Arriving Setting Up Settling In Getting Help
Welcome To The University Of Sheffield 2012–13. Dates of semesters 2012-13
Autumn semester: 24 September – 15 December 2012 14 January – 2 February 2013 4 weeks vacation: 15 December 2012 – 13 January 2013
Spring semester: 4 February – 16 March 2013 and 8 April – 8 June 2013 3 weeks Easter vacation: 16 March – 7 April 2013
Students on graduate programmes generally attend for twelve months, often taking classes in the semesters and completing a dissertation at other times.
Intro Week 2012 17 September – 23 September 2012 University precincts
University University precincts Map
here are We Services DepartmentStudent ServicesRegistry Support & Guidance Student Office Programmes Taught Finance Department - Income Office
relocating are We Glossop Rd 241, to Allen House Edgar
1 You must read and bring to Sheffield
See Notes
Registration: WHEN MUST YOU ATTEND The Essential REGISTRATION? Guide
WHICH INTRODUCTORY ACADEMIC Registration: MEETING MUST YOU ATTEND? The Essential (Masters and undergraduate students) Guide
WHICH UNIVERSITY MEETING FOR NEW STUDENTS MUST YOU ATTEND? Page 11
You must read and bring to Sheffield
Registration: The Essential Guide • Fees • Registration
This “Welcome to The University of Sheffield” • Arrivals • Intro Week Timetable • Meetings • Where to go for help and Information
2 Contents
Contents
You must read and bring to Sheffield 2 10 Academic & other services 25 A. 301 Student Skills and Development Centre 25 1 Before you come 7 B. Computing facilities 25 A. Pre-registration requirements 7 C. Information Commons 26 B. Tash: the academic skills hub 7 D. Unauthorised copying and distribution C. Looking after yourself 7 of copyright material 26 D. Preparing for living with other people 7 E. Social networking – your safety facebook, 2 Travelling to Sheffield 7 myspace etc. 26 A. Travelling to Sheffield by car 7 F. University Library 27 B. Travelling from the train/bus stations to G. English Language Teaching Centre 27 the University 8 H. Languages for all 28 C. Travelling to Sheffield from airports 8 I. The Academic Skills Hub (tash) 28 3 Accommodation on arrival in September 8 J. Places to study 28 A. September arrivals 8 K. Careers Service 28 B. Early arrivals 8 L. Counselling Service 29 C. Rent payments 9 M. Accommodation and Commercial Services 29 D. Your new room 9 N. Study Abroad Opportunities 29 E. Want to move? 9 O. Mature Students 29 P. Local “Commuter” Students 29 4 Intro week 2012, 17 September – 23 September 10 11 Money matters 30 A. The University’s aims for orientation and Intro Week 10 A. Fees – see Registration: the Essential Guide 2012-13 30 B. Events before intro Week 10 B. Managing your money 30 C. Making the most of intro Week 10 C. Financial support at the University for UK D. In intro week you must 10 Undergraduates 30 E. Information points (in association with Student D. Financial support for international students 31 Services Information Desk (SSiD) in intro Week 10 E. Short-term loans 31 F. Documents confirming student status 11 F. Entitlement to welfare benefits and tax G. Intro Week events 11 credits – UK students only 31 G. Insurance 31 5 Challenges and difficulties in early days 13 A. Introduction to Intro Week 13 12 The Students’ Union 32 B. Feeling under pressure 14 A. Your membership 32 C. Friends 14 B. Getting involved 32 D. Thefts and scams 15 C. Help & assistance 32 D. Entertainment & socialising 32 6 Your contract with the University 16 A. Common issues 16 13 Cars, parking and transport 33 B. University policy statement on personal information 17 A. Cars 33 B. Cycles 33 7 Medical matters 18 C. Public transport 33 A. We need you to tell us about yourself 18 D. Cars and driving licences 34 B. University Health Centre 18 E. National travel 34 C. Immunisation 19 F. Safety on the roads 34 D. Travel abroad 19 G. Safety 34 E. Seeking medical help when the University Health H. Women’s safety bus 34 Centre is closed 19 F Accidents and Emergencies 19 14 Safety 35 G. Illness in the first few days 20 A. Safety out and about 35 H. Practice boundary 20 B. Safety at home 35 I. Dental services 20 C. Women’s safety 36 J. Home visits 20 D. Security Services 36 K. Change of address 20 15 Religious matters 36 L. Medical insurance 20 A. Chaplains and faith representatives 36 8 Help from Student Services Department 21 B. Food shopping 36 A. Student Services Information Sesk (SSiD) 21 C. Religious holidays/observance during “If in doubt - go to ssid!” 21 Intro Week and early days 36 B. Disability & Dyslexia Support Service 21 16 Sport and extra-curricular activities 37 C. Financial support 22 A. Sport and fitness 37 D. Emergencies 22 B. Sheffield Graduate Award 37 E. Equal opportunities policy for students 22 C. Skills for Work Certificate 37 9 Learning and Teaching 23 D. Higher Education Achievement report 38
2 3 Contents
17 International Sheffield 38 A. International opportunities 38 B. Cross-Cultural Living 38 18 Shopping for essentials 41 A. Books and stationery 41 B. Post 41 C. Other shopping 41 19 Life in Sheffield 41 A. Our students and the community 41 B. Your neighbours 41 C. City of Sheffield – Civic Information 42 D. Laundry 42 E. Television licences 42 20 Administrative matters 43 A. Change of Address 43 B. Withdrawal 43 C. Enquiries 43 21 Contacts 44
4 Meet our student guides to this publication. Their experience and knowledge will help you be prepared for your life in Sheffield. They have highlighted some of the challenges and some of the issues that confronted them as new students.
