Hand Of Friendship

Puja Kayan, India

Coming to a whole new country and being alone is a rather daunting thought, this was exactly how I felt. If that's what you think too, then think again. Imagine all the independence that you will have being away from home: no asking for permission for late nights, no one to answer to. What better than being your own boss?

At first I thought of all the things that I would miss back home, my friends and family, home-made Indian food and all the pampering. Having lived here for over two years now, I know that Sheffield has more in store than I initially thought. Sheffield is a fun city, it's upbeat with students from all over the world and there is just loads to do. It is a different way of life and culture here.

During my first year I found that loads of students were in the same boat as me, all willing to offer the hand of friendship. I was also at ease to know that there were numerous students from my home country, as we had more in common. The first year was a phase of getting acquainted to the English culture. I would like to share a few things that I would say are inherent to the culture. Always adhere to the time agreed; if they say six o'clock in the English culture they do mean that, unlike that in India, where we would arrive at our leisure half an hour to an hour later. I turned up late for a housemate's dinner invitation keeping with the Indian timing, only to be told later that it was considered rude. I was almost in trouble when I turned up twenty minutes late for my first job and missed the bus that was taking us to Barnsley to steward.

The manager however, was very kind and drove a friend and me in his jeep and we caught up with the bus later. Another attribute that is distinct to the culture is that the people here are very polite and helpful. At first, I thought it was odd for strangers to hold open the door for you, even if you were four steps behind them, and to thank the bus driver after getting off. Now I find myself doing the same. People here are always willing to help even without you asking.

I lived in the University self-catering accommodation and in the first few months I struggled, as I had to do my own grocery shopping, cook and clean for myself. I would mess up everything that I tried to cook and anything that was remotely edible was a job well done. This was a great excuse to try out plenty of restaurants on West Street and in town. Apart from the best of food, Sheffield boasts of a nightlife that left me in awe at first. May it be any kind of music there will be a place for you to unwind and party. The shopping in Meadowhall, an indoor mall, was just too much to look around. This was like another layer of icing on the cake.

Time has flown and I'm nearing the end of my course here. Sheffield has given me an insight into a culture and people, that has moulded me into the person I am now. A few months from now I will walk away as a more independent and confident individual with a treasure of memories and friends. I know I made the right decision to come to the University of Sheffield to study.

Puja Kayan, India