As soon as I visited I knew I felt comfortable and safe in the city and now I never want to leave!

I chose Sheffield as it was one of the few places offering Education, Culture and Childhood in a combined degree with a placement and I am so glad I did. As soon as I visited I knew I felt comfortable and safe in the city and now I never want to leave! There is so much available in Sheffield, a bustling green city with a small town feel with the peaks ten minutes away. I have enjoyed numerous sunny days in the parks and SU. 

I was apprehensive about the small cohort size but now I know everyone on my course, it is a completed friendship group as soon as you join, which many larger courses don't offer. I am friendly with everyone whereas friends on other courses only have a couple of coursemates they know. I joined without studying sociology or psychology before but each module built on each other. I have learnt sociology, psychology, philosophy, human geography all centring on education and childhood. I do not think there is a module i haven't enjoyed. Module tutors, my personal tutor and the DDSS were always available when i needed support, all I had to do was ask. 

I couldn't pinpoint the biggest highlight of university because I have thoroughly enjoyed each year, from living in halls to my own student houses with my friends. Some of the hardest modules I found myself getting the best grades, and I am graduating proud of my achievements and full of lovely memories of the best three years. Everyone says university is the best three years of your life, and I found this statement put pressure on me in first year but I think everyone must remember that is a reflective statement.

I am leaving knowing I am interested in working with special educational needs, but with a transferable skill set and knowledge of schools, higher education, children and policies I can use anywhere.

Alice Price

First year is different and new, and I found the course really supported me during this time. I joined the Education Society and was Social Secretary in the committee third year. I joined sports teams, including Lacrosse which i never played before and found many friends through that. 

When I chose this degree I did not really know what I wanted to do afterwards. The option to choose my placement in an environment I was interested in helped. I am leaving knowing I am interested in working with special educational needs, but with a transferable skill set and knowledge of schools, higher education, children and policies I can use anywhere. At Sheffield, the university and city, I have grown my confidence and this is the biggest preparation for my life after university.