Linsey Chaplin – Page 2 – Undergraduate Blog

How to make the most of freshers’ week!

By James Dylag, BA Business Management

Freshers’ week is one of the most ‘hyped-up’ events in every student’s calendar. There are so many things going on it can be overwhelming; this post is all about making your week as fun as possible.

In Intro Week and the first week of term, the Students’ Union hosts loads of events, like the freshers’ fair. This is an event held on campus and is massively popular with all students. At the fair, you’ll find stands occupied by loads of different companies (Domino’s, Nandos, and ASOS are regulars), who will be giving out loads of freebies and hosting different games to take part in (often with prizes). Freshers’ fair is ideal for a day out with your new flatmates, and maybe even a way to get your hands on some store cupboard essentials! The freshers’ fair is usually held in the Octagon Centre, right next door to the Students Union. You can find out what events are being held this year by clicking here.

Another thing you can do during freshers’ week is get to know your university clubs and societies, and you can do this by attending the club and society fair during freshers’ week. Joining societies is a great way to get involved in extra-curricular activities and expand your group of friends. Societies usually have a small fee to join (mostly they’re around £5), but after joining you’ll be invited to all events hosted by the society. Find a list of societies at Sheffield here.

During freshers’ week, it is inevitable that you’re going to end up on a few nights out. Moving to a new city, you might not be massively clued up on where to go. A safe bet is to look towards your new Students Union. At Sheffield, we’re lucky enough to have an SU that puts on loads of club nights during freshers’ week (and all year round) – these are a great place to meet fellow freshers, get to know campus and the safe bet to have a good night. If a night out isn’t your thing, there’s still loads to do – the SU has its own cinema, and this year is hosting its own street food market!

I hope this post has been useful and answered some questions you might have had about freshers’ week, but most importantly… remember to enjoy it!

Preparing for my year abroad

By Alice Lando, BA International Business Management

I have always been interested in exploring new cultures and expanding my horizons. This is one of the reasons why I chose Sheffield and the International Business Management programme, as it seemed like it would bring some great opportunities for me. Coming from Italy, I loved the idea of studying in England and overseas, and it taking three years instead of four.

Deciding the destination

Before starting my first year I wanted to go to Australia or Hong Kong, but thankfully the Global Opportunities team (who help students organise their year abroad) and the Management School insisted on making sure I had done my research before submitting my preferences. After hours spent on YouTube, university websites and chatting with people that had already done this experience, I changed my mind. When planning your year abroad it is fundamental that you choose destinations where you can really imagine yourself living for 10 months.

In the end, I knew I’d that my first choice would still be Hong Kong, but I decided I wasn’t so keen on Australia after all. Instead, my second choice was going to be Singapore.

Finding out the destination and getting excited

I will always remember the moment I found out that I was going to spend my second year at the Nanyang Technological University of Singapore. I had just finished an exam in January and received the email. Even better news, Elly, one of my closest friends, got allocated to the same university. It was a great feeling to be able to get excited with someone else, and we both made sure that we gave everything that we had in every module during the second semester so that we would meet the grade requirement.

Despite the pressure of getting the grades I needed and the stress of completing the application for the host uni, I was literally counting the days till the departure. I was looking forward to living in a big and developed city, with a completely different culture and in a location that would allow me to travel all around Asia.

Getting ready

Moving was not so scary at first, as I had already moved to Sheffield from Italy, however as time passed I started to realise that the change would probably be harder than the first one. In order to prepare, I watched lots of videos on YouTube about Singapore’s culture and lifestyle, and I talked to the Global Opportunities ambassadors for tips and information. I tried to open my mind as much as I could, setting no boundaries, expectations or limits.

Second thoughts

I have never had second thoughts about starting this new chapter of my life, however, thinking that I was not going to be in Sheffield for my second year made me much sadder than I expected. Despite the excitement of leaving for Singapore, I found it really hard to say bye to all my friends and volleyball teammates, but I am sure the distance will only make the relationship stronger.

I have just started my year abroad here in Singapore and I would definitely recommend this life-changing experience. It allows you to grow as a person, meet people from all around the world and create amazing memories.

My favourite module

By James Dylag, BA Business Management

One great thing about studying at university level is the freedom you get when choosing your modules – gone are the days where you follow a specific curriculum! Instead, you get to direct your own learning and choose to study subjects which specifically interest you. In this post I’m going to talk about my favourite module I took in third year.

