Everyone in Sheffield is very friendly

Why did you decide to study Digital Media and Society at the University of Sheffield?

Initially, I did not plan to study in the UK. However, after failing an important test in China I decided in March that I should study abroad. As I only had six months, I contacted and applied to many universities but eventually I chose Sheffield. I think the university is distinctive; it’s great, it’s very welcoming and it suits my personality. I have always heard good things about Sheffield - that it is a safe city and people are very friendly.

I decided to study Digital Media and Society because it is strongly related to journalism, which I studied for my undergraduate degree in China. I thought the course looked interesting and I am currently really enjoying it. 

How did you find the transition to living and studying in the UK?

When I came to the UK, everything felt totally different. For instance, in China everyone drives on the right-hand side but here people drive on the left. I still remember when I got off the plane in Manchester and the driver picked me up to take me to Sheffield. I opened the right-hand door. It was so awkward but also it is a very special memory for me as I would never have had that experience without coming to a completely different country.

When I first arrived I was quite scared. I remember wanting to go to the supermarket but I worried how people would regard me and if they would understand me. I think a lot of people coming to a new country for the first time will be afraid of everything but that’s normal. I now know that everyone in Sheffield is very friendly.

How are you finding the course so far?

I think the course is great. Academically speaking, sociology is actually the discipline that is looking for a way out of a wide variety of social problems, and it is more important than we usually think. With the growth of digital media for all to see, studying this subject can be a great way to keep up with the times. There are a lot of crossovers between journalism and digital media and so we are studying some scholars and theories that I am already familiar with. This makes me feel welcome in the class. 

The lecturers are also really kind and they take the time to get to know you. They are very professional and I really enjoyed the module ‘The Digital Self’.

What advice would you give someone looking to come to the UK to study Digital Media and Society?

I have so many suggestions so I will divide them up into different parts of life.

Academically, always keep in mind that you have come to this university to learn, no matter what stage of life you are in and what mood you are in. Focus on the present moment and study obsessively. Engage with the course and don’t be absent. If you can, don’t miss your lectures or seminars. You came such a long distance and paid a lot of money so you should try and make the most of everything on offer. 

In life, try to keep a healthy diet and a good sleep schedule. For many Asian students, it can be frustrating to winterise. However, this is a natural phenomenon and we can only do what we can to adjust our mindset. Don't give up. Also, international students, like myself, come to the UK and live alone in a studio flat. It can be hard to govern yourself without friends or family members around. Make sure to ask the people around you to help you keep a healthy lifestyle.

Lastly, for those who want to study Digital Media and Society, don’t be afraid of English. Sometimes I struggle to understand people and communicate well but it’s important to throw yourself into the experience as that is the best way to improve. Most of the time people will be patient with you, so don’t be afraid and you will grow so much.