As someone who was anxious about making such a huge decision, the open day assured me Sheffield was the place for me.

Not only have I made some great friends on my course, but I have also loved the content I have studied and the depth to which the course allows me to research.

Esther Smith

BA History

Why did you choose to study at Sheffield?

I chose to study at Sheffield because the open day was thorough and well planned out. As someone who was anxious about making such a huge decision, the open day assured me Sheffield was the place for me. The Uni was shown off well and the lecturers and volunteers were incredibly helpful.

Has your experience so far been what you expected?

It has been amazing. Not only have I made some great friends on my course, but I have also loved the content I have studied and the depth to which the course allows me to research.

What do you particularly enjoy about your degree programme?

I especially love the range of history modules Sheffield offers. As someone who was limited to European history at A-level, I have really appreciated the ability to study not only ancient time periods at uni, but also a far more global expanse of world history.

What modules are you studying this year? Are there any modules that you have particularly enjoyed during your degree so far and why?

This year, just some of the modules I have studied include paths from antiquity to modernity, Making of the 20th C and The Disenchantment of Early Modern Europe. I have especially enjoyed the disenchantment modules because the readings on gender and witchcraft are really interesting to me. The early modern period is definitely my favourite to study.

If you’ve undertaken any extra-curricular activities, what do you feel these have added to your time here?

I am in the history society, and I really think this added to my freshers experience. The events they put on really helped me meet my course mates and be around my friends in a non-academic setting.

What do you like about the University/living in Sheffield?

The university is well situated in the city and the campus is very easy to find your way around. I also really like living in Ranmoor because I like to keep my uni and home life quite separate, and so the walk home feels like I’m leaving studying behind for the day and I can just relax when I get back to my flat. The accommodation villages in general are so well designed in that everyone you meet will never live more than 5 minutes from you. It made it so easy to make friends in the first few weeks. The public transport is great and so well priced, especially with a zoom card, and it makes the abundant hills more bearable. Sheffield has a busy night life that’s bustling with students, but there is plenty else going on if going out isn’t your thing.

Would you recommend studying at Sheffield to a friend?

Yes I think it’s a great uni and I have had the best first year here.