Firstly, I’ll give you a quick overview of what it actually means to pick your own modules. Every year at university you have to pick modules which equate to 120 credits – In first year, modules are usually 10 credits for those that last one semester, and 20 for those that last the entire duration of the academic year. In second and third year, modules are worth 20 credits and usually only run for one semester (meaning you do six modules per year). At times, there may be compulsory modules however, as you move through your degree you get an increased amount of freedom – in the Business Management programme, I only had one compulsory module in third year, I was able to pick five myself.

I did a range of modules in third year, but my personal favourite was Socially Responsible Marketing and Consumption which was taught by Dr. Madeline Powell. The module comprised of a group assessment and individual report, which was a nice balance and meant that the work didn’t all hit you at once – one of the reasons why I enjoyed the module so much! The module looks at the changing nature of marketing, in a world that is becoming increasingly globalised with issues such as corporate responsibility, climate change, and ethics taking centre stage. Taught over ten lectures, the module gave a real insight into the practises adopted by some businesses when tackling this issue, whilst giving us the chance to use our analytical skills to apply the module’s content to real businesses and therefore understand the practical implications of the module content. I found this to be a useful quality as it allowed me to critically evaluate real business scenarios.

Another reason that I enjoyed the module so much was the freedom we had with our assessments. For the group assessment, we were able to choose our own groups with the only restriction being that the company we analyse must be a fashion company. Similarly, the only restriction given for our individual assessment was that we were not allowed to choose a fashion company. This meant that we could focus our assessments on companies we actually were interested in, which I genuinely believe made me more engaged in the module. Having this freedom almost made the assessment feel easier. I think this because I was researching companies and issues that I was personally interested in which made the process much less strenuous!

Third year may be a long way away, but definitely consider this module if you’re interested in the social standards that we should/do hold businesses accountable to, and how businesses respond to these!

Finding a graduate job

By Eloise Howard, BA Business Management with Employment Experience

It’s that time of year when graduates are desperately trying to land their dream job – but where do you start? If you’re in this situation, read on – hopefully this information will be useful to you!

Where to find graduate jobs

There is a huge amount of various graduate jobs for you to explore. If you are interested in graduate schemes, I would recommend beginning your job hunt in September/October of your final year at University, as this is when many of the big companies release their applications. However, if you are considering a direct entry role, the recruitment process often doesn’t begin until around Easter of your final year if you want to start working straight after you graduate. My top tip for finding the right graduate scheme for you would be to search online. There are lots of great websites out there such as Target Jobs, Milkround and even LinkedIn, where you can filter your search to a particular location, an industry, or the job itself. Another method for job searching could be to think of companies you are really interested in and check their websites for updates or just send your CV if they accept them! In addition to this, the University holds graduate fairs which give you the opportunity to speak with people from different companies and learn more about the vacancies they have.

Applying for graduate jobs

There is typically a long recruitment process for graduate schemes, but this does vary depending on the company. Often, it includes an online application, online tests, a video/telephone interview and an assessment centre. A key piece advice here would be to not feel disheartened if you get rejections – graduate jobs, in particular graduate schemes, are extremely competitive and it can take a few rejections before you get the right one, so try to stay positive and persevere! One of the most important things you can do whilst applying is research the company, what they are looking for in the job specification, and what they are like as employers. A good place to start is their website, but I have found Glassdoor helpful too to get a better feeling of the company culture. I would recommend building your CV throughout your time at university by getting involved in volunteering, societies, or even part time work as these extra-curricular activities really help you to stand out from other graduates. Furthermore, if you have the opportunity to, I cannot recommend doing a placement year enough as you gain so many invaluable skills and experiences that make answering interview questions much easier!

Finally, don’t forget that the University is there to help you! The Management School has it’s own Employability Hub that is dedicated to helping students find work, which hosts helpful workshops where you can do practice interviews and assessment centres or go through your CV one to one with a careers adviser. Even if you’ve graduated, you can get support up to three years after you leave uni!

The lessons I learned at university

By James Dylag, BA Business Management

When you’re a student you won’t only learn about your chosen subject, but you’ll also plenty of life lessons – here’s my top three takeaways from my time as a student.

Something I learned very quickly was the importance of being organised. This applies to several aspects of student life – from organising lecture notes right the way down to organising your meals for the week. University is unlike sixth form/college where you are given continual guidance from a teacher, instead you have to do a fair bit of independent study. To ensure this is productive and you stay on top of what you have to do, you should always set aside some time every week to organise your lecture notes in a way that suits you and prepare for the upcoming week. Having done this, and soon to be embarking on my own career, it’s a practise I want (and need) to keep up!

