But the place has many aspects that are less well known.
From hidden artworks and the existence of a secret museum to a surprise gig by a pioneering band and unusual research into a contraceptive for squirrels, here are 10 interesting facts about one of the city's most important institutions.
9. A poem cleaned the city's air
In Praise of Air, written by Simon Armitage, was printed using air-cleansing nanotechnology on a poster that was displayed on the side of the Alfred Denny Building for more than two years, starting in 2014. It was said to have absorbed over two tonnes of air pollution by the time it came down. Photo: SWNS/Ross Parry
10. It stood the tallest for years
The university's Arts Tower - which has the official postal address of 12 Bolsover Street - opened in 1966 and, at 255 feet tall, was Sheffield's loftiest building until the 331 ft St Paul's Tower on Arundel Gate was completed in 2010. Photo: Chris Etchells