To help you settle into the UK and meet other students, we have arranged a number of social activities and events. All the activities are free unless otherwise stated.
Weston Park is a fantastic public park in the heart of Sheffield, running alongside Weston Park Museum and Mappin Art Gallery.
You can take a stroll through the Weston Park May Fayre and see the Victorian bandstand in all its glory. Take a look through vintage wares, take a ride on the helter skelter and grab a bite to eat at this fantastic fayre.
It will be running on May 21 between 11am–5pm, see more details here.
Even though SHU Fest has come and gone, it doesn’t mean that we’re finished with organising things for you to do!
Our new Easter events calendar is here, and we’re excited to share with you all the brilliant events and activities that we have lined up for you! There’s a trip to the beautiful market town of Bakewell, free ice skating sessions, the last Conversation Club of the year and much, much more!
Check out the calendar below, or drop into the Student Services Reception on level 5 of the Owen building for your copy now!
It always comes and goes so quickly – it’s been the best week of musical performances, cultural celebrations and events!
Over the five days, we’ve seen performances from across the world by both staff and students, showcasing the diversity and talent that we have at our disposal at Sheffield Hallam.
We’ve seen Indian dancing, Indonesian Angklung demonstrations and a whole host of musical acts from both home and international students.
We’ll be posting more pictures and videos as we get them, but here are a few acts from the first couple of days!
More can be found on our YouTube channel and on our Facebook page in the next few days!
“My first HOST visit was in May, last year and it was a weekend visit to a place called Thirsk. I didn’t know about the place at the start but I did some research about the place before travelling and found that it was such as a nice place!
I was matched with Michael and Sue, a retired couple who used to be primary school teachers. They were ever so nice to me, I was shown around the town which is in traditional English style and also I stayed in their home. I did a spot of gardening and help my host, Sue to plant a pot which she placed in the front garden. Michael took me hiking, a hobby which I enjoy and we went to Abraham Rocks, a local landmark and the views were amazing! They were also interested in asking me about my home country, Jordan about my family and life over there.
I still keep in contact with them and it thoroughly enjoyed the visit and their hospitality.
When you apply for a HOST visit, apart from the visit cost you will need to set a travel budget too. Both of my trips were under the amounts I budgeted for and the HOST co-ordinator was helpful and guided me all long to be able to meet them and they will ask you for feedback too. HOST will allocate you to where you are going which may seem nerve racking at first, but if you treat the visit as an 
adventure and to explore you will feel much more comfortable. It’s important that you do some research about the location. You can also apply for HOST visit with another International student too.
“I would recommend everyone to join a HOST visit to experience UK home life and families, and you will have more chance to visit the small towns and villages that are interesting and full of history too”
My second HOST visit over Christmas and I met Kathryn and Mike in Leyland. I experienced Christmas properly for the first time as I don’t celebrate it back in my home country, Jordan.
I arrived at their home on Christmas Eve and they took me to a traditional Christmas Church service which I found interesting.
On Christmas Day I was so excited to receive my first ever present with my name on! I found it was such a sweet gesture from my hosts and I was surprised how much British people eat for Christmas Dinner! I learnt so much about Christmas traditions, such as Christmas trees and displaying Christmas cards around the house plus I played Jenga and watched Christmas movies on the day. It was such a warm feeling and I managed to go for a walk with my hosts too.”
HOST visits are as follows:
It’s a low cost way to explore the UK and meet new people!
Register by completing a short form on http://www.hostuk.org/application/
Any questions? Email globalfriends@shu.ac.uk
This year’s SHU Fest selfie competition results….
Student category
Click the image to watch the video.
Alumni category – Jéssica Neves from Brazil wins SHU Fest T-Shirt
Staff category – Jamie Shaw gains the satisfaction of winning!
Thanks to everyone who entered!
A representative from each category should get in touch with Samantha Logan from the International Experience Team to claim your prize at s.logan@shu.ac.uk
On 19 January, SHU hosted the EcoChic Design Award academy and educators workshop with our partners Redress, which is a non-profit organisation from Hong Kong. We got one of the organisers, Hannah Lane to tell us a bit about the day and send us some pictures of what they got up to!
“The Academy was a full day event bringing sustainable fashion education to attendees including theory and practical exercises focused on the techniques of zero-waste, up-cycling and reconstruction to boost design skills. The day also included a screening of documentary Frontline Fashion. Around 45 students took part from 12 universities. In the images below you can see the outcome of the morning part of the academy which was focused on up-cycling through the use of patching, darning, sashiko and tufting.
The educators workshop was a morning session that brought together 16 educators to discuss sustainability teaching in curriculums. They were inspired with by textile specialists at WRAP as well as experienced sustainable fashion educators. It was a great day for both events!”
Happy Chinese New Year to everyone that is celebrating!
We’d like to wish those who are celebrating a Happy Chinese New Year – we hope you all have a fantastic time celebrating with family and friends.
If you’re unsure what it’s all about, then here are some of the traditions held at this time of year. Saturday 28 January marks the start of the Year of the Rooster. Roosters are said to be the most motivated animal in the Chinese zodiac and always put their careers first. Babies born this year will be well suited to becoming a journalist, soldier or surgeon – according to traditional beliefs.
It is also traditional to give red envelopes containing money to colleagues and family members. The red symbolises good luck and the money wishes the recipient good fortune for times to come. The red envelopes are also used to fend off bad spirits.
If you are manually enrolled, you can access the Culture Connect Blackboard site homepage via your shuspace homepage.
If it’s not in your main inbox, check your junkmail. If you still can’t find it, email cultureconnect@shu.ac.uk with your student number and ask the Scheme Coordinator if she has received it. Do not submit another application. 
Join us for our first trip of 2017 to the beautiful historic British city of York!
Famous for its medieval city walls, cobbled streets and afternoon tea rooms, it’s the perfect place to visit if you want to see traditional buildings and architecture.
There is lots to see and do, including its famous castle, minster as well as some of the most haunted spooky pubs in the UK!
The trip will be on Saturday 14 January between 8am–7pm and you will need to meet at the main University entrance, City Campus. Tickets are available to buy online for just £12, so don’t delay – get yours now!
Join us for the last trip of 2016 to the historic city of Nottingham!
There is a whole host of fun things to do and see in Nottingham, including visiting the impressive Nottingham Castle, going to Wollaton Hall where several Batman films have been shot or learning about the legacy of Robin Hood, whose legend has roots in this city.
We will be taking the train, which will cost approximately £9 for a return with your student card. Please also bring £3.50 for the bus fare to Wollaton Hall.
The trip will be on Thursday 27 December from 9.30am–5pm – please meet outside the main University entrance, City Campus at 9.30am.