4
Before you come/Travelling to Sheffield Section 1/2
1 Before you come
A. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS 5. TASH is a friendly site, with resources for everyone presented in an engaging, responsive, and flexible way You will receive an email from preregistration@sheffield. that was designed collaboratively with current students. ac.uk in advance of arrival at the University; this will outline the mandatory tasks you should undertake before you 6. User feedback helps the site grow, and users are arrive in Sheffield. encouraged to rate resources and suggest new ones to supplement the collection. B. TASH: The Academic Skills Hub 7. The skills needed in graduate employment overlap a great deal with the skills you will need at university, so Web pages: http://www.tash.group.shef.ac.uk TASH also helps you prepare for your graduate career. 1. The Academic Skills Hub (TASH) is an online study 8. From 2012/13, TASH will be hosted and supported by skills resource, bringing together high-quality resources 301, the University’s new student skills development selected and approved by a university team of students centre. You can find out more about301 on page 25. and staff. 2. TASH offers information about the skills required for C. LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF successful study at Sheffield. Remember that you will need to look after yourself. Make 3. You can access TASH before you begin university sure you know how to cook at least two things you enjoy wherever you are in the world. and know how to wash your own clothes. Please see web 4. It is relevant to all students at all levels in all pages: www.studentcooking.tv/recipes for useful ideas. disciplines, and addresses issues such as time management, academic writing, critical thinking and referencing that students commonly identify as major D. PREPARING FOR LIVING WITH OTHER PEOPLE concerns. Please see page 38
2 Travelling to Sheffield
A. TRAVELLING TO SHEFFIELD BY CAR At the Ring Road roundabout – Junction 7 Shalesmoor – turn right onto the Ring Road following signs for 1. From the south and east (via M1 and M18, Sheffield “University of Sheffield” and “Glossop A57”. See 5 Parkway) below. Approach Sheffield on the M1 and leave the motorway Continue uphill along Netherthorpe Road to the next at junction 33, following the City Centre signs along the roundabout – Junction 6 University Square. Take dual carriageway A630/A57/A61 Parkway. Shortly after the first exit for departments in the Broad Lane entering the 40mph zone, turn right onto the Ring and Mappin Street areas, and the third exit for the Road at Junction 1 – Cutler’s Gate. Western Bank campus. Continue along the Ring Road following signs for 3. From the west and Manchester (via M60, M67, “University of Sheffield”, “Barnsley A61” and later A628 Woodhead Pass, A616 and A61) “Glossop A57”, through junctions 10, 9, 8 and 7. Leave the M60 (east) at Junction 24 – signed At junction 7 – Shalesmoor - turn left and continue “Sheffield”. Continue following the “Sheffield” signs uphill along the Ring Road, still following signs for along the M67 and the A628 Woodhead Pass. Join the “University of Sheffield” and “Glossop A57”. Continue A616 and follow signs for “M1” and “Sheffield A616” for along Netherthorpe Road to the next roundabout – 10 miles. junction 6 – University Square. See 5 below. At the roundabout, follow signs for ‘Sheffield (north) Take the first exit for departments in the Broad Lane A61’ and later ‘City Centre A61’ for seven miles, and Mappin Street areas, and the third exit for the passing through Grenoside and Hillsborough. At Western Bank campus. the Ring Road roundabout - junction 7 Shalesmoor 2. From the north (via M1 and A61) - turn right onto the Ring Road, following signs for Leave the M1 at Junction 36 – signed “Sheffield (north) ‘University of Sheffield’ and ‘Glossop A57’. Continue A61”. At the roundabout take the third exit and follow along Netherthorpe Road to the next roundabout - signs for “Sheffield (North) A61” and later “City Centre junction 6 - University Square. Take the first exit for A61” for 9 miles, passing through Grenoside and departments in the Broad Lane and Mappin Street Hillsborough. areas, and the third exit for the main Western Bank part of the campus. See 5 below. 4. Map and directions www.sheffield.ac.uk/visitors/mapsandtravel/car
7 Section 3 Accommodation on arrival in September
5. Maps and Landmarks B. TRAVELLING FROM THE TRAIN/BUS a. A–Z of Sheffield is a useful map or book with STATIONS TO THE UNIVERSITY alphabetical index of all streets in the City. This can We recommend taxi rather than bus or tram. A taxi costs be bought at the Tourist Information Office, the approximately £7–£9 (cash only). shop in the Students’ Union and in most bookshops and newsagents in Sheffield. Buses will entail a walk at either end with luggage – and, remember, Sheffield is very hilly. b. Landmarks For details, see www.sheffield.ac.uk/visitors i. Arts Tower – a large, dark grey tower block (16 storeys) on the central campus, can be seen 1. Taxis from the train/bus stations in Sheffield from some distance. a. There is a taxi rank (“station”) just outside the railway ii. Royal Hallamshire Hospital – large 18 storey station. It is much simpler to take a taxi from there building. than to book one by telephone. These taxis have meters. iii. Tram Lines – one route runs between Hillsborough and City Centre and between b. There is a smaller taxi rank at the bus station. If there City Centre and Meadowhall and passes by the is no taxi there, you can walk to the railway station. University. (Other routes may take you away c. Taxi drivers are not familiar with all University from the University.) buildings. Make sure you have your University map c. There are many one-way and no-entry streets in the with you. City Centre not marked on maps. Very few taxis take credit cards (cash only). 6. Parking 2. Tram from the train/bus station to central campus a. Central campus. At the weekend, visitors a. Trams run from behind the railway station can use car parks on Durham Road (behind the b. Get off at the University stop for central campus (you Octagon Centre) or by the Arts Tower. There will have to walk at least 200m from there). are also parking meters on the road by the Hicks Building; you have to pay to use these except on Sundays and after 6.30pm. Parking in the City C. TRAVELLING TO SHEFFIELD FROM AIRPORTS Centre is very difficult. Please refer to webpages: b. Accommodation & Commercial Services http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/newstudents/welcome/ will send you information about parking near home/fromairport residences.
3 Accommodation on arrival in September
TO ARRANGE ACCOMMODATION PRIOR TO 2. a. If you have to arrive in Sheffield before your YOUR ARRIVAL IN SHEFFIELD PLEASE VISIT contract start date, you may be able to arrange temporary accommodation - see Section B, ‘Early www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation arrivals’ below. b. International Residential Orientation includes A. SEPTEMBER ARRIVALS accommodation from 10 - 15 September 2012. 1. If you have been allocated a room in University 3. If for any reason you cannot arrive by Sunday accommodation: 16 September 2012, you must notify the a. Print your Residence Contract and bring it with Accommodation Office on +44 (0)114 222 4488 or at you. [email protected]. You must make b. Your Residence Contract will start on either contact before 16 September or your room may not be held and may be given to another student. Saturday 15 or Sunday 16 September 2012. The details of your specific start date are in your contract. You must arrive in Sheffield no later B. EARLY ARRIVALS than Sunday 16 September 2012. You will be 1. There are a limited number of rooms available before sent details by email during the summer of where Saturday 15 September 2012. and when to collect your keys. Key collection information will also be available on a. If you have to arrive in Sheffield before your www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation. You will Residence Contract start date, (for example, due only be able to collect your keys: to flights) your room may not be available. Contact the Accommodation Office +44 (0)114 222 4488 or • If you have accepted your Residence Contract [email protected]. Alternatively AND visit www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation/ for • Paid your deposit further details and availability. AND • Set up a payment plan You can do all of these things online. 8 Accommodation on arrival in September Section 3
b. If there is no availability, you should arrange your C. RENT PAYMENTS own temporary accommodation in a hotel or guest 1. Your first Residence Charge (rent) payment is due house. Details of local hotels and guest houses can on 1 October 2012. When you accept your contract, be found at www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation/ you’ll be asked to set up a payment plan which means temporary_accommodation you will be contractually bound to pay by this date. 2. If there is a room available in University 2. If rent cannot be paid by 1 October 2012 (for accommodation before the start of your example, because you are a UK student relying on Residence Contract (see 1 above) loans which come after registration etc.), you must a. We will provide details of where to collect your inform the Income Office before 1 October by emailing: keys. [email protected] b. You will be charged rent per additional day. 3. If you arrive in Sheffield without arranging D. YOUR NEW ROOM accommodation for the academic year: We hope you will be happy when you first arrive in your a. Contact the Accommodation Office on +44 (0)114 new room. However, we do know that some students will 222 4488 or email: accommodationoffice@ find it very different from what they are used to in their sheffield.ac.uk as soon as possible. home country. b. There is no guarantee that there will be a room Also, missing home or “homesickness” can affect lots of available in University accommodation but the students. Here are some tips for helping you settle in: team will assist you in arranging accommodation. 1. Bring some photographs of special people, places, c. Working hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm BST. and pets to display. d. Please note that it will be extremely busy during 2. Bring a favourite ornament or item to remind you of Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September. If you can home. wait, it will be better to contact them from Monday 3. Bring or buy a couple of mugs so you can invite new 17 September when any vacancies will be known. neighbours in for a drink. e. The Accommodation Office also have a team 4. Make your bed before you do anything else. based on campus to help with enquires about Attractive bedding can make the room bright and accommodation at propertywithUS, Students’ personal in an instant. If you’re moving into University Union. You can also use their online Housing accommodation, bedding packs will be available to Finder at purchase online for you to collect when you get your www.sheffield.ac.uk/housingfinder/intro.html keys. 4. Local hotels and guesthouses 5. Be brave: say hello to your new neighbours! To book temporary accommodation in a hotel or guest 6. Residential Mentors are students who live in house, we recommend that you do this as soon as University accommodation and are there to help possible before you arrive in Sheffield; these are very you settle in, look after your wellbeing and support busy during September. Please visit www.sheffield. you with any welfare, accommodation, academic ac.uk/accommodation/temporary_accommodation or personal issues you may have. If you are feeling for a list of local hotels and guesthouses. homesick or are struggling with your course, they are trained to provide advice and support. You’ll get to meet your Residential Mentor when you move in.
