Part 1: Make the most of University life

New to SHU?

Coming to university can be a big, life-changing transition. Whether you’re local to Sheffield or have moved here from a different city (or country!) there will be new places to explore and people to meet. Whether you’ve come straight from school or college, have had one or more years out, or are returning to education later on in life, starting at university should be an exciting time full of anticipation and opportunity.

Returning to SHU?

If you’re a returning student, the start of a new academic year can signal a new phase in your studies, life, friendships and ambitions. You may have a renewed enthusiasm for your studies, plans to take on more/different hobbies or go out and socialise more.

Whether you’re a new student or returning for your second, third or fourth year at SHU, we’d like to give you some tips on how to make the most of your university life

1. Get to know your surroundings

If you’re new to Sheffield, take some time to find out about the city and the places you might like to hang out while you’re here. Some of our suggestions for top places to visit in Sheffield:

• Graves Park & Animal Farm, 87 hectares of parkland, woodland, lakes and attractions, situated 3 miles south of Sheffield City Centre. Sheffield has many other parks you may like to visit, for a crisp autumnal walk or to kick a ball around with your mates.
• The Common Room Pool Bar and Restaurant is very popular with students. You can book a pool table and spend afternoons off uni relaxing with your friends.
• Meadowhall – If you are into shopping, then Meadowhall has to be the number one destination for you in Sheffield. It’s easy to get to – just look for the tram with ‘Meadowhall’ written on the front and a yellow square.
• Weston Park Museum Learn about the history of Sheffield and much more at this popular museum. The museum is also home to an Imperial Ming Vase at the moment

2. Do something new, do something different

University can be a great opportunity to try out new activities and interests. With clubs and societies set up especially for students in disciplines as far reaching as darts, capoeira, surfing, debating and improvisation and comedy, there’s a club for everyone at Sheffield Hallam Students’ Union. And if there isn’t a club devoted to the hobby of your choice, you can create one!

 3. Plan, plan, plan (and be spontaneous too!)

We’ll publish another blog about balancing study with your personal life at a later date. In the meantime, this is just a reminder to be organised with your studies – get a wall planner, diary, app for your phone, alarm clock, whatever it takes to make sure you’re not stressed out wondering where you’re meant to be and when! That way, you can also plan in time for relaxing, socialising with friends, for time on your own to sit in a park with a coffee and your favourite book, play sport or simply to do nothing. In the mix, why not do something random every now and again and hop on a train at the weekend for a bit of escape?!