Students' and Parents' Experiences
Coming to University
Saturday 17th September 2005...the morning I left for Sheffield to start my new life as a student. I´d been excited for months but, having said all my goodbyes to close friends and my boyfriend the night before, I suddenly wasn´t as enthusiastic. In fact, I couldn´t even motivate myself to get up and finish my packing. I suddenly developed very cold feet and had a huge list of worries. What if my flatmates and I didn´t get along? How would I cope being away from my family? Would my course be too hard for me?
I needn´t have worried. So far, university has been the most amazing experience of my life. I could not recommend it enough to anyone. Sheffield is a lively city which caters for a student´s every need. There are no shortages of restaurants (Greek, Italian, Chinese, Indian- you name it, Sheffield has it!) West Street boasts a large number of vibrant bars and clubs- including Reflex, Walkabout, The Cavendish and Flares. There are venues to suit all, no matter what your taste: cheesy, Eighties, Indie, Rock, RnB, House, Trance. Best of all, I have never felt uncomfortable or threatened walking home at night or getting a taxi, unlike other places in the UK. Another huge advantage is how approachable people are, both around the university and the city. The lecturers and personal tutors go out of their way to help their students and are very understanding during the first month you are settling in. The locals are friendly and will direct you to wherever you need to be if you get lost en route! If you have any concerns or worries about work or reading there is always someone close by to give you a hand.
One of my main concerns about moving to Sheffield was feeling lonely. Sheffield is two hours away from my home town but travelling back is easy! You can get to anywhere from Sheffield and if you have a student rail card your journey is bound to be affordable. So far, loneliness has not been a problem for me because I have met so many fantastic people. Events held throughout Intro Week give you the opportunity to meet your fellow students and to make plenty of new friends. An unforgettable night was the Intro Ball. It was touching to see how much effort the Union puts into making this an unforgettable night. The accommodation I am living in is perfect. Everywhere is in walking distance and there is plenty of entertainment close at hand. It´s surprising how quickly you become attached to your room and how homely it can feel after putting up a few posters and photos. I get on fantastically with my flatmates; it helps that you all arrive in the same situation and so bond far quicker than you´d believe! The last month has been the most exciting of my life. Sheffield could not be a better place for affordable living, socialising, and studying. There is too much on for you to ever feel bored and too many friendly faces around for you to ever feel lost or lonely. University is an experience like none you could have possibly imagined before!
Catherine Emma Trodden
Criminology and Social Policy
First Year