My Life in Sheffield

yueh-ting-chungBy Yueh-Ting Chung, MSc International Management and Marketing

Hello.

My name is Yueh-Ting, a Taiwanese student studying a Masters in International Management and Marketing. Today I want to introduce my life in Sheffield to you!

Food

Because I love eating, most of the content of this article will be about restaurants and food.

my-life-in-sheffield-5I most often study at the Diamond library and while I am there, it is easy to find food.

There is a fast food snack bar just across the street where you can easily try the classical British food, Fish and Chips!

There are many other restaurants and a convenient store nearby.

In the library itself, there is a coffee shop.

It’s quite easy for people to find Chinese food in Sheffield so international students can fit in quickly! Here are some pictures to show you the Chinese food in Sheffield.

my-life-in-sheffield-9The moor market in the city centre is a great place to find fresh and cheap food. My friends and I usually go there at the weekend to have breakfast and then buy some vegetables, fruits, meat and bread for the next week.

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Of course, there are also small local versions and large supermarkets, such as Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s, near to the student accommodation which have long opening hours for convenience.

Student Accommodation

my-life-in-sheffield-7There is a perk living in the student accommodation of our university that I want to introduce to you! We can join the residence life sport class without paying fees.

In the first semester, I joined the Yoga, Pilates and Zumba class, because these three classes took place in the same complex as my home. I just needed to go downstairs and exercise.

my-life-in-sheffield-13Besides, with the residence life card, sometimes we can buy concessionary tickets. For instance, I bought the ticket to Whitby in the Student Union at a lower price (The picture is of Whitby Abbey). Yes, our SU will take us out to visit other cities on one day trips. We just need to buy the ticket and hop on the bus.

Travelling to the Management School

Living in Allen Court, I take about 20 minutes to walk to the Management School. Yep, I know. You might think it’s a long time. But actually, you will get used to it! And you will be stronger and healthier for it. There is also a beautiful park, Western park, on the way. Soooo beautiful. Really!

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Crookes Valley Park, which is next to Western park, is also very attractive.

In addition, there is a great Tai food restaurant close to the Management School. Having lunch with classmates there after class is quite enjoyable. After that, you can take a walk in the two beautiful parks and then go back home or to the library to study.

5 things you shouldn’t worry about when coming to study at the University of Sheffield

roxana-rojas-picBy Roxana Rojas Linares, MSc Entrepreneurship and Management

So maybe you are planning to get a postgraduate degree at the University of Sheffield but are concerned about a few things like language, making friends and getting used to a whole new environment. And you are right; studying abroad is challenging but is also a highly rewarding experience that will change your life.

Here is a list of my top 5 things you shouldn’t be worried about.

1. Language

If English is not your first language you may feel concerned about not being able to communicate or about not understanding your lectures. You may picture yourself in a room full of English speaking people with you staring from the corner. Well, you shouldn’t. Each year more than 5,000 students from all over the world join the University of Sheffield and it is a fact that you’ll share lectures with many of them. So first thing, you are not alone! Secondly, the University gives you the opportunity to improve your English skills through workshops and lessons especially designed for international students. They can even help you to check your written assignments. Language will not be a problem.

2. Making friends

First days at school can be scary. Now imagine it in a foreign country! Will you make any friends? The answer is, definitely. Apart from meeting people from your classes, the University makes a big effort to program plenty of activities to break the ice, from sports to entertainment and culture. Also, there are dozens of students’ societies for you to join. Share your passion for music, art, dancing, books… you name it. And there’s more, Sheffield has been named the friendliest city in the UK so be prepared, chances are you won’t even have time for yourself!

3. Food

my-life-in-sheffield-6It’s true. After a while you will miss some of your hometown’s flavours. However, Sheffield has excellent restaurants from all over the world. Greek, Asian, Turkish and Italian to name a few. On the other hand, the University Shop at the Students Union and other specialized supermarkets sell international groceries. Test your cooking talents and make yourself and your friends a traditional dinner from your country.

4. Finding a place to live

Finding a place to live in an unknown city can be intimidating. Is this area safe? Will I like it? Sheffield is a beautiful city with plenty of living options for students. Any area near the University is safe, affordable and near supermarkets, coffee shops and restaurants. If you don’t like taking risks, go for the University accommodation, located in the best areas of town and at a walking distance from the University facilities.

5. Safety

If you come from a big city, you will find Sheffield charming and friendly. If you come from a small city you will find it exciting and entertaining. In any case, crime rates in Sheffield are low and the city is known for being one of the safest places in the UK. However, it is always advisable to take basic safety measures like avoiding walking alone at night or in dark places. The University makes sure you have access to safety information and runs special transportation for women at night.

I hope that helps you feel more comfortable in your decision to study at the University of Sheffield and to understand what Sheffield has to offer!