Climate
As Britain lies off continental Europe and is affected by weather patterns originating in the Atlantic Ocean, the climate can be quite variable. One of the jokes about British weather is that it can sometimes seem like you have had all four seasons in a single day! It is mainly because the weather is so unpredictable that it is such a common topic of conversation among people in the UK.
The good news is that because of its geographical position, the weather is rarely extreme. In Sheffield, as in much of the UK, temperatures can occasionally reach 25oC and above in the summer and can dip below freezing in the winter months. For this reason, if you are living in private accommodation you will need to budget for quite substantial heating bills.
If one thing is certain it is that during your time in the UK you will will experience quite regular periods of rain and showers so it is essential to bring waterproof and warm clothing with you. This might include a waterproof jacket with hood, waterproof footwear, and an umbrella for protecting against the occasional shower. A pullover (sweater) is a very useful item for your wardrobe as are warm hat and gloves for the colder months. Although it is definitely best to come prepared, don't worry if such items are not readily available in your own country as there are a number of stores in Sheffield where they can be bought fairly cheaply.
British people, of course, get used to the variations in weather and despite the fact that it is often cloudy and wet, walking and other activities in the outdoors are very popular. We are very fortunate in Sheffield to be within easy reach of some of the most beautiful countryside in Britain and the best advice is - so long as you are properly prepared - follow the British example and get out and enjoy the great outdoors!
Winter Weather
Though by no means certain, most winters will experience at least one or two falls of snow. However, because it is relatively rare you might be surprised that when it does happen it usually becomes a big news item in the UK! Many British people see snow-time as fun-time and will get out on sledges, make snowmen and occasionally throw snowballs. But there is of course a more serious side to prolonged periods of low temperatures, snow and ice and we all need to be prepared and take some precautions.
Keeping Warm
You might be surprised by the amount of clothing that many British people wear during the winter months, even indoors. When outside, many people adopt a "layering" approach to keeping warm, wearing three or more different layers - called base layer, mid layer, and outer layer or "shell" - as a way of improving body insulation by trapping warm air between the layers. Whereas at home you may be used to wearing cotton clothing much of the time, in northern Europe the most effective layers are made of synthetic fabrics which allow the skin to breathe and which dry quickly, keeping you comfortable in all conditions.
A winter wardrobe
British students occasionally remark on the fact that their flat-mates from different countries dress in shorts, t-shirts and sandals in their place of residence, even in the winter. People who have grown up in the UK usually dress warmly in the house as well as outdoors and avoid having the heating on for extended periods. Most British people do not keep their heating on during the night except during extremely cold weather. During the night they keep warm by sleeping under a quilt or duvet which, like winter clothing, are items readily available for purchase in local stores.