Student Life in Sheffield: In Our Words
Our Student Sheffield writers, give their tips and thoughts on student life in Sheffield.
Sophie Allen, SA
COURSE: English Literature
HOBBIES: Reading, going to gigs, gaming, art and craft
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE STUDENTS' UNION: The sense of community. It has an such a friendly, inclusive atmosphere, and gives you so many opportunities to get involved in things you've never tried before.
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT SHEFFIELD: That there's something for everyone, so much to do, see, and visit - it's hard to be bored!
THE ONE THING I WISH I KNEW WHEN STARTING UNIVERSITY: I wish I'd known how easy it would be to settle in, once I gave it a go. I was really nervous when I first got here, but once I started meeting new people and getting used to the city it soon turned into a second home; I really had nothing to worry about.
Sam Bolton, SB
COURSE: English Language and Literature
HOBBIES: Playing Guitar, Snowboarding, Going to gigs
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE STUDENTS' UNION: The Media Hub. I practically lived there in third year.
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT SHEFFIELD: The live music scene…I think I mention that a few times.
THE ONE THING I WISH I KNEW WHEN STARTING UNIVERSITY: I wish I'd known about CICS. The amount of times my laptop gave up the ghost and I was at a loss about what to do. They'll diagnose the problem and fix it (if they can) for free.
Nicola Moors, NM
COURSE: BA Journalism Studies
HOBBIES: Reading, writing, running
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE STUDENTS' UNION: Coffee Revolution, I am addicted to caffeine and it's a great place to meet friends!
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT SHEFFIELD: I love all of the green spaces such as Crookes Valley Park and Weston Park especially when it's a sunny day.
THE ONE THING I WISH I KNEW WHEN STARTING UNIVERSITY: To bring as much fancy dress as possible - trust me, you'll eventually need it and it saves you loads of money when you get here! Also, prepare for hills.
Alisha Rouse, AR
COURSE: International History and International Politics
HOBBIES: Writing, travelling, having baths and pretending to be a journalist.
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE STUDENTS' UNION: The sheer number of cash machines, Interval's beer garden and Forge Press, of course.
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT SHEFFIELD: The theatres, the parks and any bar on Division Street.
THE ONE THING I WISH I KNEW WHEN STARTING UNIVERSITY: To go to the Activities Fair and sign up for anything and everything, students are hyper involved in Sheffield and your CV simply won't look complete without it. And to invest in some good walking shoes, those hills hit you and your calves in a big way - I reckon it's how Jessica Ennis turned out the way she did.
Matthew Smith, MS
COURSE: English Literature
HOBBIES: Football, Cinema, Reading, Writing
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE STUDENTS' UNION: The fact that it's almost like a town in its own right, there are so many facilities. However, my very favourite place within it is obviously the fantastic Media Hub.
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT SHEFFIELD: The people. You talk to anyone, they'll talk back. I've yet to meet someone who isn't helpful, kind or interesting; or even a combination of those three.
THE ONE THING I WISH I KNEW WHEN STARTING UNIVERSITY: That a key piece of student equipment is the humble doorstop. Keep your door open, talk to everyone, and you are guaranteed friends within hours of arrival.
Coral Williamson, CW
COURSE: Just finished a BA in English Language and Literature, and I'm now starting a MA in Magazine Journalism
HOBBIES: I love going to gigs and writing about my favourite bands, playing video games and eating my weight in burgers from the Harley.
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THE STUDENTS' UNION: The Gallery - it's such a lovely place to relax in between lectures, whether you're enjoying your lunch with a nice book or meeting up with friends.
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT SHEFFIELD: The community spirit. Everyone's so nice in Sheffield, and if you go to any of the citywide events they have over the year you'll see how great it is that everyone wants to be involved.
THE ONE THING I WISH I KNEW WHEN STARTING UNIVERSITY: How much I'd come to love Sheffield! Then I never would've gotten homesick in my first month. There's so much to do and see that you'll never get bored, and there's something for everyone - no wonder so many of us stick around after we graduate..