E. WANT TO MOVE? 1. Remember, settling in to a new home and getting used to a new type of accommodation can take a lot of time. 2. The first few weeks will be very busy with lots of new experiences. If you feel unsettled or unhappy in your University accommodation and would like to discuss moving, please first talk to your Residential Mentor about your concerns - they will be able to offer you support and advice. 3. It will not be possible for you to move in the first four weeks, as during this period the Accommodation Office will be busy helping those who have no accommodation, late arrivals and processing any vacancies. This also allows you the time to make friends and get to know your neighbours. I felt so homesick when I first shut the door 4. If, after four weeks of moving in, you are sure you “ in my room. But putting out some special would like to move, please pick up an application form things made a great link with home and from Customer Services at The Edge, The Ridge or cheered me up. propertywithUS in the Students’ Union. Please note Murad, Information Studies transfers cannot be guaranteed and are subject to ” availability. 8 9 Section 4 Intro Week 2012, 17 September – 23 September
4 Intro Week 2012, 17 September – 23 September
WHAT CAN GO WRONG IF YOU DO NOT READ b. You could make lasting friends during Intro Week, THIS SECTION? but don’t worry if it takes longer to meet like- • You might miss important events. minded people. There are over 20,000 full-time students in this University, and you have plenty of • You might delay registration and the start time to meet and make good friends. of your studies. • You might feel ‘left out’ or isolated. c. You are still you and do not have to change to fit in. 2. Feeling a bit left out or nervous? You might hear the term “Freshers’ Week” – it’s the same as Intro Week! If you feel uncomfortable about turning up to an event alone or haven’t found an event to suit you yet: A. THE UNIVERSITY’S AIMS FOR ORIENTATION AND INTRO WEEK • go to one of our Info Points to ask for advice refer to the Intro Week programme During your early days at university, we want you to start: • E-mail: [email protected] 1. Being well-informed about academic and social • issues. • Tel: +44 (0)114 222 1322 to seek advice and information. 2. Understanding something about university life. 3. Intro Week is not typical of university life. If things 3. Recognising the skills needed to succeed. don’t seem to be going your way, don’t panic. Give it 4. Engaging with your subject. time. You will find your place in this community (see 5. Being confident about your future. Section 4). 6. Feeling you belong. 4. Look out for the daily posters, bulletins and What’s On publications for the most up-to-date suggestions. 7. Knowing where to go for help. 8. Making meaningful contacts. D. IN INTRO WEEK YOU MUST 1. Attend Introductory Academic Meeting – see page B. EVENTS BEFORE INTRO WEEK 11 and Registration: The Essential Guide 2012-13 Local Students 2. Register (with the University) – see Registration: The 1. a. You will be invited to take part in events during a Essential Guide 2012-13 special “Discovery Week”, Monday 10 - Friday 15 3. Register with CiCS – see page 25 and Registration: September. The Essential Guide 2012-13 b. You will receive more details in late August. 4. Attend Health Service interview – see page 18 and 2. Mature students welcome event – Friday 7 Registration: The Essential Guide 2012-13 September. (Invitations will be sent by mail middle of 5. Attend University Introduction talk August by Student Support & Guidance.) a. Undergraduates – see G3a below 3. International students early arrivals: b. Taught Postgraduates – see G3b below a. Information Fair Friday 14 September, 10am–1pm, The Gallery, Students’ Union. 6. Attend your academic department’s intro week induction activities. Contact your academic
ALL new international student early arrivals, department if you have not received details of this. their families and friends are welcome to attend the University’s Information Fair in The Gallery, 7. Register with the police (some international Students’ Union Building on Friday 14 September students) 10.00am–1.00pm 8. Carry any letter from your department. b. See page 13. E. INFORMATION POINTS (IN ASSOCIATION C. MAKING THE MOST OF INTRO WEEK WITH STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION 1. Take your time. DESK (SSiD) IN INTRO WEEK a. Intro Week is your chance to start exploring 1. Throughout Intro Week, including the first weekend, what university life can offer you, socially as well there will be information points around the campus to as academically. But don’t feel you have to go help you find out: along with the crowd, or that you have to sign • what’s happening that day, up for anything you don’t want to do or feel where you can get what you need, uncomfortable about. • • how to meet up with other newcomers, 10 Intro Week 2012, 17 September – 23 September Section 4
• and provide a starting point for some informal G. INTRO WEEK EVENTS social activities 1. Intro Week Programme 2. We hope that these Information Points will save you a. You will receive a small booklet with all events having to go to too many different places to get help. listed in it. If you do not receive it pre-arrival, pick 3. The staff on these desks will be students who have one up from one of the Information Points or SSiD. been trained to answer a range of questions. They b. The Intro week programme will be online know just how it feels to be new on campus. They will www.sheffieldSU.com be wearing navy blue tops and will be there to help you in your first few days. c. Students’ Union and Student Services hold numerous events during the week including: 4. Information Points (in association with SSiD) will be “Give it a Go activities”, quizzes, visits, games, located as follows: “disco” style events, beer garden and BBQs. • Octagon Centre 17 September 9.00am – 5.00 pm d. Students in University residences will be invited • SSiD 17-21 September to activities in the residences. • The Edge, Endcliffe Village 15-21 September e. Academic departments have a full programme of induction activities during this week. It is very • Arts Tower 17-21 September important that you attend these activities. • The Ridge 15 – 21 September 2. Supporting you as you arrive F. DOCUMENTS CONFIRMING STUDENT a. Student Services Information Desk (SSiD), Students’ Union for general enquiries and STATUS assistance (NOT accommodation nor academic 1. Your UCard is your student ID within the University. queries, nor programme queries for Socrates- You will be given this as part of the registration ERASMUS/Study Abroad). Tel: +44 (0)114 222 1299 process. You cannot get this before registration. Fax: +44 (0)114 222 1297. 2. If you need further proof of your registration as a b. Parents Carers’ Meetings Saturday 15 student, you can request this after registration from September 3-5pm and Sunday 16 September SSiD (see page 44 for contact details). The University’s 2–4pm. We invite parents to drop in for a records are not updated instantly. Your registration cup of tea and to meet senior staff from the status will be available to staff the day after you University including staff in Student Services and register. This means you will have to wait one day after Accommodation and Commercial Services and registering before such documents can be provided. current students. As well as the drop in, Student Services staff will be giving a talk on the student 3. Please only request proof of registration if you experience and the University’s relationship with need such documents for a specific purpose. you as a parent. These meetings will take place 4. See page 32 for information about additional student ID. in the Gallery, Level 4, Students’ Union. (See invitation in this mailing if appropriate.)