Starting university is a nerve-wracking thing, however it is really important to just get stuck in. This brings me to my second lesson – don’t be worried to get involved! When you first start, all the people you meet will be nervous themselves and will sometimes be looking for someone to break the ice… if you follow this lesson – this can be you! Being an active member is important in both a university and workplace setting. I completed a summer internship in my second year, and we were continually required to work alongside colleagues on group projects and presentations. In my first year of university, I tried all sorts of activities which built my confidence in a group setting and allowed me to transition into the working environment with ease.

My final, and arguably most important lesson learned from being a student was the ability to discipline myself. Living away from home, with your friends and in a city is great, but the main reason why you are there is to gain a degree – and to do this you must remain disciplined throughout your studies. Setting time aside to study instead of doing social activities is not always easy, but it is nearly always worth it. In my first year, I took a relaxed approach to my studying, however, during second and third year I really got my head down and prioritised my studies, which is reflected in the grades I achieved. Luckily the university has several libraries where you’ll usually find at least one of your friends. This means that revision breaks can be spent socialising which really does break up the long days in the library! Being disciplined is a trait that can be transferred into the workplace when meeting tight deadlines and completing your designated tasks – and a lesson that helped me achieve the grades that I wanted.

Everyone’s time at university is different, and you’ll learn lots about life, your subject, and yourself along the way. It is important to recognise all of these little lessons and incorporate them into your everyday life, which will equip you with the right skills to continue to progress!

What I’ll miss the most about Sheffield

By Eloise Howard, BA Business Management with Employment Experience

It’s sadly come to that time, after four incredible years at Sheffield University, where I have to say goodbye! Here are some of the things that I will miss the most about lovely Sheffield!

The people!

As soon as I came to look around on my open day, I knew Sheffield was the place for me as everyone at the university was so warm and welcoming. Over the past four years I’ve met my best friends, who I’ve been lucky enough to be able to live with each year. University is the perfect place to meet loads of people from all different backgrounds and walks of life, and it’s so easy to find people that have similar interests, as you can make friends with coursemates but also meet people through societies or volunteering.

Not only have I made friends for life in Sheffield, I’ve had many inspiring lecturers that have opened my eyes and taught me about the real world of business and how everything we learn can be applied to the real world. They have also introduced me to exciting new spaces in business management, such as organisational psychology.

The city

Sheffield is a beautiful city that has many perks for students. The nightlife is very fun and cheap, and there’s a night that suits everyone, whether you’re into indie, pop, dance or rock music. There are so many hidden gems around the city waiting to be found, with little independent coffee shops, boutique vintage stores and quirky bars dotted around the backstreets of the city. Kelham Island is one of my favourite areas in Sheffield, previously known as a manufacturing site, which has now evolved into a fun area with lots of alternative new bars, night markets and shops.

Despite the multiple hills that take a toll on your legs, you can also see some incredible views – I would definitely recommend taking a trip to Bole Hill to watch the sunset! Not only this, the Peak District is right on your doorstep, offering some stunning scenery when you want to escape the city.

University

I couldn’t have asked for a better experience at University. Throughout my time here, I have received excellent support from my tutors and have had the opportunity to study exciting new topics in my area of study that have been engaging and challenged the way I view the world. In first year I was a dual student studying French and Business Management, however I knew that this wasn’t the right choice for me. With my personal tutor’s help, I was able to make that tough decision and change my course to single honours Business Management, and I’m so happy that I had that support.

There is so much around the university to get involved with, with endless societies for everything you can think of, from hockey to gin tasting! Finally, the Students’ Union has been a great hub – it really does meet the needs of every student, and is full of great food places, the Sheffield Store, the Student Helpdesk and some amazing nights out every week!

Why you shouldn’t be worried coming to Sheffield as an overseas student

By May Than Thar Cho, BA Accounting and Financial Management

Coming to university and starting afresh can be extremely daunting, especially when you are half a world away from home. Most times, your mind will wander and you’ll eventually start worrying about things. Here’s a list of some of the things that I worried about before I began, how I overcame them and why they should be the least of your concerns!

Making friends

The question on everyone’s minds. Will I like the people I meet? Will they like me? Will I make new friends? I kid you not – you’ll be making new friends before you even realise it. There are so many people coming in from all over the UK and all over the world. You’re in a position where you know nobody and nothing about the city. But everyone is in the same position too! Even if initiating conversations with people is out of your comfort zone, don’t hide away when someone approaches you (someone definitely will!) and you’ll find making new friends is as easy as ABC.

The university also runs an Orientation Week before term starts and I personally think it’s an amazing way to get settled in and meet new people (I’m still very good friends with so many people I met over Orientation Week). You can follow this link to find out more!

