By Frances Kendall
As a student at the University of Sheffield, it is rare to find anyone that doesn’t think our Students’ Union is pretty amazing. For me, that’s why it was unsurprising to find out that we recently won, for the 9th consecutive year, the award for the best SU in the UK in addition to ranking 1st in Student Experience among the Russell Group Universities. However, after writing this blog, reflecting on my student experience, I believe I have taken this all for granted.
Looking back on this week, I realise just how much the Union has contributed to my time at Sheffield. On Tuesday, I had group meetings in Coffee Revolutions, sorted referees for a lacrosse match in the Sports Office, grabbed lunch at New Leaf and had a lecture in the auditorium. I spent Wednesday evening at Bar One and Varsity ROAR, the sports night at Foundry, Studio and Fusion.
I can’t remember the last time I didn’t go out to the Union because I always have the safest and most enjoyable nights there; this is partly due to one of my favourite services that the SU runs. If you don’t fancy staying out too long at a club night or want to work late at the library, there is a Women’s Bus which runs every hour. It takes you from the entrance of the SU all the way home, regardless of distance, for just £1.50. I regularly use it so I don’t have to wait until all my friends also want to leave, which enables me to feel secure and still be independent. It’s hard to imagine how different life would be without the convenience of the SU and its facilities on your doorstep!
Coming to the end of my time at Sheffield as an undergraduate I am so grateful for my student experience because I have had the most fantastic time here. Academically and socially I have loved it, although I honestly had no idea how much the various SU events, facilities and services had contributed to it, up until this point!