The five things I learned in Sheffield

Leaving home and venturing to a new country or city is always a brave move and an act of faith. For me, deciding to leave tropical Ghana and moving to cold Sheffield for a full time master’s course was my brave move. These are the five truths that I did not know about the University of Sheffield and the city that was soon to become my home for a year:

1. Don’t worry about being the only new person in the town when you arrive. It will surprise to know that there are a lot of other people who are as clueless like you. There is a huge number of students that arrive each academic year to pursue courses from different countries. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions or information from others. Sheffield townsfolk are generally nice people.

2. Sheffield is an international city and there are shops that sell all types of food items and beauty items that are international.

3. The weather is unlike what you have experienced especially if you are coming from the tropics. It is so versatile that in a day you could have rain, hail and sunshine. My slogan for Sheffield weather is “Don’t be fooled by the sun always take an umbrella!”

4. Believe the hype about the University of Sheffield library services. The library services have been top .The Diamond library has modern facilities and is designed with some private rooms and open spaces that give off a corporate office ambience. There is also a café on the ground floor that serves everything from coffee to lunch meals.

5. You will fall in love with the city. The city is the perfect mix of city and nature cohabiting together.

P.S After my year in Sheffield I did a short video on Youtube that begins with a residence room tour and some tips that helped me settle in comfortably in the City of Sheffield as an international student. I hope the information in this is of help to you!

Adom Takyi-Mensah