The city of Sheffield is one that embraces you and makes you feel warm

Student Guillermo standing in the Diamond
Guillermo Zavala
MMet Advanced Metallurgy
Winner of a Postgraduate Merit Scholarship
“By coming to Sheffield, you will not only become a better professional but a better person thanks to all of the experiences you’ve had.”

What made you choose to study at Sheffield and your course?

The University of Sheffield is a world recognised university, which belongs to the Russell Group and is part of the top 100 universities in the world according to QS University World Rankings. In addition, the city of Sheffield is also known as the Steel City, and the University has been forging, along with the city, a large history in materials, especially in metals. Back in Peru, I used to work in the Lab of Materials in my university, in the Metals Characterisation area and after working there for four years, I started looking for a Master's. Hence, when I saw that there was a Master's course in Advanced Metallurgy that would help to enhance my current knowledge and experience, I had no doubt about it. 

What was your initial impression of Sheffield and the University when you first arrived?

Currently, I am staying in Allen Court, and when I entered my flat for the first time, I was able to see from the corridor the Diamond and could not believe that I would be having lectures in that building. Later that week I saw the Arts Tower and I thought that even though the buildings were modern, they had a nice contrast with the older buildings of the University.

I would dare to say that the city of Sheffield is a small city but it has everything and it only takes 20 minutes to walk to the city centre. It has places where you can eat and have a drink with your friends and there are many museums that allow you to learn a bit more about the history of the city. Having said that, despite the weather, the city of Sheffield is one that embraces you and makes you feel warm.

What are the highlights of your experience in Sheffield so far?

The quality of the lecturers and their attitude towards their students. All of them are open to questions and if you send them an email, they reply sooner than one could imagine. Not only do they support you academically but they are always willing to help anyone that needs it. In addition, the large amount of societies the University has, either for sports or other activities is great. These societies allow students to meet people from around the world that share the same hobbies.

What would you say to a student considering studying at the University of Sheffield?

It is a unique experience. You will be part of a world recognised university and be in touch with lecturers that are truly capable in their research fields. You will also meet people from around the world, learn from them and they will learn from you. Therefore, throughout the year, you will see that you not only learn in the classrooms but outside them too.

Four students laughing while sat at a bench, outside the Students' Union

International Merit Scholarships

We offer a generous package of financial support for international students including 75 undergraduate scholarships worth £10,000 towards the annual tuition fee and 125 postgraduate taught scholarships worth £5,000 towards the tuition fee. Applications are now open for existing offer holders.