Students' and Parents' Experiences
The Sheffield "Family"
I closed the door of what I only knew as home, and took a deep breath. University was both so far away and yet so excitingly close! I will never forget when we drove into the heart of Sheffield; a city full of vitality and spirit that I knew my life was about to change. Each corner we turned, the streets buzzed with people, smiling faces and eager freshers. I felt a part of that buzz; like a part of a family at Sheffield.
A little over a week before I came here, the reality hadn't hit that my life was about to dramatically change. I wouldn't be sleeping in my bed anymore, I wouldn't have the best cooked breakfast and dinners in the world, and most importantly I wouldn't have the company of my family - something which I never really contemplated until I finally got in to my room.
I am a firm believer in fate. Strangely, Sheffield was my insurance choice. My firm choice declined my place because I was one mark off my expected grade. But that one mark loss I look at so positively: it brought me here, to a place where the people are friendly, the nightlife is, in a word, amazing and the education you receive is amongst the best in the country - easily.
The first week was an experience in itself - Intro Week. Never again will I be a Viking, school girl, beach babe and police woman in one week! There is literally no time to sit down, so much is going on! Even if you're not big on your themed nights, there are so many events from the bizarre to the chilled, from the sport to a good old fashioned pub crawl. The Student Union alone is out of this world - cinemas, box office with some quality bands, old and new, themed nights, club nights, student shop, cafe, coffee bar...what else does a student need? There's even a laundrette!
Although it's usual for homesickness to kick in, there are plenty of people to talk to if you're feeling down. You really do feel loved here – people are eager to listen to your problems. I felt really lonely in the first week, but the mentors, tutors and friends cheered me up. And sometimes, you forget that you're away from home - because you feel at home!
I can't stress enough how much I recommend this university - whoever you are, whatever your background is you're bound to find a place in this community whilst having fun and working hard!
Rebecca Watson
Philosophy and English Literature
First Year