Allie Gardner

Home University: Williams College (USA)
Home University Degree Title: BA, Biology and History

Why did you choose Sheffield?

I was the first student from my home college to go to Sheffield on exchange. I decided to apply there in large part because I felt the University´s Study Abroad program would offer a more authentic international experience than would traveling to another country under the auspices of a program sponsored by an American institution, strictly in support of American students. From looking at the International Exchanges Unit, Student Union, and department websites, I got the impression that Sheffield would satisfy my particular academic and extracurricular interests. I also liked the proximity to the Peak District.

In the broader sense, I wanted to study abroad because I hoped to take advantage of opportunities to learn about a European city and its broader social and political context and to reflect upon the United States and its role in the world community. I´ve enjoyed hearing the perspectives of international students throughout my first three years at Williams, and I was interested in the chance for immersion in another national culture that up until Spring 2009 I only had thought about academically.

Where did you live?

I lived in self-catered University accommodation in Endcliffe Village with eleven other Study Abroad and Erasmus students.

Did you join any societies or clubs at Sheffield?

I belonged to the Between the Pages book club and the Debating Society.

What did you do for fun/ at weekends?

Most of my free time at Sheffield was taken up by travel, which was easy thanks to the UK´s good public transport systems and the Student Union´s inexpensive "Give it a Go" day trips. Between term and the three-week spring break, I visited London, Edinburgh, Cheltenham, Bath, Windsor, Bradford, York, Manchester, Cardiff, Oxford, Liverpool, Devonshire, and the Peak District. While I confined my trips to England, Scotland, and Wales, several of my housemates went to Europe in April (and managed to find decent rates, even in this economy!).

I don´t particularly enjoy partying and drinking, and though I gather both the Union and the city provide ample opportunities for both, the numerous societies offer many venues to meet national and international students even if the club scene isn´t your thing. The Union at Sheffield is great and offers amazing resources, and I found all the British and full-time students welcoming and receptive to the Study Abroad and Erasmus visitors.

Which department(s) did you study in?

I took modules in the History, Geography, and Animal and Plant Sciences departments.

How does the workload/classes/teaching styles vary to back at home?

In general, classes at the University demanded more independent study than in the United States. While at home I might expect a writing assignment or problem set due every week, my academic work at Sheffield was largely self-guided in terms of reading and I had a single 2500 word research essay for each module as opposed to multiple brief exercises. I consider this an advantage of the UK system because it affords students greater opportunities to pursue topics of personal interest rather than attempt to memorize the entire course syllabus. Teaching styles and exams were comparable.

The main difference between British and American universities that students visiting from the United States should anticipate is the lack of emphasis on liberal arts degrees. As a dual major in Biology and History coming from a college that strongly encourages studying subjects across unrelated disciplines, I was surprised to find that students in the UK take all their modules within their major department. This probably was the most significant academic mentality adjustment for me.

Describe Sheffield in a short paragraph

Perhaps in part since it´s home to both the University of Sheffield and Sheffield-Hallam University, Sheffield is a great city for students. You won´t get the touristy environment that you might run across in London or Oxford, but you will find good transport, food and drink, and entertainment deals for students and a variety of housing options in different areas of town. Due to its central location in Britain, it´s also a nice base if you plan to travel often. It´s completely feasible to make a weekend or day trip to Scotland, Wales, or the south of England, whereas in another part of the country this could be impractical. I didn´t appreciate this advantage so much until I went there.

If you could give advice to a prospective student thinking of choosing Sheffield, what would you say?

I had an interesting, enjoyable semester at the University and the academic, social, and residential support communities met or exceeded my prior expectations. The History, Geography, and Animal and Plant Sciences departments were strong, and the Union provided a wide variety of social opportunities and student resources and services. I´d recommend going to Sheffield without reservation.

In general, when you are thinking about where to study abroad, I would consider three main questions: Will the city location meet my intended travel plans? Are the university´s academic strengths in line with my own interests? Does the university promote a social environment offering a wide range of activities that sound appealing? Visit the department and student union websites, talk to the exchange offices and former visiting students if possible, and try to get as good a sense of the location as you can from a distance.

A note to Americans: don´t feel limited to universities with which your college has a formalized exchange agreement. I attended Sheffield as an independent fee-paying student, and there was no more bureaucratic hassle for me than for anyone else.

Could you give any advice or tips to a student preparing to come to Sheffield or tell them anything you wished you knew in advance.

I found the International Exchanges Unit quite prompt and helpful in addressing all my questions throughout the application process and preparation for my arrival, and I would strongly encourage incoming students to contact that office or individual departments with their concerns. If possible, I also advise attending the orientation program at the beginning of the semester, which provides useful information about University and city resources as well as an opportunity to meet fellow Study Abroad and Erasmus students.

I honestly didn´t do much to "prepare" prior to arriving at Sheffield. The only thing that comes to mind was that I read the UK news for a couple months in advance because I wanted to discuss political issues with a British perspective in mind. In general, I think the best you can do for yourself is understand your own country and value system well, because everyone you meet will have questions as soon as they hear that accent. You´ll have an exciting multicultural experience as a visiting international student at the University, and you should take advantage of it.

However, keep in mind that a semester or a year won´t be enough to do everything you want to do. And that´s okay – just have fun with the time you´ve got, and don´t feel guilty if you have a bad day every once in a while!

Any other information or comment

When you apply for advance entry clearance, just remember to actually put your passport in the envelope before mailing your information to immigration services. Otherwise you will find yourself like me, pulling out student registration numbers and housing contracts at Manchester Airport while explaining to a customs officer why you have a rejected UK visa application on your file (!).