Life in Sheffield as a Master’s Student: Darlene’s Experience

One of the key factors that drew me to Sheffield Hallam was the Vice-Chancellor’s Award, an automatic £3,000 tuition fee bursary for students domiciled in South East Asia. Not only did it provide invaluable financial assistance, making my dream of earning a master’s degree feel tangibly closer, but it also instilled a sense of being truly welcomed and valued by the university. This recognition played a crucial role in my decision to choose Hallam, and it proved to be a fantastic starting point for my UK academic journey.  

Settling into Sheffield was a surprisingly smooth transition. This vibrant city offers a wonderful blend of urban life and green spaces. There’s always something to discover, from exploring fascinating museums and relaxing in its numerous parks, to finding those comforting tastes of home in the international food shops – a real bonus to not feel homesick. Importantly, the cost of living here is more manageable compared to other major UK cities, which is a significant advantage for international students. The genuine friendliness of the people also made adapting so much easier. I even embraced cycling to and from university, finding the cycle routes safe, albeit a good workout with a few hills! 

As I navigated my studies and began to think about my future career, the Careers and Employability team at Sheffield Hallam was incredibly supportive. They provided practical guidance in refining my CV and offered invaluable interview practice. For someone still finding their feet in a new country and its job market, this support was immensely reassuring and helped to demystify what can often feel like a daunting process. 

Student life at Hallam was also a fantastic aspect of my experience. The university fosters a real sense of community, with a huge array of clubs and societies catering to every imaginable interest. While I didn’t formally join any myself, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the various activities they organised. The Hallam Student Union and the social societies are always putting on events – from trips to explore the beautiful surrounding areas and lively campus fairs, to my personal favourite: free student cinema nights! These provided brilliant opportunities to socialise and connect with fellow students. And when it came time to knuckle down and focus on assignments, Hallam’s 24/7 libraries, Adsetts and Collegiate, became my go-to havens for pulling all-nighters!