My Wonderful Life In Sheffield

Reiko Murakami, Japan

Almost eight months have already passed since I came to Sheffield, but for me, it seems that time flies very quickly. I have had various memories and new experiences so far, and I am enjoying this university life in Sheffield. Of course, I came across many strange and unfamiliar things that I have never had in Japan, but in my case, I was rather able to fit into the British way, and look at the bright side of things even if something unfamiliar happened.

I was filled with many anxieties and worries, as well as excitement before I came. For me, this was the first time in the UK, and living alone in a foreign country. You can imagine how anxious I was about it. At the same time, I looked forward to it, because studying in the UK was one of my dreams. Nevertheless, the fact that I tried to gather as much information as I could about the UK and Sheffield itself, will make you understood that I was still nervous about my long visit.

For example, I was worried about following British English, especially the Yorkshire dialect since I have learnt American English, or whether I could survive the food or weather in England, but what worried me most was human relationships. I felt uneasy about making many friends and jumping into British society. I knew that there would be many Japanese students, and I was afraid of sticking together with them all the time without speaking English. Of course, sometimes it is necessary for me to have such a time, and share some problems with them by speaking own language, but in my opinion, it would be meaningless to always do that.

As I reflect upon my life in Sheffield, one of the best memories I have is that of making many friends from all over the world, regardless of continents, races, or cultures. I made many British friends especially through East Asian Studies. These students were, of course, interested in the culture and language of my country.

I have also made friends through Globe Cafe, organised by Christian Union members, and through my hall, Stephenson Hall. Before I came to Sheffield, I had a stereotype of British people in my mind that they must be reserved, rather cold and not so friendly. But in fact, I found that they were pretty kind, and helped me whenever I'm in confusion.

I remember that one day I was walking alone without an umbrella in heavy rain when a car approached me and a lady in the car took me to my hall. And for another example, when I asked one student how I could get to the IT centre, he took me there so kindly. Both these incidents happened a couple of days after I arrived, so I was quite happy to have such experiences. Not all people behave like them, but if you ask British people for help, most try to help you. But we should also be careful so as not to expect too much.

There are many opportunities to get to know each other and join in British culture. Firstly, Orientation for international students, and then living in a hall of residence and sharing it with other local students. There are a lot of parties or events held in the University. The Lingua Club creates some groups of mixed British and international students and makes them hang out with members to improve their English, and to have tandem partners.

Comparing my life in Sheffield with that in Japan, there are many differences between them. British students study hard on weekdays, especially in their 2nd and 3rd years. They concentrate on the lectures without chatting or sleeping. On weekdays, my hall is rather quiet since everyone is working. On the other hand, at the weekend, specifically at night, they are transformed into different creatures. That is, they become night-clubbers, heavy-drinking or party-people. The way they change their clothes, their faces, and their attitudes amazed me because there are big differences. The fact that even the University building has its own nightclub, bars, and cinema, surprised me as well. We only have restaurants, café and shops in my university in Japan.

The food and weather are both quite different from Japan. There are no Japanese restaurants in Sheffield unfortunately, but a lot of Chinese restaurants, takeaways and supermarkets sell Japanese things. Since I'm staying in a hall of residence, I don't use the restaurants or supermarkets very often. The city centre is just 15-20 minutes' walk from the University, and shops are nearby so you won't have any trouble in shopping.

Living in a hall means I'm eating British food every day. In Japan, I assumed that British food was much worse. Every day I eat potato, and every week I eat fish & chips. I think I will miss them after I leave this country. Many international friends think that breakfast is the best of all the three meals in hall. It has toast, egg, bacon or sausage, 6 different kinds of cereals, beans, tomato, and a drink. The admirable thing about hall food is that it also has a daily vegetarian menu, which has rarely been considered in Japan.

The weather is very changeable, and almost always unpredictable. I found it is usually colder than in Japan, except in the winter. I rather enjoy the differences.

There are 6 halls in the University of Sheffield, and mine is the oldest hall, Stephenson Hall. If you wish to make many friends, and improve your English, you should stay in a hall, but remember that it might be noisy.

My anxieties have disappeared, and I'm having a good time in Sheffield. I hope you will also have a wonderful university life in Sheffield!

Reiko Murakami, Japan