Road is also home to many popular dessert restaurants including La Crème, Treatz, Sugar and dessert takeaways if you fancy staying at home and tucking into something sweet.

See a gig

For live music, comedy and more, Sheffield has lots of large-scale and independent venues. For students, Leadmill, Plug and Tank are among the favourites for live music from local bands to resident house DJs. For comedy and sports events as well as live music, O2 Academy, Sheffield City Hall and FlyDSA Arena are also some of the best and most popular venues to head out to.

If you want something more student friendly, Hideout is the Students' Union bar at The HUBS where you can find a range of cocktails, beers and soft drinks. Awarded Best Bar None, Hideout also serves a wide range of food, including vegetarian and vegan options from burgers, melts and wraps, salads and desserts.

Staying safe at night

As a Students' Union, we want to ensure that all students are safe when out and about in Sheffield, especially at night. Whether you've been made to feel uncomfortable by someone in the club, ran out of money for a taxi or one of your friends has reacted badly to alcohol or drugs, we're here to help and offer advice if you find yourself in a difficult situation that might end up becoming dangerous.

Alcohol

While at university, a lot of students enjoy going out to bars, clubs and pubs on a night and it's easy to say 'yes' when there are so many student nights and discounted drinks offered. Although it's good to get out and have fun with your friends, it's also important that you know your limits and act responsibly when under the influence of alcohol.

Drinking too much alcohol can easily lead to alcohol poisoning, so it's important that you know the signs. If you think one of your friends might have alcohol poisoning, some of the signs include:

• Slurred speech
• Coordination loss
• Vomiting
• Low body temperature
• Stupor (conscious but responsive)

In this situation, some of the things you could do to help include:

• Keeping them awake and sitting up
• Giving them water
• Keeping them warm
• Laying them on their side in the recovery position if they have passed out

Drugs

The Students' Union and the University do not condone taking drugs as it is never safe, however if you or your friends decide to take drugs, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risks. Things you can do include:

• Telling your friends that you've taken something so that they're aware
• Regularly sipping water
• Not mixing drugs with alcohol and other drugs
• Start with a small amount - you can always take more but you can't take less

For more advice on alcohol and drugs, visit hallamstudentsunion.com/advice/drugsandalcohol

Safe Taxi Scheme

Sheffield Hallam Students' Union and the University has teamed up with City Taxis to create the 'Safe Taxi Scheme' which allows you to use your SHUcard as temporary payment if you don't have any cash for a taxi. You can then pay your taxi fare at The HUBS the following day and collect your SHUcard.

Ask for Angela

If you're on a night out in Sheffield and are made to feel uneasy by someone to the point where you want to leave, but don't want to let the person know, you can 'Ask for Angela'. Ask for Angela is a campaign that was created to reduce sexual abuse on a night out. The idea is that if you're on a date or out with friends and you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, simply go to the bar and ask a member of staff for 'Angela'. They will then help you call for a taxi or help you to leave discreetly.

For more information on wellbeing and staying safe, visit hallamstudentsunion.com/advice/healthwellbeingsafety