I always talk to my friends about how much I love university

Moving to another country really pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but has made me more resilient, more confident, and has developed my skills like communication. Overall, it has added so much to my degree experience and helped me grow as a person too.

Joy Whyte

BA History and Sociology

Why did you choose to study at Sheffield?

I had looked online and really liked the course at Sheffield, but it was the open day that made me determined to come to Sheffield. I loved the city so much, with all its green spaces and interesting buildings, and it also felt very safe. Everyone was so welcoming, kind, and passionate about studying at Sheffield. There seemed to be so much going on, with the active students union, residence life and so many societies. I just had a strong gut feeling that this was where I wanted to be after attending the open day.

Has your experience so far been what you expected?

Obviously, my first year was very different from what I imagined, due to COVID! However, I still thoroughly enjoyed the year. The course was really interesting and the department made online teaching work really well and smoothly. My second year was much more like my expectations, as I was able to join several societies, met lots of new friends, and experienced in-person lectures for the first time. I love living in Sheffield, it's really become another home for me, which I didn't expect! I always thought about doing a year abroad but was not sure if I would go through with it. So, I'm so happy that I got the opportunity to study in Berlin for a year, it's been an amazing experience, that I could never have imagined. All in all, some things have definitely been different from my expectations, but so much better!

What do you particularly enjoy about your degree programme?

I really enjoy having the mix of sociology and history. I was worried that they would feel to separate and I would struggle doing both. However, this hasn't been the case at all. They feel very interconnected and I think they compliment each other really well. Also, the seminars are one of my favourite things at University. It is great to be able to discuss the content, think for yourselves, and come up with your own ideas and opinions, in contrast to just leaning material and facts to pass an exam, as was the case previously at school.

What modules are you studying this year? Are there any modules that you have particularly enjoyed during your degree so far and why?

During my year abroad I have gotten to study a wide variety of topics, and even take some Master seminars. It has given me the opportunity to experience a new style of teaching and try out new topics, without being too worried about how it will affect my grades. My favorite classes have been 'East Germany's Secret Police and Contemporary Surveillance,' as it was a mix of history and sociology and really interesting to learn about while living in Germany. I also really enjoyed studying 'An Introduction to Microhistory,' as it has been a fairly new concept to me and I always enjoy learning new things. I have now chosen my modules for my final year at Sheffield. I am most looking forward to studying 'Permissive Britain? Social and Cultural Change 1956-74' as a special subject in history. As it is a special subject, it spans across the whole year, so I am really excited to go into much more detail and depth with this subject than modules usually allow. Out of my sociology classes, 'The Sociology of Evil' is the one I am most intrigued by.

If you’ve undertaken any extra-curricular activities, what do you feel these have added to your time here?

I have had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Berlin this year. I am so glad I decided to take the leap of faith, as it has honestly been the most amazing experience. I was able to experience a new culture, language and meet new people, and most importantly I have gained much more confidence in myself and my abilities. I have also previously been a History Academic Rep which was really valuable, as it gave me a chance to see how the History department worked. It was also great being able to have a say in current issues and ideas within the department.

If you have taken a year abroad (either as part of a language degree or the study abroad scheme), what do you feel this has added to your degree?

For me, doing a study abroad year was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and I have loved living in Berlin. Academically, it has given me the opportunity to experience a new style of teaching and learning when studying topics that I would never have gotten the opportunity to study elsewhere. There is so much history in Berlin, so where else would be better to study history! Outside of my studies, my main highlight would be the people I have met. I now have friends from all over the world, and getting to learn about their cultures was really interesting. Studying abroad also gave me the fantastic opportunity explore a new city (and country!) and to travel elsewhere too. Moving to another country really pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but has made me more resilient, more confident, and has developed my skills like communication. Overall, it has added so much to my degree experience and helped me grow as a person too.

If you're a dual student, what do you enjoy about doing a dual degree?

I really love having the mix of the two subjects and how they compliment each other and feel linked, whilst still being separate. It gives me a unique perspective on my modules as I can use both sociological and historical thinking to get the best out of them. It is impossible to look at society without looking at its history and it is impossible to look back in time without looking at pervious societies! Therefore, my understanding in certain areas has really helped me when looking at certain topics.

How would you sum up your overall experience of studying at Sheffield?

Honestly, studying here has been amazing. My experience has been so different to how I imagined, but also so much better. Getting the opportunity to study subjects that I am really passionate about, exploring Sheffield as a place, meeting so many amazing people has been such a valuable experience. I will always have good memories here, so leaving is definitely going to be hard!

What do you like about the University/living in Sheffield?

I love living in Sheffield as it has a mix of green spaces and more industrial areas. You can be in the heart of the city and really quickly get to the peak distract or a park. I also love how much there is going on through the university and in Sheffield. There are always so many fantastic extra curricular activities and societies to get involved with, making it really easy to try new things and meet new people.

Would you recommend studying at Sheffield to a friend?

One hundred percent - I always talk to my friends about how much I love University anyway!