3. WELCOME Meetings with Senior University 12:30–13.30 staff and Union Officers Animal & Plant Science Architecture (Please arrive promptly) Dentistry East Asian Studies Economics Landscape a. Undergraduate and Visiting students Law Management School Monday 17 September 2012, Convocation Town & Regional Planning Hall, Octagon Centre. Please attend at the 15:00–16:00 appropriate time for your Faculty or Faculty of Arts & Humanities Geography Programme. Biomedical Science Erasmus, Study Abroad 9:30–10.30 and Visiting Students Faculty of Engineering b. Full-time Graduate students on Taught Medicine Programmes Foundation Year for Eng & Science Tuesday 18 September 2012, Students’Union
11:00–12.00 Auditorium Chemistry Information Studies Journalism Mathematics & Statistics 9.30 - 10.30 Faculty of Engineering, Pure Science Molecular Biology Physics & Astronomy and Visiting Students & Biotechnology 11:30–12.30 Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry and Politics Psychology Health, Arts and Management School Sociological Studies 13:30–14.30 Faculty of Social Sciences (excluding Management School)
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching, the Director of Student Services and the Students’ Union Officers will introduce you to the opportunities and challenges available for your personal and academic development. The meeting will also explain how the Students’ Union works and give you an insight into the many social and sporting activities on offer.
10 11 Section 4 Intro Week 2012, 17 September – 23 September
5. Give it a Go is a great way to socialise, have fun and meet new people. The programme will entertain you with theatre trips, days away and much more. There is no commitment involved, just pay and play. Give it a Go: a. Organised by the Students’ Union to give you some inspiration for your free time and personal development, Give it a Go provides a wealth of experiences, with sports, activities, and language and training courses. b. Choose an activity you want to do and buy your ticket from the Students’ Union Box Office or online http://tickets.sheffieldstudentsunion.com/ 6. Mentoring activities The Students’ Union will make a collection a. Sheffield Mentors is a peer mentoring scheme for the Southern African Scholarship fund for undergraduates that operates in most “ at the end of these meetings. If you wish to departments and is also available for all mature contribute, please have £1 ready. Further in- students. formation will be sent by the Students’ Union b. If Sheffield Mentors operates in your department, prior to this meeting. we will contact you before you arrive. Your mentor Sophie, Chemistry will contact you in Intro Week or soon after. ” c. Mentoring beyond academic departments may be available. See website: 4. Intro Fairs, Students’ Union www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/mentoring Visit these events to find out about the many student clubs and societies relating to sports, hobbies, religion, national groups, politics, leisure activities and so on. There are societies especially for Masters or PhD students too. a. Activities Fair, Thursday 20 September From 10am to 3pm, Octagon Centre An introduction to many of the Students’ Union’s activities and societies b. Sports Fair, Friday 21 September From 10am to 3pm, Octagon Centre Students’ Union sports teams and societies c. The Freshers’ Fair Wednesday 26 September Convocation Hall, Octagon Centre 10am–3pm The Freshers’ Fair is packed with freebies, entertainment, competition prizes and money-off vouchers. The Freshers’ Fair also gives you the I’m not into nightclubs, crowds or drink- opportunity to find out about work and travel ing. The other guys/girls in my flat enjoyed opportunities. “ that kind of thing so I felt a bit left out at d. Sheffield Volunteering Fair & Part Time Jobs first. But I found that there were other things Fair - Wednesday 3 October Convocation Hall, going on where I could have fun and talk to Octagon Centre 11am–3pm. new people. Jasinthan, Electronic & Communications” Engineering
12 Challenges and difficulties in early days Section 5
7. During Intro Week, there will be a range of events and activities taking place. Below is a list of some of the events that will be available. Drop-In for Parents/Carers of New Students Games Evening Mature Student Events Quiz Night Chaplaincy Events Family Event for students with young children An updated and more extensive programme will be available on arrival. You can also check the following web-sites: http://www.shef.ac.uk/newstudents/introweek http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/intro/ I needed loads of passport photos in Intro 8. Global Intro Fiesta Saturday 6 October 2012 “ Week. It’s a good idea to bring some to avoid the queues at photo booths! a. See posters for further details. b. For home and international students. Aanuoluwapo, Electronic, Control & Systems Engineering”
5 Challenges and difficulties in early days
WHAT CAN GO WRONG IF YOU DO NOT READ A. INTRODUCTION TO INTRO WEEK THIS SECTION? Intro Week is not a typical University of Sheffield • If things don’t go smoothly immediately, week. The emphasis is on registering, sorting out courses, you might think you are the only one settling into your room…. • You could be more vulnerable to problems Everyone arrives with their own expectations: some You won’t know how to deal with issues • of these will be met during Intro Week; some will take that arise longer; others may have been unrealistic and not be met at all. For many students, Intro Week is also about socialising, drinking, partying. Commercial clubs and bars work hard to persuade you to leave your money in their premises. The Students’ Union provides big events to welcome you. Your department (s) will need to meet you and help you prepare for academic work. Make sure that you don’t miss any of their events, particularly induction events during intro week; a lot of the people you will get to know best will be those in your department. And everyone, but everyone, is trying to find out how and where they will fit into this huge community. Everyone wants to make contacts with people they can feel comfortable with. It looks as if absolutely everyone is having a great time. I read this bit again in Intro Week. It’s like Lots of individuals worry that they are the only one taking you were reading my mind. It’s good to more time to find their own way. In fact,we know that: “ know what I’m feeling is normal. 1. Up to 40% of students feel somewhat or very Stuart, Politics homesick during Intro Week. ” 2. Many new students feel isolated and worry that everyone else is settling in better than them 3. Celebrating arrival in large crowds is not to everyone’s taste 4. Large events often don’t give an opportunity for real communication and contact
12 13 Section 5 Challenges and difficulties in early days
5. Lots of people feel more comfortable in smaller B. FEELING UNDER PRESSURE groups You are being bombarded with masses of information 6. Lots of people stay in their rooms because they find which you need. During your time at university, you will the crowds not to their taste also be bombarded by all sorts of information and choices 7. Local students can feel excluded from Intro Week by organisations or individuals who want you to join, social activities if they only come on campus for start or buy something. This can be anything from a bank compulsory events. Take part in “Discovery Week” to account to a visit to a night club, from life insurance to make some contacts to join in with (see page 10, B1). religion, a relationship to excessive use of alcohol. The Try and do at least one activity each day. tactics used can include leaflets, persuasive words face- to-face, threat of being left out, emails and befriending. 8. Starting university anywhere is like moving to a Some groups and organisations actually target vulnerable foreign country. The impact of the culture shock students – those who are taking longer to make friends or involved is often underestimated. It doesn’t hit do not know how things work in the UK. everyone at the beginning. Some people find the period just after the Christmas break difficult; others HERE ARE SOME GOLDEN RULES: experience a low period much nearer the beginning of 1. You are still you. You do not have to change your their time here. views or personal or moral code to fit in. Just because 9. The stress of dealing with so many new a group of fellow students choose something does not experiences and procedures can be exhausting or mean that it is right for you too. even make you feel a bit down. 2. Don’t let someone pressure you into something you The University of Sheffield and its Union have put are not sure you want or need, or something which together services and events to meet a range of tastes, does not feel comfortable for you. needs and interests (see pages 11 – 13). 3. Don’t sign anything (except for University 10. International students are in a brand new country - an contracts!) until you have had time to think it over additional pressure. Home students can make life so and compare alternatives. If you are being pressurised much better for them by being welcoming and offer to commit, ask yourself why they don’t want you to support. have time to think. 4. Don’t make commitments to individuals or groups too early – one USA university suggests making no major decisions for 6 months! It takes time to learn who or what is genuine or right for you. 5. It is okay to say no. Don’t feel that you have to say yes to be polite. Watch students who have been here for a while and you will see that they often walk past those with something to sell or petitions to sign with barely a shake of the head. 6. Don’t give up and join in with something just because you fear being isolated or thought unfriendly. All sorts of people are at or around universities. If you don’t find your level or your kind of people straight away, this does not mean that you never will. It all takes time.
C. FRIENDS At first I thought I had to be polite to all the Making friends always takes time. If you don’t make people who approached me wanting me to friends immediately by luck: “ sign up for something or join something. 1. Attend events listed in “Intro Week”, page 13. Then I saw that students who had been in Sheffield for longer basically just ignored 2. Join clubs or societies (see “Intro Fairs”, page 12) them and that seemed acceptable. I did If early meetings don’t suit you, don’t give up. Things think that some groups targeted settle down after a few weeks and it will be worth international students – especially some trying again later. religious groups. 3. Use the new student MUSE (My University of Ashley, Human Communication Sheffield Environment) message board (via Sciences ” computer). We will email you about this in the first week of the semester see section 10 point 5. 4. International students can read the “International Bulletins” (email) you will be sent (after registration) at least weekly. These will list events, meetings and news.
14 Challenges and difficulties in early days Section 5
D. THEFTS AND SCAMS Sheffield is the safest large city in the UK. However, it is not crime-free. Unfortunately, criminals do exist here and they know that newcomers to the city may not be as careful as those in longer-established residence. 1. Always lock doors and windows when leaving your room, even for a short while. 2. Never leave valuable items where they can be seen from outside. 3. Do not keep large sums of cash in your room or on your person. 4. If someone in a public place offers you a bargain (such as a laptop computer), be very sceptical. Students have parted with hundreds of pounds to conmen who provide them with nothing. For some, the main emphasis in the first year 5. Never give cash or PIN (bank security numbers) is to find a house for the second year and for accounts to new “friends” or acquaintances, even “ decide who you are going to live with i.e. if: people get worried if they have not signed up for a house by October. This can lead to a. They are from your home country/area. living with people who they do not fully b. They seem to be offering help. know and being locked into a contract with Students have lost thousands of pounds in this them. Make sure you know prospective way. house-mates before signing a contract. 6. Do not walk alone late at night. David, Computer Science with Maths ” 7. Never leave your property unattended outside your room a. Even for a minute. b. Even on University premises. 5. There will be some schemes for certain groups of students. See www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/welfare/ 8. INSURE YOUR PROPERTY. This is the only chance mentoring/ you have to recover the costs of any property stolen. (If you have insurance for your room, check the 6. See A above. policy; it may not be as extensive as you need for all situations).
14 15 Section 6 Your contract with the University
6 Your contract with the University
WHAT CAN GO WRONG IF YOU DO NOT READ b. If you cheat in some way the University may THIS SECTION? take action against you under the Regulations • You might not follow University procedures as to the Discipline of Students. This may • Things might not go smoothly result in exclusion, failure or other appropriate penalties, even if the plagiarism is not • You could risk not getting your degree discovered until much later. Please see Academic Diary and Student Handbook A. COMMON ISSUES 2012–13 or Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes 2012-13 for a University Statement Every university has sets of rules and regulations. on Plagiarism. Read the Regulations. When you register, you enter a c. Ask in your department/school for further contract, promising to obey the regulations. They help information. you to understand your rights and obligations. The full Regulations are set out in the University Calendar, which is available for consultation in the Library and via the web pages www.sheffield.ac.uk/calendar/ A few points regarding the Regulations are highlighted below. They are not necessarily more important than other points but cover areas which have concerned some students in the past. 1. Registration a. If you, or your sponsor owe money to the University for fees, rent, library fines etc you risk: i. not being allowed to register for the next session; ii. not being awarded a degree or diploma; iii. not being able to extend your visa (non- European students). I didn’t get my exam results through the post. iv. exclusion from your course. “ When I went into SSiD to query this, they b. Tier 4 visas for UK (non-EEA students) told me they had sent them to my parents’ must be for University of Sheffield or you address! Whoops …. I’d forgotten to enter a cannot register. See www.sheffield.ac.uk/ correspondence address. newstudents/international/immigration/entry Jessica, Medicine 2. Attendance ” a. You are required to: i. attend classes punctually and regularly; 4. Invigilated Examinations (students on taught courses) ii. be in residence from the beginning to the end of each semester (vacations excepted). a. Formally invigilated examinations are held at This includes examination periods. If you fail venues on and off campus and are usually centrally exams you will also be expected to be available timetabled to re-sit in the summer examination period – b. Mark examination dates in your diary each year second half of August. and familiarise yourself with the regulations: b. Non-attendance can lead to exclusion from www.sheffield.ac.uk/calendar/ examinations. c. If you find that an examination might be set c. Non-EU students are not (normally) allowed to on a day when your religious beliefs would stay in the UK unless they are attending a full-time prevent you attending, you must complete course. See www.sheffield.ac.uk/newstudents/ a request for religious observance form, international/immigration Non-attendance is available from SSiD or from webpage reported to immigration authorities. www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/exams/observance It will then be possible for timetabling to take 3. Non-Invigilated Examinations (all students) e.g. account of your needs. If you do not notify the course-work for assessment, projects, theses, Examinations Team early enough, it will not be dissertations, extended essays etc. possible to alter timetables for you. a. Unfair means (cheating) in non-invigilated examinations. Please refer to the following web pages: www.sheffield.ac.uk/lets/design/unfair
16 Your contract with the University Section 6
d. If you have a disability, learning difficulty, such as d. We do not give addresses to other students dyslexia, or a medical condition that may require or anyone (except University staff) without modification to the way you are examined, you your permission. All student records are strictly must contact the Disability and Dyslexia Support confidential. This is in accordance with University Service in the Hillsborough Centre, Alfred Denny regulations and UK law. See B below. Building. e. If you change your local address at any time, e. If you are unwell or experience serious you must update your record immediately problems (such as a bereavement) during at: Student Services Information Desk (SSiD), an examination period, you must talk to your Students’ Union Building or on-line www.sheffield. department before your examinations are marked. ac.uk/ssid/record/pin f. Timetables are normally published three weeks (See B. ‘University Procedures’ 1. ‘Your University before each exam period commences. Record’ below.) You must also notify immediately: 5. Your details on your record. Check that your i. University Health Centre or your doctor. personal details are correct and updated as necessary. ii. Your dentist. These may be needed in an emergency. iii. Your bank. See www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/record/pin or ask in Student Services Information Desk for advice. iv. Police, Foreign Nationals Department, Police Headquarters (if required). a. i. Sheffield address and telephone number ii. mobile telephone number, where applicable B. UNIVERSITY POLICY STATEMENT ON iii. home address and telephone number PERSONAL INFORMATION iv. correspondence address for vacations if you In order to carry out its statutory, academic and will not be at your home address administrative functions the University needs to collect v. number of children, where applicable and process personal information relating to many categories of people, which include its students, staff, vi. next of kin or other person to be contacted if suppliers and people who are studied as part of a you are seriously ill. research project. The University takes the confidentiality b. You can update your details yourself on-line. of all personal information very seriously and c. Next of Kin consequently takes all reasonable steps to comply with the principles of the Data Protection Act 1998. To this end, It is very important to record whom we should the University aims to process personal information only contact just in case of an emergency. in order to meet specific and necessary purposes, and to See Academic Diary and Student Handbook retain that information only for as long as those purposes 2012-13 (taught students) or Code of Practice for remain valid. Ordinarily, the University will not pass on Research Degree Programmes 2012-13. details of data subjects to any third party, save where required by law or statutory obligations. 6. Address Information may be passed to third parties, e.g. partner a. You must ensure that the University has your institutions with the express consent of the individual current residential address in Sheffield. This is concerned. Staff and students may access their own a University regulation. University correspondence records; the University will, at regular intervals, provide will be sent to this address. current staff and students with information held within b. The email address we shall use is the their own records; it is the responsibilty of all data University one. It is your responsibility to check subjects to correct any factual inaccuracies contained this regularly. This is the only email address we will therein. Any questions regarding the University’s data use. protection policy should be addressed to the Registrar c. Your email address can be found by anyone and Secretary. For further information on personal looking in the (externally available) directory. If you information, please refer to the Personal Information do not wish your address to be visible there, you Policy and the Guidelines for Staff Dealing with Personal will need to email CiCS staff at helpdesk@sheffield. Information. ac.uk quoting your name and registration number.
16 17 Section 7 Medical matters
7 Medical matters
All new students must attend a registration interview B. UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE with staff of the University Health Service. 1. The University of Sheffield has a purpose built, (See 4 below) University Health Centre offering National Health, primary care, medical services. a. All students of the University (registered for more than six months) are entitled to register for care with the University Health Centre. Those here for less than 6 months will be seen as temporary residents. b. Dependants living within the practice boundary only (outlined on map on page 20) can register with the University Health Centre. c. Dependants living outside the practice boundary should register with a local doctor. d. Details of medical services are on the University Health Service website www.sheffield.ac.uk/ health and on the Practice leaflet. You really need to register with a doctor. You never know when you might need to see 2. Academic Support “ one in an emergency. a. The University Health Service is able to liaise with your Department/Tutor (with your permission) Dharana, Biomedical Engineering ” about health issues that might affect your studies and make special arrangements for exams if necessary. Welcome to the University of Sheffield b. UHS can also liaise with other agencies within Health Service Student Services, i.e. the University Counselling One of the UK’s only two full student GP practices 94.2% Service, Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and satisfaction levels in most recent independent survey Student Support & Guidance on your behalf with your permission. Other health services/practices may not offer this level of support. UK National Health System 3. The University recommends that you choose to Everyone registers with a GP (General practitioner). register with the University Health Centre. • A GP is a general physician or family doctor a. Other centres or practices may charge for services • GPs are experts at diagnosing and treating a wide which are free at the University Health Centre. range of illnesses and conditions. b. The University Health Centre offers an integrated • GPs send patients for tests if they need more support service for students of the University of information. If a patient needs to see a specialist Sheffield. the GP will refer them. (This is the only way to see a c. We believe that the UHS offers the best medical specialist within the NHS). support service for students. 4. To register with the University Health Centre you A. WE NEED YOU TO Tell us about yourself must: 1. Every student must: a. complete the on-line pre-arrival forms (including a a. Complete the on-line questionnaire at: confidential on-line medical questionnaire) before www.sheffield.ac.uk/health - this should be done you arrive in Sheffield, or register as a student. prior to arrival in Sheffield whenever possible. See Registration: The Essential Guide 2012-13. b. Complete the NHS registration form GMS1 – this b. Attend an interview if the doctor asks you to. will take place when you attend your registration c. Attend Health interview/medical registration interview (and interviews when required) with the University • bring with you either your current medical Health Centre practice during Intro Week or within card or your NHS number and current one week of registering with the University. Please doctor’s name and address (UK students) see Registration: The Essential Guide 2012-13. • International students who have not previously 2. Past or pre-existing conditions. been registered with the NHS, must inform a. Changes to your life such as starting University the University Health Service the date you first leaving home can exacerbate some medical arrived in the UK. problems. c. Be interviewed by a doctor or nurse (if b. It is important that you tell medical staff about appropriate). any conditions such as mental ill health, eating disorders or other issues. They will not tell University staff without your permission. 18 Medical matters Section 7
d. Have a fuller medical investigation (subsequently by appointment) if the doctor advises this. 5. Females (students or dependants) aged 25 or over a. if you are/have been sexually active and have had a cervical smear (Pap test) in your own country/ home area, bring a report of this medical test when registering with the Health Service. This will allow us to follow up any abnormalities for you. b. It is routine to ask all women over the age of 25 to attend for a test but you can ask for it to be deferred. c. If you wish to have the test done, please make an appointment with a nurse 6. Children who have been immunised: bring their certificates of immunisation with you. The University Health Service is fabulous. The surgery is a nice place in a great 7. a. When you have received your NHS number, you “ location and I’ve never seen a doctor who can arrange to get a PIN number from the I didn’t think was professional and University Health Centre. This will enable you to: personable. Reception is helpful and i. access appointments on-line friendly and they seem to have thought of everything. I’m really glad this service is ii. request repeat prescriptions available. iii. change your address. Charissa, Music b. Alternatively, telephone the surgery on 0114 222 ” 2100; either use the automated telephone booking system or speak directly to a receptionist. 3. Non-EU nationals should take out private medical insurance when travelling elsewhere in Europe or beyond. C. IMMUNISATION 1. All students should be immunised against E. SEEKING MEDICAL HELP WHEN THE a. Tuberculosis (students from some countries UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTRE IS CLOSED must do this to qualify for a visa. See Information Please read the leaflet “Which Service is Best for you” for New International Students 2012-13 page 14). which can be found on the UHS website (www.sheffield. b. Tetanus e. Measles ac.uk/health) before deciding which service to contact. c. f. Polio Mumps MMR 1. Telephone the University Health Service on 222 d. Meningitis C g. Rubella/German 2100 to connect to the out of hours services. measles } 2. Telephone National Health Service Direct on 0845 (if you have an immunisation card or book - please bring 46 47 (24 hours) or see web pages: this with you when you register) www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk 2. All students, on courses where there is clinical 3. Go to the NHS Walk-In Centre located at the contact with patients, must be immunised against Sheffield City GP Health Centre on Broad Lane, Hepatitis B. Antigen levels will be measured for Sheffield open from 8.00 am – 10.00 pm Hepatitis B and MMR, prior to commencement of the 4. The Minor Injuries Unit is located at the Royal course. Students found to be carriers of Hepatitis Hallamshire Hospital open from 8.00 am – 8.00 pm, 7 B will be counselled. This will be carried out by days a week providing a nurse led service for minor Occupational Health. injuries. 3. Those going abroad are reminded that they should 5. Seek the advice of a pharmacist at any chemist/ ensure that other necessary vaccinations are carried pharmacy shop, for remedies for coughs, colds, out in good time. Information and vaccination stomach upsets and skin irritation and other minor requirements may be obtained from the University ailments. Health Centre and via the UHS web pages. 6. Hospitals are likely to charge if a student, dependant www.sheffield.ac.uk/health or visitor is not eligible for treatment under the NHS.
