I could talk all day about how much I love Sheffield

I started korfball and rowing at Sheffield which have really made my time so enjoyable! I love bumping into a friendly face when I'm walking around campus or the Students Union.

Sam Ball

BA History

Why did you choose to study at Sheffield?

I was looking at universities during Covid so actually couldn't visit anywhere in person! I was drawn to Sheffield because the department put so much effort into the online open day. You could tell they were really trying to make the most of the situation! This kind of care shows a lot about History and how supported I feel now.

Has your experience so far been what you expected?

I could talk all day about how much I love Sheffield. University degrees are hard! Which I didn't quite realise while I was busy being a fresher, I found the step up to year 2 quite tricky. The History Welfare team and my personal tutor have been really helpful. I think that not only having these support systems in place, but how supportive they are speaks to how the department cares for its students.

What do you particularly enjoy about your degree programme?

I like how you can organise your time for yourself. For me a huge part of my life in Sheffield is spent with clubs and societies, so I can work my studies around these and be flexible with when I want to catch up with work.

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

I really wasn't expecting to enjoy my module on the Putney Debates this year but it has ended up being one of my favourites to study! I've enjoyed being able to properly bite my teeth into sources in Year Two, which we didn't get to in First Year. I think the way the course was taught was also really helpful as my tutor was great at breaking down the more complicated topics into manageable chunks.

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

I spend most of my time at university in clubs and societies. I started korfball and rowing at Sheffield which have really made my time so enjoyable! I love bumping into a friendly face when I'm walking around campus or the Students Union. I've been social sec for korfball this year which has been lots of fun and I love a Wednesday night. I also work casually at the Students Union bar which has been a nice way to meet new people and earn some money on the side.

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

I really love how green Sheffield is. It sounds like a trope because it's often advertised how Sheffield has the most trees per person in the UK - but it actually makes such a big difference! It's so nice to have the peaks nearby. Overall Sheffield is such a friendly, awesome place to be.

Would you recommend studying at Sheffield to a friend?

Yes!