I chose Sheffield because I wanted distance – from home, from familiarity, from everything I already knew. I wanted to experience a life where I had more freedom, exploring a part of the UK I wasn’t accustomed to, or even knew much about.
Before making Sheffield a top contender in my university choices, I decided to watch some videos to get an idea of what I’d be getting myself into. So far, I knew my university had a plethora of activities, that Endcliffe and Ranmoor were basically the best student living spaces for first years and that it was a great place academically. Surprisingly, what sold me the most was the Peak District.
I’m going to be very honest with you – there aren’t many “Peak District” spots where I’m from in Essex. Much of our ground is very level. So the idea of being able to go hiking for the first time in my life told me Sheffield was definitely the place to go.
So, the University of Sheffield became my top choice, and another university much closer to home became my second – courtesy of my parents, as it was only a thirty-minute journey and, to quote them, they would “miss me too much.” However, A-levels soon rolled by and (spoiler) I got in!
I was completely naive about how much this city would change me.
Moving day soon came, and my parents were helping me pack my stuff in the car as we made that four-hour-long journey towards the Steel City. Once they’d helped me settle in and left, it hit me that I was alone – and I guess you could classify this as my “actually becoming an adult” moment.
I was so used to being with my hometown friends and siblings. I had never truly been alone, and although lockdown restrictions had been lifted some time ago, I still felt the slight repercussions; my lack of socialisation and my people-pleasing tendencies were slowly creeping back.
But thankfully, before even arriving, I had pushed myself to befriend others who were either doing the same degree as me or going to the same university through Facebook – a platform I had never used before. Honestly, if not for that, I would never have met my best friend and the friends who helped open my eyes to what this place had to offer.
I soon realised how lovely it is to be here. The people are so friendly, I’m always outside wanting to walk everywhere (forty minutes can go by so quickly) and I’ve never been out to brunch so many times in my life – notable mentions to Gaard and Kollective Kitchen.
But one thing I wasn’t prepared for is – THIS PLACE IS SO HILLY! No one told me (or warned me) about how many hills I would have to walk just to get to my lectures. But now I’m so used to it, I see it as an extra cardio session.
Sheffield truly is my second home away from home. A place where I experienced many firsts: being called a southerner (never had that before coming here), going out clubbing, going to the pub and trying beer (still debating on whether or not I’m a fan), reading one of my poems in public, and trying – and loving – Jollibee’s (thank you to the Philippines and Meadowhall!)
And if you’re wondering – yes, I did get to go to the Peak District. I climbed Mam Tor with my friend, with the help of Apple Maps, because neither of us could really decipher how to navigate using a physical one (that shall hopefully be learned soon).
It was such an unforgettable moment.
Honestly, nothing prepared me for how stunning it would be in person. So if you take anything from me at the end of this piece, it’s this – it’s definitely a place everyone should visit at least once in their life.
But when you’re coming back down, be careful – me and my friend had the unfortunate luck of taking an unnecessarily long route downwards. Still, I’d do it all over again.
Sheffield made me realise how much more there is to life, and how much I didn’t want to waste it – I want to continue to experience and try everything at least once, because why not.
So although I may not have picked up any Sheffield dialects like ‘Ey up’ or ‘Reyt’, I’d say that within my three years living here, my accent isn’t too far off (depends on who you ask, though).
Though I arrived nervous and unsure, I leave with confidence, memories (and even fond ones of the hills). I’ll always have a deep love for the city that shaped me. And yes – I’ll be back.
