Paulina Fuentes

Home University: Universidad Iberoamericana (Mexico City)
Home University Degree Title: Licenciatura en Psicología (Bachelors Degree in Psychology)

Why did you choose Sheffield?

I chose UK because of its European location, English culture, and language (English); which I´ve been learning since kindergarden. I wanted to benefit from this period of "studying abroad" by doing the most travel in Europe as possible since I love its art, history and culture. Furthermore, I chose Sheffield while attending a University of Sheffield conference in the British Council in Mexico City. I was attracted to it mainly by five factors (not listed in order, there is not really a specific order for this): (1)the fact that it is one of the less expensive cities in England, meaning that it would be easier for me to travel, (2) that you can get to London in a maximum of 3 hours by train, since it is a city I love (3) the fact that it is one of the greenest cities in England, because I love nature and find it necessary to be around nature, (4) the fact that it is said to be one of the safest cities in England, because insecurity is growing higher in my city and I definitely seek safety in my life, and (5) the prestigious history of University of Sheffield.

Where do you live?

In a flat (private accommodation) on Ecclesall Road.

Have you joined any societies or clubs at Sheffield?

I joined "Latin Club", where women from different latin backgrounds join together one Friday of each month and just talk, eat, and have a good time. It has been a good opportunity to get to know people of a similar or same culture living in Sheffield and to make friends.

What do you do for fun/ at weekends?

Travel, go to the movies, go to theatre (I love theatre), do some exercise, go to the Peace Gardens and city centre for a walk, hop-in on the bus or tram and get to know new areas of Sheffield, go to a pub or restaurant, invite friends over or go to friends´apartments, walk to the Peak District.

Describe Sheffield in a short paragraph

Sheffield is a city that silently yells its history with its different bulding styles and the gaze of people. You can see its war scars, and yet its force to continue going. I find Sheffield unique. It is not how English villages are shown in movies (do not expect a city like Calendar Girls, Billy Elliot or even Full Monty even though ironically it was shot in here and it has parts that reflect Sheffield, but Sheffield is much more than that). It is not typically English but it is uniquely diverse. Whatever you want to find here you will: from a huge mall, to beautiful Peek District. From a little café in the city centre to a pub in every corner. From an ethnic restaurant (you will find almost every type of food in here) to a classic English pub. Cultural and sport venues, commercial fashion, multi-cultural markets, artificial snow ski slopes…whatever you like you will find it here, but be aware as all of this will have its own special Sheffield charm that will guarantee you a unique Sheffield experience.

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

Sheffield offers you a great opportunity to do whatever it is you want to do. The University have a wide range of different activities, plus the city itself has tons of activities you might want to try out. Sheffield is not particularly a traditional English village, it is more industrialised and full of student life due to both Universities. In Sheffield you will have the opportunity of doing great study plus a lot of other things so it is a good place to choose for University. Even though it is said to be one of the largest cities in UK, Sheffield still holds that particular provincial style that could make your studying abroad experience easier.