I wanted to study at a university with a great reputation and great student life

Why did you choose to study Japanese?

I chose to study Japanese because I wanted to study a non-European language. As I have always had an interest in Japanese history and culture, Japanese as a language, appealed to me the most.

Furthermore, as I wasn’t sure yet what I wanted to do in the future, studying a language seemed to leave me with a wide range of careers that I could go into after graduation.

What attracted you to the University of Sheffield?

I wanted to study at a university with a great reputation and great student life.

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As Sheffield University’s Japanese department has a great reputation both in the UK and Japan, and the student union is considered the best in the country, the University of Sheffield seemed to be the most attractive choice.

Simona Pakutinskaite

Japanese Studies BA

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Has your course lived up to your expectations so far?

The course has lived up to my expectation and exceeded it. The classes are small in size, so you get to know your course mates well. The teaching quality is great, classes are interesting and enjoyable.

What do you enjoy most about your course?

I’ve always had an interest in history, therefore I loved being able to pick the modules on Japanese history as well as other cultural modules.

How have you found learning a new language?

Japanese is the second foreign language I have learnt, so I knew that it would be challenging. The grammar is very different from the grammar you would see in European languages and the writing system is very challenging. However, I find the challenge of learning a new language very enjoyable.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your studies? (hobbies, interests, societies)

I’m a big fan of reading so I visit Sheffield Central Library a lot. I also enjoy hiking, so having Peak District so close to the city is very convenient.

What is Sheffield like to live in? Do you like the city?

I love living in Sheffield because there’s so much to do here and yet it is not noisy or crowded. Moreover, it is one of the safer UK cities to live in. Although my favourite thing about Sheffield is how close it is to the Peak District.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I want to either work on a cruise ship, in a resort in Japan, or become a policewoman.

Do you have any advice for students thinking about doing Japanese Studies at Sheffield?

Work hard but don’t forget to have fun too.