By Mazharul Islam
What it’s Like to Study Abroad For the First Time?
While studying abroad is a dream for many students, the idea of turning up in a different city for the first time can be quite daunting. Onyeka, a former NCUK student who’s now at University in Sheffield, England told us about the mixture of excitement and uncertainty she felt when she first arrived.
I Had So Many Questions!
“The city of Sheffield! Ah, I remember the day I arrived in this city like it was yesterday. While on the train journey from London (which was quite long!) I was extremely anxious, I kept asking myself different questions. What does the city look like? Would I like the food? What’s the weather like? Are the locals friendly? Eventually, I tired myself out and fell asleep – as I woke to stretch on my seat, I realized the train had arrived, finally! My questions would be answered!”
Easy to Get Around
“As I got off the train, I was immediately surprised at how easy it was to find where I needed to go. There were taxis, signs, maps, everything. I immediately began to feel comfortable and confident. As I began to get to grips with my academic life, I also began to understand how wonderful staying in Sheffield is.”
A Warm Welcome
“I visited Meadowhall, which is basically a shopping mall where you can find everything, including Vue, which is a cinema and entertainment centre. There are numerous parks where you can simply be at peace with nature and so many other places worth visiting. But apart from the attractions and convenience of the city, the local people are some of the most wonderful and welcoming I have ever met. They seem to always know when someone looks lost and are more than happy to help; and the weather is much better than I expected, considering how far north Sheffield is.”
A Great Student City
“As you might expect for a city full of students, the nightlife here is also extremely lively (I’ve lost count of the number of memorable nights I’ve had with my friends at our favourite club!), and with numerous student discounts, you get a lot more bang for your buck! I love being in Sheffield – in fact, I would say that even if you’re not studying here make sure you visit the city next time you’re in the UK!”
Studying in Sheffield
If studying in this UK city appeals to you, as an NCUK student you could progress to either The University of Sheffield or Sheffield Hallam University. To discover more about the courses available at these two highly respected universities, take a look at our course guide.