But the place has many aspects that are less well known.
From its modest beginnings to its contribution to pop history and its role in the ‘world’s worst restaurant’, here are 10 interesting facts about one of the city's most important institutions.
5. An architect has made waves at home
In 2014 a Hallam professor of architecture, Julian Marsh, learned his self-built home - Marsh House in Nottingham - had been chosen as one of The Guardian’s Top 10 Eco Homes in the Country. Wooden sculptures made by architecture students in the city centre are pictured. Photo: Sarah Washbourn
6. It opened the 'world's worst restaurant'
In 2002 students set up 'the world's worst restaurant' on Fargate to launch their restaurant finding website, www.sheffieldsbest.com. They researched it as a project for a BSc in Hotel and Catering Management. Photo: Dean Atkins
7. The students' union has a novel feature
The turrets at the top of the four steel drums that make up Hallam University's students' union building - once the National Centre for Popular Music - are meant to turn with the wind and vent air. Photo: Chris Lawton
8. Musical history was made there
Jarvis Cocker handed a demo tape of his band Pulp to DJ John Peel at Sheffield City Polytechnic in 1981 - the move led to a radio session. The Human League and ABC played their first gigs at the Psalter Lane art college, which became part of the university. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe