ANR: 739221
Name: Karen
E-mail: karenblackstone@hotmail.com
Exchange semester:
Fall / 2015
Academic year: 2014/2015
Host University: University of sheffield
Country: United Kingdom
I GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL
Sheffield is a very nice old industrial city. It is very welcoming and especially through the
university there is a lot to do. The university is close to the city center, about a 15 min. walk.
The campus is mostly located very closely together and without a tour, I could already find my
way. The university is absolutely amazing in all the things it organises. If you want there is
something to do every single day. For the more quiet and outgoing people alike. Everything
from trying fencing and muy thai, to learning languages. Or joining singing societies, to the
Italian society. I personally, did for example Irish dancing give it a go, and cricket (as you do
in the UK!) And I had so much fun, doing it with other exchange students, and Sheffield
students alike. The best place to go for a drink, or lunch is definitely Interval, located on the
campus, next to student’s union. They have amazing hot chocolate and cake for 2.50! The
student’s union, is the centre of the campus, this is where you go for everything from
paperwork, to introduction events, to parties, sports at times, or tickets for events. If you live
in university residence you can even do some sports for free. Sheffield has a nice city centre,
and some beautiful parks. If you go to the upper floors of university buildings, you will have
beautiful views of the hills in Sheffield. The university provides loads of activities, like nothing I
have ever heard of before. It was voted the number one student’s union in the Uk, a title it
definitely deserves. I think there are probably over 200 societies. Though there are a lost of
students, it does not feel like a big university. I run into people I know everyday, and everyone
is so friendly, I feel right at home. What makes it different, is a very lively vibrant atmosphere.
And all the events going on. The teaching style for me was slightly different with lectures and
seminars, and the courses were bigger at 10 ECTS, which is why I took only 3. The school of
law has some really good professors, and it is quite well known, also for its research. There
are a lot of departments, and it is also specifically known for example for its international
relations programme. The university ranks 69th in the QS world ranking. It is home to 26, 309
students in 2014/2015. It has 50 different departments. It has over 18,000 undergraduates,
and almost 5,000 postgraduates. I chose to study at Sheffield, academically because of its
good ranking. And as you can see on its website, the atmosphere was so international,
welcoming, and open, which turned out to be very true in real life. It is a very nice place to
live, a city where certainly students walk just about everywhere. The peak district is right next
to the city, which is this amazing nature district, definitely worth a visit. The year is composed
of 2 semesters. The year starts in September, and ends in May.
II PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Information before you left

When did you receive the pre-arrival information from the host university?
The information was spread out, but a general package was sent a few months in
advance, other things the month before.
 Any difficulties?
The only thing that went wrong was one timetable for the introduction week, but I got one
during the week. Everything else was well organised
Visa procedure and arrival
 How long did it take you to arrange your (student) visa (if relevant)?
x
 How much did you pay for the visa?
x
 How was your arrival organized?
I was in accommodation for the introduction week, and I had information about where to
go, walks to the university tours, and events.
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Did someone pick you up from the airport/station?
- It was possible but I came by car.
How was the reception at the school?
- It was very well organized, with a general welcome every day of the introduction
week. And a full schedule with information sessions, fun things, and meets with other
students.
Was the administration and faculty well prepared for your arrival?
- Yes apart from the one schedule for the 2nd week everything was very clear.
What problems, if any did you encounter?
- see above
Orientation/Introduction activities
 Was an orientation or introduction activity organized?
- For the first semester, there is an entire introduction week, with icebreakers where
you can meet people. Information sessions, pub quizzes, tours etc.
 Did the school’s students participate in the reception of the exchange students?
- Yes they were everywhere in orange shirts, for information, or helping with activities.
And some took part.
 Did you have a student mentor/buddy?
- Yes, one from the law school as well.
Housing
 How was accommodation organized?
- I stayed in university accomodation
 Did you have to book your accommodation in advance or did you have to search for a
place to live after you arrived?
- It was already arranged.
 What kind of housing does the university provide?
- There are 3 possible locations: Endcliffe, Ranmoor, and Central campus. Endcliffe is
full of first years, and has quite a few parties, Ranmoor is the quiet part, and City
central has a combination.
 What support did you receive from the school in locating housing?
- They opened a website with info on university housing.
 Were you satisfied with your accommodation?
- To an extent yes, Mappin Court (city central) was a very good location, 15 min walk
from the centre, less than 10 from university. However, it was full of international
students, some of whom loved to go out, at times this was a bit noisy for me
personally.
 Any special issues or good ideas/useful websites for prospective students?
- Just browse around the website, it is full of information on what to do, what the
university has on offer, info about the student’s union, the city.
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/about/
Living Costs
 How did you finance your exchange period, apart from the grant you received from
Tilburg University?
- savings, family.
 What were your living expenses abroad like compared to Tilburg?
- Housing and food cost more, but compared to some other destinations it was not too
bad.
 What did you spend most of your money on?
- rent, and food
 What would you advice future students to spend their money on?
- The same thing, I also spent some money on activities and sports, but this wasn’t too
bad.
 Please outline your approximate monthly budget whilst on exchange:
 Housing: about 600 euros.
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Food: 30 euros a week about.
Transport: almost never, took the tram for 3 pounds, 4 times. Mostly walked.
Books: 60-80 euros
Miscellaneous: 20-30 for activities and sports
Academic Calendar
 Arrival date & introductory week
- 22-27 september
 First day of the semester?
