Things I've Learned In Sheffield
Jennifer Marlow, United States
1. It doesn´t rain ALL the time!
Coming over to "Blighty" expecting the worst, weather-wise, I´m pleasantly surprised to say that I haven´t had to invest in a pair of wellies to navigate puddle-filled streets with. Sure, it rains in Sheffield (why else do you think they brag about it being England´s greenest city?) but rarely for days or even for hours on end! That being said, I have gone through a few different umbrellas (the wind can sure wreak havoc on even the sturdiest or most "resistant" of frames.) One thing can be said, though: Living in Sheffield teaches you to really appreciate the sun. On those particularly bright summer days, parks across the city undergo an amazing transformation: suddenly you´re in a Club Med atmosphere surrounded by disposable barbecues, blankets, and people determined to make the most of a beautiful day!
2. How to feel like a fish (and chips) out of water
"You want that wrapped?"
This was the first of about 4 questions that really confused me during my first venture to the local chippy. Who´d have known that ordering fish and chips could be so hard? (And for future reference, they´re talking about wrapping everything in paper, not a tortilla.) Living in a foreign country (even if England seems to be fairly similar to the U.S.) means that sometimes confusion and committing blunders are part of the experience…but also part of the fun! As long as you´re able to shake off the temporary embarrassment of feeling like a fish out of water, each little mistake is a learning experience that brings you one step closer to feeling like a local (or at least acting like one.)
3. How to get out of town
While Sheffield´s a nice enough place to stay, it´s also reassuring to know that there are plenty of other destinations that can be reached easily, whenever the desire to explore more of the country strikes. North, south, east, west…plenty of places are reachable for a day or weekend trip, from the hustle and bustle of the "big smoke" (aka London), to the tacky cheesiness of Blackpool, to the historical ambience of Oxford. Closer to home, one of my favorite getaways is the Peak District, only a short train or bus ride away. There you can commune with nature by hiking amidst the moors or meadows, and then reward yourself with an original Bakewell pudding or a visit to the pub. One word of warning, though: watch out for sheep attacks!
4. Penny wise or pound foolish: Don´t panic!
Sure, Sheffield´s supposedly got one of the lowest costs of living in the UK, but that doesn´t help a whole lot when everything instantly doubles in price if you mentally convert it into dollars (that sandwich cost HOW much?!?) I quickly learned to stop performing these mental calculations, and further eased my mind by using the university Job shop to find some part-time work. There are a lot of opportunities available to suit a range of interests and schedules. Selling programs at a Rolling Stones concert and serving as a "student ambassador" promoting higher education in local schools were just two of the ways I was able to earn extra spending money…and have a good time in the process!
5. Work hard, play hard
Sheffield offers a lot of entertainment opportunities; it´s just up to you to find your niche and take advantage of them! Why not try out a new sport or activity, or catch a live match at one of the football grounds. After going to my first Sheffield United match, I was hooked! Live music, shopping, cinema, theatres, nightlife… there´s something for everyone so there isn´t really an excuse for being bored. If you come with an open mind and a willingness to go out of your comfort zone and experience new things, then you´re bound to have a richer experience. I decided to take up cricket, and though I´m ashamed to admit I still don´t fully know the rules, at least I haven´t broken any fingers!
Jennifer Marlow, United States