Jennifer Woodman

Home University: Tufts University
Home University Degree Title: Bachelor’s degree

What did you do for fun/ at weekends?

I went out dancing with friends, went to the movies or out to dinner. The nightlife in Sheffield is really amazing, with so many options.

Which department(s) did you study in?

I had modules in the archaeology and history departments.

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

The classes at Sheffield tended to be more lecture based than those at Tufts, but the biggest difference was probably class size. Tufts classes tend to be much smaller and more discussion based, although this probably is partly due to the level of classes or the subject matter. I think if I had been taking level 3 modules at Sheffield, the classes might have been smaller. I really enjoyed my "Archaeology in the Laboratory" module as it offered a hands-on approach that I have not found at Tufts; it was great to be able to get into the lab and see the practical applications of archaeological methods.

Describe Sheffield in a short paragraph:

Sheffield is a welcoming university set in a city with the cosy feeling of a small town but all the highlights of a bustling metropolis. The professors and advisors are helpful and friendly, and the modules are challenging but engaging. The Student Union and the new Information Commons are amazing facilities that provide students with every possible resource. Sheffield students are interesting people from a wide variety of backgrounds who seem to know how to strike the perfect balance between working hard and playing hard. A new student at Sheffield might initially feel somewhat overwhelmed by the scattering of departments throughout the city, but one quickly realizes that the city of Sheffield is very student-friendly and that the University has put a good deal of effort into making sure that students do not fall through the cracks. As a whole, Sheffield is a university that offers students a wide variety of opportunities and makes sure that they have a strong foundation for whatever path they choose to take.

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

I would tell them that it´s a great university in a fun city, and I would encourage them to look at the archaeology department.

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.

It´s vitally important to do all of the course reading (well in advance of the exam). I would tell them to join a club or society, or to go to department socials. I would encourage them to talk to their professors, and if they were an international student, I would tell them to meet with someone regarding the Sheffield format for writing papers (especially citations).

Any other information or comments:

I really enjoyed my time at the university; I felt challenged but not overwhelmed. It´s a fabulous place (both the uni and the city). I made some great friends and had some amazing experiences. Thank you for making me feel so welcome!