100 Things I Wish I Had Known... Settling In
Academic Information
I wish I'd known that I could have borrowed text books from the IC in my 1st year instead of being so quick to BUY them at Blackwells!
Renate, Sri Lanka
Visit the library run by City Council. There's one big one in town, near opposite Winter Garden. Takes you just 10 mins to register as a member and you can get loads of books up to 3 weeks loan. You'll find books that you can't find in Uni's library, esp. travel guides, maps, novels etc...
Anonymous, Czech Republic
Accommodation
I wish I had known there is central heating in most student accommodation, would have saved me a lot in blanket costs.
Anonymous, Iran
I wish I had known there was a national society from my country so I could immediately get in touch with people familiar with my culture.
Anonymous, Saudi Arabia
Most students at the Edge don't know that they can move to a city accommodation like Opal 2 (provided there are rooms available) for a small admin fee of £25. Would have saved me a lot of walking and i might have gone on more nights out at the Students' Union/in the city!
Renate, Sri Lanka
The fire alarm can and will go off at most impossible times if you're staying in halls.
Anonymous, Europe
Entertainment
I wish I had known that night clubs close at 3am, used to arrive around 2am as I thought they closed at 6am like at home!
Anonymous, South Africa
Food & Shopping
I wish I had known that shops here close at latest time of 6pm even on weekends, was left stranded with little shopping as I was used to later closing times from back home.
Anonymous, China
I wish I had known that tap water was drinkable as I spent a lot of money on bottled water in the opening weeks!
Anonymous, Namibia
I wish I'd known that there's an Aldi's just behind Waitrose (on London Rd) and a humoungous international grocery store on London Rd!
Renate, Sri Lanka
It would be helpful if I had known that eating out every day would be lot more expensive than having a good meal at home.
Noel, India
Try and always ask for student discounts before you pay in a shop where you haven't shopped before.
Anonymous, Czech Republic
I wish I had known that shops close ridiculously early, around 6pm.
Anonymous, Czech Republic
The eatwithUS card is pretty useless for students living in the city community: most outlets are only open for lunch, and why pay 10 times the price when you can pop back home for the same thing?
Anonymous, Malaysia
General Information
Also, a lot of people in Sheffield don't use their front door. Most use the back door instead.
Jon, England
I wish I'd found about Endcliffe park earlier!
Renate, Sri Lanka
In Malaysia, we address anyone older as 'Uncle' or 'Auntie', regardless of whether they are blood related or not. Well, don't do that here. I've gotten comfortable addressing my lecturers by their first names, although I started off calling them 'Sir'. I wasn't too sure how to address this elderly couple I made friends with, and initially it was Mr and Mrs Smith, but now that we know each other better I call them by their first names.
Anonymous, Malaysia
Do look both ways when you're crossing the road!
Anonymous, Europe
I wish I knew about contract phones, would have got my phone a lot sooner and free!
Ananya, India
It's useful to take a notepad and go to different companies of mobile phone providers, compare the deals by writing down the differences.
Anonymous, Singapore
Jobs
I wish I had known that the careers service offers personalised advice about CVs, career prospects, and job hunting...
Mo, Iraq
Personal Advice
I wish I knew about calling cards and how they functioned, would have saved me a lot of money in the first few months.
Ananya, India
Personal Finance
Get a good quality cooking utensils if you are self-catered, it will last long and save you money in a long-term.
Anonymous, China
Consider which banking branch has ATMs near where you live and study. Also consider which ones charge you for transferring money from foreign bank account when opening a bank account.
Anonymous, Europe
I didn't know that most ATM (cash points) on the street are free to withdraw cash. Look for notes on the ATM screen or signs near it, whether it charges for withdraw. Most ATM allow you to withdraw cash using other banks cards.
Anonymous, Romania
Students' Union
I wish I had known about the International Students' Committee earlier!
Anonymous, Cyprus
I think it's very important that new foreign students find their countries society and go for the very 1st meeting. I missed the SLSOC's 1st meeting and found it difficult to adjust in the 1st 3 months of term.
Renate, Sri Lanka
Joining any society can happen if you just find the e-mail of the society you want (sports teams etc.). There is no need for it to only be at the beginning of the year.
Fadi, Jordan
I wish I'd known about volunteering opportunities earlier. You learn about the local community and it's great for your CV!
Anonymous, Europe
Transport
When waiting for a bus you have to stick your hand out to tell the bus driver to stop. If you don't then they'll drive straight past!
Jon, England
You can get cheap bikes at the beginning of the year (even for about 30 pounds)!
Anonymous, Europe
I wish I knew the bus frequencies from Endcliffe to Mappin, would have helped a lot in the initial days.
Ananya, India
I wish I had known about the bus routes around the city.
Lav, India
I wish I had known that buses don't like running in inclement weather (which is when you'll generally want to take them) so either plan to stay inside, or plan to get wet/snowed upon.
Anonymous, Romania
Transport tips:
Anonymous, Asia
- Tickets are purchased in buses/trams by cash.
- Get day ticket if your cost of travelling of the day is more than Day tickets value.
- Walking could be faster, during rush hours, for destination within 30mins walking.
- Get a bicycle if you are used to 'hill' biking .
- There are cheap 2nd hand bicycles available.
- There are certain bus company/services offer student discounts.
- Watch out for Fare discounts / promotions for intercity travel.
- Intercity travel is cheaper if you plan much earlier and travel at Super-Off-Peak hours.
- Buy a concession/discount card for train/bus if you travel frequently.
I wish I had known that the best bus services from Endcliffe Village or Ranmoor Village to West Street and the city centre were 120 (stagecoach) and 40 (first), which also offered student tickets (50p).
Lav, India
When on the bus/tram, it is considered polite; an unwritten rule, almost, to give up your seat to the elderly or someone who might need it more. Otherwise, be prepared to get stares or mutterings aimed at you, as I have seen this happen to my fellow countrymen, as this is not a usual practice back home. There is the option of choosing a seat on the upper deck, but be sure to press the bell in time to get down at your stop.
Anonymous, Malaysia
Wish I knew the advantages of having a railcard.
Ananya, India
I wish I'd known that I had to hail buses for them to stop.
Anonymous, Germany
I wish I'd known how unhelpful bus timetables are here - buses show up regularly, but not according to their schedule!
Anonymous, Netherlands