Being homesick

I’ll be honest, it’s easy to fall into homesickness. While calling your family and friends from home offers you comfort, you should also try finding other ways to help ease it. What I have found helpful is surrounding myself with new people. Spend a lot of time with your new friends, join societies and participate in the different activities arranged by the university. Soon, you’ll really start appreciating a new part of your life here and you’ll feel at home in no time!

Communication

When you are not from an English-speaking country, you may find it hard to fully express yourself or perhaps, you may even be feeling shy to talk to people. But don’t use this as an excuse to not speak English. Don’t be afraid to try! If anything, people will help you if you struggle and this way, it makes it a lot easier for you to pick up the language. ELTC at the university also offers English Language Support for users of all proficiencies you can follow this link to check it out!

Missing food

It’s very common to start missing your traditional food but worry not, Sheffield has a huge selection of international cuisines: from all types of Asian, European and Middle Eastern, so you’re bound to find something that satisfies your taste buds! Our Shop in the Students’ Union also has a wide selection of international products and there is also a load of supermarkets selling international products around the city so you can always try cooking your traditional meal by yourself!

Fitting in

You’re being thrown into a country with a completely different culture. It’s not surprising you are wondering how you would fit in the picture. But don’t let this hold you back from trying to socialise with people from different backgrounds. Instead, take this as an opportunity to explore cultures you otherwise would not have experienced. Just be yourself, share your culture, and learn theirs! Despite the cultural differences, another thing I have found is sharing similar hobbies or interests makes conversations more effortless and helps you blend in quicker!

Summer activities around Sheffield

By James Dylag, BA Business Management

The academic year is over, you’re free of exams and revision, and it’s now time to enjoy your summer break after all the year’s hard work! Follow this guide for the great things Sheffield has to offer over the summer months.

Tramlines festival
Tramlines is a Sheffield institution – now in its tenth year it attracts huge crowds from Sheffield and beyond. The festival has seen acts such as Stereophonics, Basement Jaxx and Stefflon Don, right the way through to this year’s headliners Nile Rodgers and Chic, the Courteeners and Two Door Cinema Club. Tramlines is usually held mid-July and is therefore a great way to celebrate finishing exams and kick start the summer break.

Peace in the Park
Another festival type event – Peace in the Park is held annually in Ponderosa park (another of Sheffield’s many green spaces). The festival has a mission to bring people together through the arts, and make a stand for global peace. The festival brings together local businesses, artists and citizens to create a celebration of the community.

Bassfest
Bassfest is another Sheffield-based festival. The festival is held just outside of Sheffield in the Don Valley Bowl, with this year’s line-up including Camelphat, Fisher, Gorgon City and Solardo. Not quite as big as Tramlines, but nonetheless still very popular, this year’s event promises over 100 acts across five stages.

The Peak District
In Sheffield we are fortunate enough to have a national park on our doorstep, which can be easily reached by train or bus. Take a picnic and plenty of water and embark on one of the Peak’s many walks. My personal favourites are the Lady Bower Reservoir and Stanage Edge – both of which are a stone’s throw away from some great pubs… the perfect summer refreshment!

Sheffield has loads to offer during the summer months. Whether it is some of the big events listed above, or just spending the day enjoying the cafes and parks in Sheffield, you’ll be sure to have that well-deserved relaxing summer break you’ve waited so long for.

Top 10 things to do while studying at Sheffield University

By Jade Ellis, BA Accounting and Financial Management

There is so much to do in Sheffield whilst you’re studying at university, so here are my top 10 things that you cannot miss out on doing!

Ecclesall Road

This road is not one to be missed, with a prime location next to Sheffield Botanical Gardens and Endcliffe park, it is a great for students living around the Endcliffe area and around. What doesn’t this road have? From luxury eateries to hair salons, “Eccy Road” (as it is known locally) is a stretch full of quality restaurants, coffee houses, pubs, bars and shops. My personal favourites would be eating at Red’s True BBQ and then going for cheaper drinks (as Ecclesall Road can be quite expensive) at every student’s favourite place ‘Spoons (The Sheaf Island).

Sheffield Botanical Gardens

Going back to Sheffield’s history the gardens opened in 1836, covering 19 acres and was re-opened by HRH The Prince of Wales on 1 September 2003. It is a very relaxing place, especially in the summer to go and look at the variety of plants. The collection of plants is from all over the world including Mediterranean, Asian, American prairie-style, woodland and rock-and-water plantings. It is definitely worth a visit if you are wanting a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in the centre.

