University has allowed me to become so much more independent and helped me to increase my communication skills and my confidence.

Why did you choose to study English Literature at the University of Sheffield?

I chose the University of Sheffield as I really enjoyed the city when I came for my open day. It’s such a green, vibrant place, with loads of lovely independent stores and cafes.

Also, I really liked the structure of the course, going chronologically through time over the first two year’s core modules, in addition to the optional first year Biblical and Classical module, it gave me a solid grounding to what else we were studying, helping me get a strong baseline for my degree knowledge.

What do you enjoy most about your programme?

I really enjoy the seminars on my degree. They give you the perfect opportunity to discuss and develop all your ideas, meet new people (especially those from other departments or countries who may also be taking your module), and engage with a range of different perspectives.

What does your typical week look like?

Most weeks, I have three contact hours per modules, and normally three modules a term, so a total of nine hours in university. This typically involves two lectures and one seminar (although some modules may have one lecture and one longer, two-hour seminar). It also involves plenty of primary and secondary reading and research, which I tend to split between the university libraries, cafes and my student accommodation.

What is the community like in the School of English?

English itself has a great subject society and a range of different events, but the University itself is a very welcoming place. The student’s union is fantastic and hosts a range of different events. There’s a great club in the union, but even if that’s not for you, there are plenty of other events on, from films, to picnics and even countrywide day trips! I had a fantastic time going to Chatsworth just before the Christmas of my first year and have friends who’ve been on trips to places like Bath, Oxford and York too.

What is your favourite thing about the city of Sheffield?

There are so many things that I love about Sheffield but my number one has to be all the outside space. You can drive for only five to ten minutes and be out in the Peak District. Stanage Edge and Castleton are some of my favourite places. Also, within the city itself there are loads of great parks, such as Crooks Valley, Western Park and the Botanical Gardens (which is very close to the Endcliffe and Randmoor Student villages).

There are also loads of amazing local restaurants, cafés and take away around Sheffield, and the fact that the city is split up into lots of smaller neighbourhoods gives it a homely and welcoming feel.

Are you involved in any clubs or societies?

Throughout my first two years at Sheffield, I have primarily been involved within the English Society. I had a fantastic time at both the Winter and Summer balls last year, as well as both day and night events which the society organised.

I have recently been elected Charity Officer for the Education Society as well, as this is an area I’m interested in pursuing post-graduation. I am really excited to see how this pans out, and hopefully raises money and awareness for charity too.

Outside of specific clubs there are also many different extracurricular activities that the university run. For example, I have attended the ‘Northern City Connections’ event, which highlighted career avenues and networking to students who are underrepresented in higher education, as well as being apart of the university’s undergraduate research scheme.

What skills have you developed during your course that will be useful after you graduate?

Through my essays and seminars, I have been able to develop a range of academic skills, such as research, debate and organisation. Also, through group projects, I have learnt how to lead a team and generate compromise. Furthermore, I have been able to develop my computing and design skills through my research project, having to create a poster of my findings. Also, on a more personal front, being at university has allowed me to become so much more independent, financially minded and helped me to increase my communication skills and my confidence.

What advice would you give students thinking about doing your course?

My main piece of advice to any student regardless of their subject is to attend office hours with your lecturers and seminar tutors! It may seem daunting at first to go and talk to them but it is so extremely helpful. They are all so passionate about the subject which translates so well when you talk to them. This is also the main way in which I have seen improvement with my assignment grades, through actively seeking improvement and advice from academic staff.

Also, I would really recommend choosing a wide range of modules in your first year. Try new things! Your first year of university does not contribute to your final grade so it is the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons, learn about things you wouldn’t normally interact with and find out where your interests lie. Finally, I’d just say make full use of the city itself. Discover all parts of it and find your places! This’ll not only help you settle into the city but also can help you meet new people too.