Making the Most of Every Opportunity
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I never thought that coming from Colombia to the UK to pursue my university studies would be such a big change but if I’m honest, it was. I wish I had known beforehand that most international students go through a ‘honeymoon’ phase, followed by a ‘fall’ phase, before finally reaching a stable phase of adaptation.
It was a significant change, but it has undoubtedly been the best decision of my life, as it has opened up so many opportunities to try new things and, without a doubt, created the best memories of my life.
My Sheffield Journey
I am in my final year of a Bachelor’s in Bioengineering at the University of Sheffield.
These four years have flown by, filled with unforgettable moments, especially from the many societies and groups I’ve been a part of. I am someone who likes to stay busy, try new hobbies or learn something new.
So, when I discovered in my first year that the University organises Give it a Go sessions – introductory events that allow you to try out various societies before officially joining – I saw it as the perfect opportunity.
I signed up for everything I had always wanted to try, including yoga, cheerleading, crochet, basketball, and more.
However, the societies I became most committed to over the years were the Latin American Society and the Charity Hitchhiking Society, both of which gave me some of the best experiences of my university life.
Being part of the Latin American Society made me feel at home. I formed friendships with people from across South America and even met other Colombians! My best memory was celebrating “Día de las Velitas” (Little Candle Day) with my Colombian friends.
This is a festive tradition in Colombia where we light candles in the streets to kick off the Christmas season. We cooked “Arepas,” our national dish, and even had a couple of shots of our national liquor, “Aguardiente.” Memories like this have undoubtedly helped ease my homesickness and made it easier to adapt to my new life in this city.
The Hitchhiking Society has pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to travel to places I never thought I would visit.
We’ve hitchhiked to cities across the UK and Europe, including Glasgow in Scotland, Porto in Portugal and Ljubljana in Slovenia.
The best part is that all of our trips support local charitable organisations in Sheffield, so it feels rewarding to be part of something meaningful while having an amazing time.
In addition to societies, I’ve greatly enjoyed volunteering as an outreach worker, where I visit local primary schools in Sheffield to teach young children about engineering and why it’s so fascinating. This has allowed me to connect with many people, share my passion for engineering, and develop valuable transferable skills, such as presentation and communication skills.
Academically, my time at university has been incredible. The lecture materials have been comprehensive and clear, but what I’ve appreciated most is how supportive the lecturers are.
Since English is not my first language, I initially found it challenging to understand some lectures. However, whenever I reached out to my lecturers via email, they were always more than happy to answer my questions and clarify any doubts.
Additionally, the UK’s independent study system has helped me develop excellent organisational and time management skills, enabling me to meet deadlines while still enjoying my hobbies and spending time with friends.
Did you know…
The University of Sheffield has been voted the University of the Year, Best Students’ Union and Best for Student Life at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024.
The Students’ Union has won the best in the UK award for seven years in a row, thanks to its fantastic student-led societies, first-rate entertainment and dedication to representing and supporting Sheffield students.
For more information on the University of Sheffield, see here.