Starting a new academic year at the University of Sheffield is always exciting — new faces, new opportunities, and new goals. To make your year run smoothly, it’s crucial to know when teaching begins, when breaks arrive, and how to plan your study rhythm. The 2025/26 academic calendar is structured to give students a perfect balance between study, rest, and exploration.
Below, we’ll walk through each part of the Sheffield academic year, explain what to expect in each phase, and share advice to help you make the most of every term.
The Flow of the Academic Year
The University of Sheffield divides its academic year into two major teaching periods — Autumn and Spring — separated by well-timed vacations. The rhythm feels balanced: around twelve weeks of study in the first half, followed by a few weeks of rest, then another long teaching block leading into summer.
But the year actually begins before any lecture starts — with something every Sheffield student remembers fondly: Welcome Week.
Welcome Week: 22–27 September 2025
The journey kicks off with Welcome Week, running from 22 to 27 September 2025. It’s a lively introduction to campus life, filled with student fairs, society sign-ups, campus tours, and course induction sessions.
For new students, these few days are invaluable. They give you the time to settle into your accommodation, get your university card, and make friends before the real work begins. Returning students also use the week to reconnect with tutors and prepare for the term ahead.
By the end of this week, you’ll have your timetable set, your laptop updated with the right software, and hopefully, a few friends to grab coffee with between lectures.
Autumn Semester: 29 September 2025 – 7 February 2026
Teaching officially starts on 29 September 2025 and runs until 20 December 2025, marking roughly twelve weeks of classes, seminars, and assessments. This is the longest continuous stretch of teaching in the academic year.
The pace can feel fast, especially for first-year students who are adjusting to independent study. Most coursework deadlines appear in late November or early December — so planning ahead is essential.
After a busy start, students get a four-week Christmas break, a much-needed pause that usually begins around 21 December 2025. It’s the perfect time to travel home, relax, or prepare for the January assessments that close the semester.
Teaching resumes briefly on 19 January 2026, continuing until 7 February 2026. Those three post-holiday weeks often include revision sessions, exams, or final project submissions, depending on your course structure.
By early February, most students breathe a sigh of relief — and then it’s time to switch gears for the next term.
Spring Semester: 9 February – 13 June 2026
The Spring semester starts on 9 February 2026, and by now, you’ll have found your rhythm. This term is split neatly into two teaching blocks: one before and one after the Easter break.
From February to the end of March, you’ll have about seven weeks of teaching. Then comes a three-week Easter vacation, which begins around 29 March 2026. Many students use this time for dissertation research, part-time work, or short travel within the UK or Europe.
After the break, the final stretch begins on 20 April 2026 and continues until 13 June 2026. This period often includes final exams, group presentations, and major assessments. For final-year students, it’s an emotional mix — excitement, stress, and the satisfaction of seeing years of hard work come together.
Life Between Terms
The vacations aren’t just for rest — they’re a chance to experience Sheffield and beyond. Many international students use these breaks to explore the Peak District, visit nearby cities like Manchester and York, or take internships.
For UK students, the breaks are also prime time for career development. Sheffield’s Careers Service often runs workshops and short courses during these gaps to help you strengthen your CV and gain professional experience.
Why Understanding Term Dates Matters
The University of Sheffield 2025/26 academic calendar may seem like a list of numbers, but in reality, it shapes your entire student experience. Each semester offers a different pace — the excitement and learning curve of autumn, the consolidation and reflection of spring.
By understanding how the year unfolds, you can manage your workload better, avoid burnout, and enjoy the vibrant campus life that Sheffield is known for.
Remember: success at university isn’t about cramming everything at the end of the term — it’s about pacing yourself across these clearly defined periods.
Final Thoughts
From the first buzz of Welcome Week in September 2025 to the closing weeks of June 2026, every part of the University of Sheffield calendar offers an opportunity — to learn, grow, and explore.
So, mark those dates, stay proactive, and don’t forget to make space for the experiences that make student life memorable — late-night study sessions, weekend trips, and the friendships that last far beyond graduation.