Meadowhall Shopping Centre

One of Sheffield’s most known attractions is Meadowhall, Yorkshire’s largest shopping centre, and from the University of Sheffield it is a 20-minute tram ride away. It has everything from top high street fashion like Topshop and River Island, to designer shops like Flannels and House of Fraser. Not to forget the huge Oasis food court that has a vast number of restaurants like TGI Fridays, Nando’s, Coal, Wagamama’s and many more. It is a nice place to catch up with friends and have a bit of retail therapy to get you through long assignments and hours of revision.

West Street

If you’re looking for a cheap night look no further than West Street. The £5 round Mon-Thurs from Tiger Works is a dream, it includes a VK of your choice, single vodka and mixer, sours shot and the deadly Jager bomb. You won’t need much more after this awesome foursome. There is also West Street Live that is still a casual and cheap night, so perfect for students and they also have deals throughout the week day nights.

Valley Centertainment

A great place to go and spend some quality time socialising with your Uni friends is Centertainment. There is so much you can do such as; go to the cinema, go bowling with your course mate, go to adventure mini-golf, eat at restaurants like Coast to Coast and Chiquito’s or something a bit cheaper and quicker like a Five Guys or Subway catch up if you have a gap between lectures. There is something for everyone, and it is again only a 20 minute tram journey away from the University of Sheffield stop.

Ice Sheffield

Fancy a change from the usual leisure activities? Why not try ice-skating! It’s only a 20 minute tram ride to the arena stop and a 2 minute walk to Ice Sheffield, so it’s really easy to get there. You don’t need to be a pro to go, you can go and have a laugh with your mates and it’s a great way to keep fit and active. I think it is a great hobby and I really enjoy seeing my progress from not being able to stand on the ice to skating freely on it.

Kelham Island

A 15 minute walk from the city centre, Kelham Island has become one of thehippest places in the UK! It is mainly known for its Peddler Night Market on the first Friday and Saturday of every month, which offers amazing street food, craft beer and live music. It is truly not one to miss, with a diverse range of talent, it is an enjoyable weekend for you and your friends to enjoy, as well as stuffing your faces with fresh, great tasting food.

The Moor

It is a great shopping experience with only a 5 minute walk from the main University buildings to the centre. It has many high street retailers such as; Primark, Burton, Debenhams, GAP outlet and many more. It is an easy and quick way to go and update your university wardrobe for all the events at the SU. It is also a nice break from revision to go and browse the shops.

The Light Cinema

In the heart of the city centre is this smaller, cosier cinema in comparison to Centertainment’s Vue. It is a great experience with friends and is more of an intimate atmosphere, to give you a more personal experience watching the latest blockbusters and creating great memories.

Revolution Sheffield

A great place to go to have a drink and socialise is Revolution just off West Street. They have an amazing menu with the choice of a selection of tasty grazers like mustard sausages and succulent chicken burgers. Not forgetting the 2 for 1 cocktail offer on weekdays, the Pornstar Martini is a must try! It is definitely an insta worthy experience with the great aesthetically presented food and drink, they even have a dance floor, what more could you ask for?

How to balance university work

By James Dylag, BA Business Management

Coming to university is a big jump from A-Levels! Not only are you now living independently, but you’re also in charge of your own learning. This blog post is all about how to balance university work, with all the other things you’ll know want to do as a student!

My first tip would be to start doing any work you have as soon as you get it. Whist it might seem like the deadline is ages away (and it might well be) time goes fast when you’re at uni! Even if you don’t start writing the essay, you can start doing your reading early and noting down any quotes that you think will be useful when actually writing your essay. If you do this, when you come to write the essay you’ll basically just be filling in the gaps and padding out what you already have. This makes the process so much quicker and easier!

One of the mistakes I made in first year was not using the gaps between lectures efficiently. There were days where I’d have two or three hours between my first and second lectures, and pretty much every time I would walk back to Endcliffe or go out for lunch. Two years later in third year, in each of these gaps you’ll find me in the library. It is a much better use of time, and it means when you do get home after uni you can just relax!

Doing work with friends is also something that really helps me, especially revision. I think it is really useful to be able to talk to others about what you’re doing and hear what they’re doing. This can take the pressure of all the revision and reading if you divide topics/readings up between your group of friends. Revision breaks are also much more of a break when you’re with you friends!

Timetabling has really helped me with my university work. If you set aside certain days, afternoons or mornings for specific modules it creates a structure for your work, which I find really useful. Just make sure you stick to this timetable!

I hope these tips have been useful, good luck with your studies!