Sarah Elizabeth Owen Jones

Host University: Oregon State University
Year of Study Abroad: 2010-11

Where did you live? Would you recommend it?

I lived in Student Residence Halls. I would recommend them, but with a pinch of salt. They build a fabulous sense of community, but at the cost of sharing a room and a bathroom at OSU, and also having to go catered the whole year as there is no other choice. Looking back, if I could have, I probably would have moved into a student house with some friends towards the end of the year - it definitely would have been cheaper!

What department(s) did you study in?

Geosciences

How does the workload/classes/teaching styles vary to Sheffield?

The students here are definitely mothered more than at Sheffield. It isn't a case of 'here is the work, go do it'. They REALLY want you to do well, and so will help you as much as you want. The workload is a lot heavier though. At times I had 5 labs due per week, which was very challenging but worth it. The teaching styles are good and very similar to those of Sheffield. I think the main difference is that the classes I attended were smaller, and so you got to know your Professor really well, which was very good.

What did you do for fun at the weekends and during the holidays?

At the weekends I went to Frat parties, the cinema, bowling or just stayed in and had a movie night with my friends. It was so much fun! During the holidays I got a lot of invites to go and stay with friends, so I got to see a lot of Oregon and California whilst having an amazing time relaxing and seeing what American teenagers get up to in their spare time.

Did you join any societies or clubs?

I didn't join any clubs per se, but I did become President of my Residence Hall, which meant that I attended weekly meetings, got to meet a bunch of new people my age, and got some really good experiences under my belt. I did get asked to join a sorority with my friend, but I said no. It's really expensive!

Describe the University/City/things to do

OSU provides so much to do for students, it really is amazing. A lot of the events put on are student led, which makes it even better because they know exactly what you want. We went to highlighter parties, movie nights, dinners and lots of football and baseball games. SO much fun!!

Could you give any travel or immigration tips?

Be prepared and don't panic. With regards to Visa, get it done sooner rather than later, and plan out your trip well in advance because it is so much cheaper then! I found travelling alone quite scary, but I just got chatting to people and asked questions and it was absolutely fine!

Could you give any advice or tips to a student preparing to go or tell them anything you wished you knew in advance?

If you have any questions, ask them well in advance of needing an answer, because both the host University and Sheffield have thousands of other people with questions and it could take a while for them to find yours. Only take what you definitely need in your case - my friend came back with 80kg worth of stuff....Expensive!! And just relax and socialise! Getting to know the OSU students and getting involved really made my experience so much better!

Would you say it is cheaper or more expensive to live than Sheffield?

Definitely cheaper. America is super cheap! Take advantage of it! I did...!

Any other information or comments

Enjoy yourself! At times it might be tough, but I would do it all over again because, looking back, it was one of the best years of my life.