D. TRAVEL ABROAD F ACCIDENTS AND EMERGENCIES 1. The National Health Service does not cover 1. In cases of accident but not minor illness, travel abroad. Provision of care varies from anyone may obtain help from a hospital accident and country to country and medical insurance is strongly emergency department. In Sheffield this is at the recommended. Northern General Hospital (for adults) and Sheffield 2. EU nationals travelling in Europe should take Children’s Hospital for children. the e.health card to make a claim for any medical treatment on return to the UK. Applications for this are obtainable from Post Offices. 18 19 Section 7 Medical matters
2. For serious accidents and illness requiring 2. If you do become unwell, please ensure that you emergency transfer to a hospital telephone 999. inform a friend or residence mentor, so that they can keep in contact with you to make sure that your G. ILLNESS IN THE FIRST FEW DAYS condition does not worsen to a point where you are unable to call for help yourself. 1. If you need medical advice before you have registered 3. If you think it could be meningitis, tell the doctor with a doctor, you can: over the phone. Information about the signs and a. Visit the University Health Centre. symptoms of meningitis can be found at: b. See E1–6. www.sheffield.ac.uk/health
H. PRACTICE BOUNDARY
I. DENTAL SERVICES K. CHANGE OF ADDRESS It is very difficult to find a National Health Dentist. If you change your address on the University record, However, the University does recommend that you are you must inform the Health Service as well as the registered with a dentist. University. 1. A list of current NHS Dentists is available from: a. Sheffield Family Health Service L. MEDICAL INSURANCE tel: +44 (0)114 258 8211 a. Is necessary for: b. University Health Centre web site i. short-stay, non-EU students (6 months or less). www.sheffield.ac.uk/health ii. the period between leaving home and arriving c. NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. in Sheffield. d The Student Advice Centre. iii. travel outside UK – all students. 2. An emergency dentist may be contacted iv. for all relatives or friends accompanying/ on 0114 271 1050. visiting students from abroad. v. the period between completing studies and J. HOME VISITS leaving UK (if immigration status is changed 1. A doctor will make a home visit only if a patient from student). is too ill to come to the Health Centre. If at all b. Not necessary for: possible, patients are expected to visit the Health i. UK/EU nationals Centre. Call the Health Service before 11.00am if possible. ii. students whose courses last/will last more than 6 months 2. If an illness seems really serious outside opening hours (at nights or at the weekend), a doctor can be iii. students’ dependants (spouse, children under called to the home. It may not be a doctor that the 18) who live with them in UK. patient knows and the wait for a visit may be quite long. Make sure that you have written your doctor’s telephone number on the back of this booklet, Tel: +44 (0)114 222 2100. 20 Help from Student Services Department Section 8
8 Help from Student Services Department
WHAT CAN GO WRONG IF YOU DO NOT READ • Certificates of student status THIS SECTION? • Directions • You won’t know where to get help • Change of status forms • You may encounter problems • Module add/drop forms • Change of personal details Student Services Department deals with a range of services to students. For information about all of these, • Academic verifications please see Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012-13 • Council tax exemption certificates (taught students) or Code of Practice for Research Degree • Transcripts Programmes 2012-13 (research students and supervisors). • Examinations: calculator and dictionary approval • UCard replacements • Examinations: clash and re-sit forms • Visa extension scheme • Help with any concerns about your time in Sheffield
“If in doubt - go to SSiD!” ASK SHEFFIELD - THE UNIVERSITY’S FAQ DATABASE Find answers 24/7 to the most commonly asked questions about student related issues using the Ask Sheffield FAQ database: • http://ask.sheffield.ac.uk Ask Sheffield is a sophisticated, high-tech database, filled with hundreds of frequently asked questions about the University and the city. SSiD (and we pronounce it Sid – like the man’s name!) is a great place to get help After searching, if you still have questions one of the “ with all kinds of University business. team at the Students Services Information Desk (SSiD) will be happy to help (see above). Edward, International Relations with Politics ” B. DISABILITY & DYSLEXIA SUPPORT SERVICE 1. The University of Sheffield welcomes disabled students and is committed to effectively meeting any additional A. STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION DESK academic support requirements they may have. (SSiD) 2. The Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (D&DSS) Contact details: www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/contacts is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the Email Service: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/email support of disabled students. When necessary, the service liaises with academic departments and other Website: www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid University support services (the University Counselling Opening Times: 9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday Service, for example) on behalf of individual students. all year round except Bank Holidays 3. If you have a disability it is important that you make Location: The Students’ Union building contact with both the D&DSS and your academic The Student Services Information Desk (SSiD) is: department as soon as possible in order to outline your support requirements, so that any necessary • The one stop shop for student services at the planning can be undertaken and it can be ensured University that you are given appropriate advice regarding the • The first place to go for information, help, support support, equipment and facilities available to you here. and advice. 4. For the purposes of the service, the term ‘disability’ • Staffed by friendly, professional staff trained to refers to any impairment that has lasted or is likely deal with a wide range of student issues to last for more than 12 months and which has (or is likely to have) a significant and sustained impact upon • A central point where you can collect useful forms, an individual’s ability to access and perform upon an letters, leaflets and information such as: academic course. Any student with an impairment • Address change instructions which falls within this definition is eligible for support, • Bank letters and individuals with a huge variety of respective disabilities - from Specific Learning Difficulties and • Career development loans sensory impairments to medical conditions and mental • Financial support application forms health difficulties - access the service. 20 21 Section 8 Help from Student Services Department
