Haixuan Wang talks about her programme and the support she's received during her studies

Haixuan Wang in paris
Haixuan Wang
Postgraduate Student
MA Digital Culture and Communication
The university has been really supportive in many ways. Academically, they provided an introduction to the academic year and specific courses before classes started, which was really helpful. For career support, there are dedicated staff who offer advice on improving our CVs. There are also plenty of workshops available, covering things like time management, using reference management software, and more. Plus, our Student Union organise a variety of events every day, so there’s always something interesting to get involved in.
Haixuan Wang in paris

Why did you decide to study your programme?

I chose this program because it is related to my undergraduate studies. However, with the development of digital technology, I realised that digital platforms are profoundly transforming these fields. I hope to gain a deeper understanding of how digital technology is impacting culture and society through this programme.

What do you enjoy most about your programme?

I enjoy how my core and optional modules are interconnected, which helps me gain a more comprehensive understanding and better apply what I’m learning.

What does a Typical Week look like? 

Besides attending my courses at the department, I’ve also enrolled in a French class offered by the university, so I have French lessons every Tuesday and Wednesday. On top of that, I often get together with friends to cook and chat about the interesting things that happened during the week.

What skills and experience have you gained during your course which will help you to reach your goals after graduation?

One skill I have to mention is using Gantt Charts because they’ve been incredibly helpful. Not just for my studies, but also for planning in everyday life. You can use a Gantt Chart to organise pretty much anything, and it really helps in keeping everything on track and running smoothly.

Have you had the opportunity to get involved in projects or activities outside of your studies?

Besides taking an extra French class, I also volunteered as part of the box office crew for SheffieldDocFest in June. It was an amazing experience seeing so many people from different places come together in Sheffield because of their love for film. I even got to watch MR. DOODLE create his artwork live. It was definitely a meaningful experience.

What made you want to study in the UK and specifically the University of Sheffield?

Back in 2015, I attended a summer camp at a school in the UK, and it left such a strong impression on me that I decided I wanted to study here in the future. I chose Sheffield because it’s a quiet and comfortable city, perfect for both studying and living. Plus, the University of Sheffield has excellent support for international students, which made me feel confident that I’d be well taken care of here.

What do you like most about living in Sheffield?

I really like that Sheffield is a quiet city with friendly people. It’s a place where I feel very comfortable living. The city isn’t too big, so it’s easy to get around on foot, which makes everything really convenient. My favourite place is Weston Park. I love spending time there because it’s a peaceful spot where I can relax, enjoy nature, and take a break from my studies.

What is the postgraduate community like? 

The overall atmosphere in our department's postgraduate community is great. Some courses alternate between seminars and workshops, which makes the learning experience more interactive. Plus, all the professors have office hours where they’re available to help us out.