Being thrown into an environment where I didn’t know anyone has made me much more outgoing.
Tara Shaw
Spent a semester studying Politics at Sheffield
Exchange student from Australian National University, Canberra
Thanks to the welcoming people and the range of things to do in Sheffield, Tara soon settled in well when she came here for a semester from Canberra, Australia.
Why did you decide to study abroad, and what made you choose Sheffield?
I’ve always known that I wanted to experience life outside of Australia and exchange seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so as it allowed me to study, travel and make friends super easily!
Sheffield seemed like the perfect combination of student city life and natural beauty - as well as being well respected for their humanities courses.
Sheffield seemed like the perfect combination of student city life and natural beauty - as well as being well respected for their humanities courses.
What do you like best about living and studying in Sheffield?
The people! Everyone I met during my time in Sheffield has been so kind and welcoming - and I will definitely be back.
The study/life balance in Sheffield has been fantastic, as with the relatively low contact hours for my degree I’ve been able for explore Sheffield and the Peak District, while also keeping up with my uni work.
What was your initial impression of Sheffield and the University when you first arrived?
When I arrived, I must say it was quite cold and dreary (which was a little rough!) but the close knit uni community made up for that very quickly.
What were the highlights of your course?
I loved the small class sizes I experienced within my left politics course in particular. It meant I got to engage a lot more with local students and my professors on topics that I find interesting.
How will you use your experience of studying abroad at Sheffield in the future?
Being thrown into an environment where I didn’t know anyone (or anything about the city!) has made me much more outgoing and open to anything.
What would you say to a student considering studying at the University of Sheffield?
Just do it! Sheffield offers the university experience you see in the movies - a great social life, engaging classes, a central location and the Peak District on your doorstep.