Jessica Abbey

Home University: University of Wollongong, Australia
Home University Degree Title: Arts (Philosophy)/ LLB Law

Why did you choose Sheffield?

I wanted to go to England and Sheffield sounded like a really fun and affordable place compared to other English Universities.

What did you do for fun/ at weekends?

I travelled in and outside England with friends from my Halls. When we weren´t travelling, we took advantage of the student union events, particularly Space and Pop Tarts.

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

The grades are a lot more focused on final papers/ exams. I am used to at least 3 assessments, rather than just 2. There was also a lot more wide reading expected, rather than just focusing on one text book.

Describe Sheffield in a short paragraph

Amazing! The student union was fantastic and great for allowing you to mingle with all types of people. The town was gorgeous and the people were so friendly and helpful. I never got bored and am already missing Sheffield!

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

Definitely go to Sheffield, you´ll have a blast! Be prepared to have to translate the northern accent…

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 wish I arrived earlier so I could have been travelling before term stated, rather than trying to squeeze all my travels in the mid-semester/ Christmas break.
Really consider going there for a year, rather than just 6 months because by the end of 6 months you´ve made fantastic friends but you feel like you have to go before you´ve really cemented some friendships.
Apparently if you fly via America you get 40 kilos worth of luggage rather than just the 20 kilos I got when I flew via Asia.