Why I chose the University of Sheffield - Ask me anything!

Hi everyone!

My name is Ellie and I am a 3rd year English Language and Linguistics student here at the University of Sheffield, and as applications are an obviously popular topic at the moment, I thought I'd write a short post to explain why I chose Sheffield. Making the decision about which Uni to choose is a difficult one as there are so many factors to consider.

The deciding factor behind my choice to complete my degree at the University of Sheffield was actually how the campus itself felt. The main piece of advice I would give to any student looking to go to University is to actually attend an open day and visit the Uni in person if you can. Before physically attending the Uni of Sheffield, I was on the fence as to which University to choose as both Universities were in cities of similar sizes, locations that were very equal in distance from my home town, and both had incredible academic departments. After attending an open day, I could really visualise myself as a student here at Sheffield, and it helped to cement my decision.

The opportunity to discuss factors with other prospective students on the open day also really helped me to decide, and after going on a tour of the City itself I realised that the things Sheffield had to offer 'ticked my boxes' so to speak. The transport links, night life and interesting events and locations within the city were a huge bonus, and the things that the University itself offer have really made my experience here an incredible one thus far. The University of Sheffield has one of the best Student Unions in the UK, and currently offers over 350 societies and sports teams, which made socialising and making friends so much easier for me in my 1st year.

If anyone has any questions about applications or how to decide which Uni to choose then please do feel free to ask away! I am very happy to help :smile:

Here is a handy list of recommended items from UCAS that describes all of the useful things a student should be taking to Uni with them: https://www.ucas.com/money-and-student-life/student-life/starting-university-or-college/list-absolutely-everything-you-need-take-university-or-college

Looking forward to chatting!

Ellie (3rd year English Language and Linguistics student)

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

I’m not interested in nightlife and the likes - will I be out of place if I go to Sheffield?

Also would you say the city feels safe?

University of Sheffield

Sheffield

Reply 2

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous #1

I’m not interested in nightlife and the likes - will I be out of place if I go to Sheffield?

Also would you say the city feels safe?

Hello!

You wouldn't be out of place in the slightest if you aren't interested in the nightlife the city has to offer. The University of Sheffield has over 350 societies and sports teams, many of which hold a variety of events that have no involvement with clubbing or drinking or going out at night etc. For example, I am a member of the English society and they regularly hold theatre trips and poetry evenings, and many other societies will hold a range of activities if it is the social aspect that you are concerned about regarding feeling out of place. If for whatever reason you can't find a society that interests you, there is also the option of creating a new society if you know a few other people who have a similar interest.

Regarding the safety of the city, I would say that it really does feel safe. Many of our buildings on campus have security (we also have an app called Safezone that can be used for any emergencies or safety issues, but I have never had the need arise to use it) and the city itself is very friendly and welcoming. I have lived here for a fair few years now, and intend to stay here for the foreseeable future, and I have no worries or concerns about feeling safe in the city itself, or anywhere on campus.

I hope this answers your questions!

Ellie 🙂 (3rd year English language and linguistics student)

Reply 3

PL06

Hi Ellie,
I heard that the accommodation self-selection opens up in March. Is there a set day for when the first wave starts? I don't want to wake up to an e-mail and realise all the good spots are picked. And also, are all accommodations available in the first wave? I'm interested in the Crewe flats and have heard that sometimes they are released later on.
Thanks. 👍

(edited 1 month ago)

Reply 4

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by PL06

Hello!

The accommodation is released in waves so no, you won't miss out on all of the 'good' options so to speak. The University staggers the release of particular blocks/floors/rooms etc so that it is a fair process for everyone. I would just recommend regularly checking the website and your emails to keep tabs on each wave as they are released, but I wouldn't worry about it too much as there are a huge amount of rooms and flats available across all 3 of our accommodation sites, so you will be able to find the right one for you. A majority of the rooms are pretty much identical too, so its quite a fair and equal selection.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions :smile:

Reply 5

oolas

Hi,
I haven't had the chance to go to an offer day or open day and haven't been able to see the university in person or any of the student halls. I have seen some online, but you can't always trust the online pictures.
Which accommodation would you recommend for a first-year student?

Reply 6

University of Sheffield Students

Official Rep

Original post by oolas

Hi!

From personal experience I would recommend the Endcliffe student village for a first year student. I have found that a vast majority of students stay in either Endcliffe or Ranmoor, so it is very likely that your coursemates/people you may meet at University will also be staying there which I think helps massively with the social aspect. The rooms in different blocks are all very very similar (unless you opt for a deluxe room with a double bed or if you decided to choose on of the shared bathroom blocks - both of these will be made very clear on the application so don't worry about accidentally choosing something that you didn't want to) and the shared kitchen/living spaces are also very similar in each block. I have stayed in/visited quite a few of the blocks at Endcliffe and I found that Rivelin is actually one of the nicest, and it benefits from a lift and a large, recently renovated kitchen/living area.

What factors are most important for you when choosing your accommodation (sociability, quiet, close to the shop etc)?

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions and I will do my best to answer them.

Ellie :smile: