I did some writing the Sheffield Star in first year, which was incredible, as my articles were in actual newspapers read all over Sheffield!

I have friends back home who have been applying to university in the past couple of years, and every single time the topic comes up I always say that they need to come to Sheffield.

Andrea Rodriguez Lozano

BA History

Why did you choose to study at Sheffield?

I chose Sheffield almost on a leap of faith. I knew nothing about the city, and living in Spain meant I couldn't attend an open day. However, the course looked so appealing that I did everything I could so that I ended up studying here. Luckily, I succeeded, and I don't regret a single thing.

Has your experience so far been what you expected?

It most definitely has. I love my course, especially how much time it gives you for independent study. This has allowed me to structure my study so that I am not overwhelmed at any point and so that I also have plenty of free time to spend with my friends and flatmates. I would almost dare to say that it has exceeded my expectations, as I was expecting the essays to be more overwhelming and to be completely drowning in books and articles, but if you organise it correctly it is actually quite manageable and even enjoyable.

What do you particularly enjoy about your degree programme?

I love that there are relatively few seminars and lectures, mainly because it then gives you plenty of time to do the required reading and have some free time. I was expecting it to be more overwhelming, but the way the degree is structured makes it so that it is quite manageable.

What modules are you studying this year? Are there any modules that you have particularly enjoyed during your degree so far and why?

In Semester One I took Historians and History, the Putney Debates and Religion and Politics in England (1558-1640). In Semester Two I am taking Uses of History, Warriors, Saints and Heroes and History of American Foreign Relations. I have to say that my two favourite modules have to be the Putney Debates and Religion and Politics in England (1558-1640), as they are both quite similar in terms of time-period, and the way they are taught makes it so that it is quite easy to link and as a result benefit from each other.

If you’ve undertaken any extra-curricular activities, what do you feel these have added to your time here?

I did some writing for the Sheffield Star in my first year, which was incredible, as my articles were in actual newspapers read all over Sheffield! It really gave me some real-life history-writing experience, which is extremely valuable and something that I genuinely recommend.

What do you like about the University/living in Sheffield?

I would have to say the people. Everyone is so friendly and so welcoming, something which was quite helpful as I didn't know anyone living in this city prior to coming here. I love how everyone is so helpful and available, so if you have any questions there is someone there willing to answer them. The fact that it is so well connected also means that if I want to travel anywhere around the country, I just have to get a train and I'll be there in no time. As an international student, this has given me the opportunity to visit places that had been on my bucket list for the longest time, and this would not have been possible had I stayed in my home country.

Would you recommend studying at Sheffield to a friend?

Yes! I have friends back home who have been applying to university in the past couple of years, and every single time the topic comes up I always say that they need to come to Sheffield. It really is worth it, and I would genuinely not change a single thing.

How have you found studying on the History BA programme and in Sheffield more generally as a non-UK student?

Everything has been going smoothly. The programme hasn't posed any significant difficulties, and the department has been very welcoming. Moving to the UK has been quite a significant change, but I really can't complain, I truly have no regrets.

What advice would you give international students considering history study at the University of Sheffield?

Do it! The degree structure gives you a lot of choice, and you might even get to learn about your own history from an outside perspective, which is incredibly valuable. Although it may appear to be quite daunting, take the leap of faith just like I did. If you do, you will see how it is genuinely worth it and, trust me, you won't regret it.