- 29th of september
 Last day of classes?
- 18th of December
 Mid-term break?
- 4 weeks at Christmas (19th Jan. exam period began)
 Examination period?
- (19th jan- 07 feb)
The International Office
 Is there an international office?
- Yes, but it is better to go to your department.
 Who is responsible for incoming exchange students?
- For the Law school: Lisa Shepley
 How does the international office function?
- Well, fast replies.
 Are you satisfied with the information provided to you by the international office?
- Yes
Exchange promotion
 What kind of activity did you take part in to promote exchange to Tilburg University at
your exchange university?
- I participated in an exchange market. In the specific Netherlands section, with others.
Social Activities
 Which social activities are organized by the university/students for exchange students?
- Almost everything you can think of for everyone, not just exchange: 5 week Spanish
courses, sign language, salsa societies, movie nights, sports, one world café’s.
 Is there a student organization for international student?
- There is an Erasmus society, and also per country there are a lot from Japanese, to
German.
 Did you have contact with local students?
- Yes I met a lot of wonderful people in my courses, and particularly seminars.
 Did you have contact with other exchange students?
- This was the largest part of my friend group. I have met the most amazing people
here, and we got incredibly close.
 Did you travel to other places/countries during your exchange?
- Only within the country.
Culture and Language
 Did you experience culture shock while on exchange?
- No the UK is not so different culture wise, to create shocks.
 How would you compare your host culture to your own culture?
- Much more polite than the Netherlands, and especially people in Sheffield are
extremely nice and open.
 What did you learn about your own culture while on exchange?
- That there are more differences than you would think, especially in manners.
 What was different about your host culture than you expected?
- No really big surprises, since I had visited the country before and loved it.
 How would you describe your host country’s culture?
- Open, and welcoming, a bit more calm at times, but very friendly to anyone especially
internationals.
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What did you like and not like about your host culture?
- I like how they are polite and welcoming. There is not much I don’t like.
Do you feel you learned a lot about your host culture, and if not, what would you like to
learn more?
- I would always like to learn more about certain smaller differences.
If you travelled to other cities/countries during your exchange, were they different than
your host city/country, and how?
- There are some beautiful villages in the middle of hills and nature. I travelled to York,
which is a beautiful medieval city, and cities like Manchester.
Personal Development
 How do you think the exchange experience will affect you from a cultural and social point
of view?
- I am even more open to meeting new people, and fascinated by differences and
surprising similarities.
 How do you think the exchange experience will influence your future career possibilities?
- I think it shows you can be independent, and are open to new experiences.
 What did you learn from the people you met during your exchange?
- That the world can be as small as you make it. And if you are open, you can make
friends for life.
 Would you do things differently if you had the chance, and what would you do differently?
- No I would not change a thing.
 What was your best experience, and what was your worst experience?
- My best experiences were with all the amazing people I met, or exploring the city in
the first weeks with them. My worst experience was an evening in the beginning when
I missed home, but after that nothing happened.
 What will you never forget about your exchange period?
- The people, the fun we had, the city, the different legal systems we studied, the
classes, the student activities.
 What was the most important lesson you learned about yourself during your exchange
period?
- If you go for it, you can become independent, and open to all these amazing new
things.
III ACADEMIC INFORMATION
Academic level at a host university
 In what language(s) are the courses offered at a partner university?
- English
 Did you follow any courses taught in the language of the host country?
- All
 Which courses did you take and why?
- Criminal process, since I am interested in criminal law internationally
- Political philosophy, because of my interest in international relations.
- Understanding criminology, to understand offender and victims
 Which courses would you recommend?
- Especially criminal process, had good teachers, and was interactive. Philosophy had
a very friendly professor, but you have to want to read a bit and be interested in the
topics.
 How would compare the academic level at your host university to the academic level at
Tilburg University (e.g.: level of the courses, use of extra material, level of English,
workload, etc.)?
- The material is more varied, usually a lot of different sources. The teaching is
different, but with the seminars it got more interactive and small scale. The level is
very good, with experienced professors.
 Is the teaching style primarily practical or theoretical?
- Theoretical, and more practical in seminars.
 What teaching method is practiced by the host university: case studies, group work,
seminars or lectures (or a mix)?
- a mix.
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How would you describe the relationship between the students and the teaching staff?
- Very open, and informal.
In general, were you happy with your academic achievements during your exchange?
- I do not have any results, but I think it went good.
Exams
 What types of exams did you have to sit?
- essay questions for exams, and an essay.
Other
 Can students easily access the library and its resources?
- Yes there are multiple libraries, and information sessions are available.
 Were there public computers available on campus/in university buildings?
- Yes in all libraries, and they are building a 5th.
Description of Courses
Course name:
Prereq.
Exam
Major at TiU
Approved as
(Common/elective/extra)
Criminal process. LAW 331 , None, exam , minor course at TiU
Political philosophy LAW 304 , Exam, minor course at TiU
Understanding criminology LAW 110, 2 essays, minor course at TiU
Tips for the future students:
 Would you recommend an exchange period?
- Look up the city, read these documents, try to get in touch with those who have
stayed there, look up the surroundings, and the university.
 Would you recommend your host university?
- I definitely would, it was the best experience ever.
 What should prospective students absolutely not forget before going on exchange?
- To bring all the documents, and find a place to live well in advance.
 How can they better prepare before going on exchange to this destination?
- Ask students what the courses are like.
 Was there anything you should have arranged before departure that you haven’t?
- No