5. The D&DSS has funding available to help to meet the D. EMERGENCIES cost of any academic support which international and This section offers additional support to students who need it. EU students require as a result of their disabilities. These funds can be used to pay for many different 1. Serious illness or hospitalisation advice, support, kinds of support, including support workers (e.g. note- visits on request. See Academic Diary and Student takers or proof-readers) and assistive software or Handbook 2012-13 (taught students) and webpages: equipment to enable a disabled student to effectively www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/welfare/signposts/critical access his/her course. 2. Bereavement 6. Neither the D&DSS nor the University in general The death of a close relative or friend can bring is able to cover any costs relating to personal care practical, academic and personal challenges. Talk to or recreational support which a disabled student staff in Student Support & Guidance/SSiD telephone: requires as a result of his/her impairment. Personal +44 (0)114 222 4321 or email: [email protected], care support includes assistance with shopping, to seek appropriate support. Also see webpages: cooking, cleaning, washing and toileting. Recreational www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssd/ssg/critical support centres upon offering assistance to enable an individual to participate in non-academic recreational 3. Harassment activities such as visiting friends, attending Student This section has responsibility for the University’s Union society events or going to the cinema. A disabled Harassment Policy in relation to students. If you student who is likely to require assistance in order to believe you or someone else is being harassed, please undertake these kinds of tasks or activities during his/ see Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012-13 her time at the University needs to ensure in advance (taught students) or webpages: that s/he has sufficient personal funding to cover the www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/welfare/harassment cost of such support. 7. Further information on the types of support available 4. Emergencies Out of Hours to disabled students is provided in the University If you need to contact Student Support and Guidance publication Information for Disabled and Dyslexic staff in an emergency outside office hours, tel: +44 Students. For an electronic version of the handbook (0)114 222 4085. (Please do not use this number to ask see: www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/disability about arrivals nor to contact new students except in 8. If you have any further questions about academic an emergency.) disability support at the University please contact the 5. Feeling that you are not coping or worried about D&DSS. another student Telephone: +44 (0)114 222 1303 Please refer to the following webpages www.sheffield. Fax: +44 (0)114 222 1373 ac.uk/ssid/welfare/signposts or email support@ E-mail: [email protected] sheffield.ac.uk or visit Student Services Information Desk.
E. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY FOR STUDENTS The University of Sheffield is committed to the elimination of unlawful discrimination and to the promotion of equality of opportunity, for students and prospective students, in all its functions: • Access and recruitment • Admissions and retention • Assessments and progression • Provision of student services and related facilities • Teaching, learning, examining, curriculum development and quality assurance • Community links and partnerships I had a serious problem a couple of years The aim of the policy is to ensure that all students and ago. I emailed [email protected] and prospective students are treated equally, irrespective “ someone got back to me the next day. of race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, sexual Dinushee, Human orientation, marital or parental status, age, disability, Communication Sciences ” political or religious belief or socio-economic class or spent convictions. The University’s Equal Opportunities Policy relating to C. FINANCIAL SUPPORT students is augmented by specific policies on personal harassment, the support of students with disabilities. 1. See Academic Diary and Student Handbook The Equal Opportunities Policy relating to students 2012-13(taught students) and Code of Practice for reflects and complements the University’s Equal Research Degree Programmes 2012-13 (research Opportunities Policy and Code of Practice for Staff. students and supervisors) for details. The Equal Opportunities Policy operates within the 2. See pages 30 – 31. context of relevant equalities legislation. 22 Learning and teaching Section 9
9 Learning and teaching
WHAT CAN GO WRONG IF YOU DO NOT READ Other courses are mainly populated by UK THIS SECTION? students, but here too we are keen to provide • You may not know what is expected of an international experience. This is done partly you by your teachers through curricula that seek to be inclusive and embrace approaches and examples from other • You may find it more difficult to adapt cultures. to new ways of learning • In addition, we try to provide as many students as possible with the opportunity to spend part of their time abroad as part of their studies and all students are encouraged to take a modern language or to deepen their understanding of a second (or third) language they already know. • Taking modules such as those offered by University of Sheffield Enterprise (USE) and the Careers Service will help to develop your employability skills set. • You are also encouraged to take part in activities in addition to your formal curriculum to widen your learning and experience and develop additional skills to enhance your employability. By registering to complete the Sheffield Graduate Award scheme, or other extra-curricular activities and awards that the University can verify and include in your Higher Education Achievement Report, you can achieve In my country you ask questions in the recognition for these skills (see Section 16). lecture. Here I sometimes felt lecturers “ seemed in a hurry when asked questions • In order to recognise the broad range of curricular at the end. Now I know that’s not the way and extra-curricular learning experiences you will things are done here. acquire whilst at Sheffield, you will be provided with a Higher Education Achievement Report Alexandru, Accounting & Financial (HEAR) when you complete your course. To find Management & Information” out more about the HEAR, go to Management www.sheffield.ac.uk/hear. 2. How will I learn? 1. Approaches to learning and teaching vary around • In many courses you can expect to receive lectures the world. At Sheffield, as with most UK universities, in the traditional format, with mainly a one-way there is an emphasis on developing students as flow of information from the lecturer to the independent learners who are able to understand student. These are designed to provide a broad their own learning style, strengths and weaknesses introduction to a subject and offer guidance on and reflect critically. We feel this is the best approach further inquiry. for preparing students for life after university and • Linked to most lecture programmes is a series of particularly in the workplace where you will be tutorials in which you will discuss the content of expected to think and act independently. lectures and related readings in smaller groups so • Our teaching incorporates a variety of approaches, that subjects can be analysed in greater depth. designed to help you achieve the skills and qualities • Some programmes (often at higher levels) consist of a ‘Sheffield Graduate’ (see www.sheffield.ac.uk/ mainly or exclusively of seminars. These operate sheffieldgraduate). like tutorials but are generally not attached • Learning in a range of ways will challenge you to lecture programmes and require greater to develop skills such as independent inquiry independent inquiry from students. and research, teamwork, individual and group • In both seminars and tutorials you will be expected presentations, web-based knowledge and project to contribute to discussions in the classroom management. based on what you have read and prepared. You • One of our central aims is that students should may often find yourself asked to investigate an be able to compete for jobs internationally and issue or question independently or within a small to think of themselves as global citizens. The group of students. While your teacher may guide international environment at Sheffield is conducive you towards key readings, most decisions about to this. what to read, how to read it, and to address • On many courses you will find yourself with questions posed will be up to you. students from many different backgrounds and cultures and this can be a rich source of learning.
22 23 Section 9 Learning and teaching
• In some cases, tutors may divide the tutorial or • Some assessment will be ‘formative’, and this is an seminar group into ‘buzz groups’ of 4-5 students opportunity for you to submit a piece of work which to discuss their own understanding of an issue does not count towards final marks, but gives you with their peers before feeding back into larger feedback on your work so that you can work on group discussions. In others, the tutor may simply improving it. An example may be a draft version of an convene a discussion of the whole group on the essay, or an online quiz that is marked automatically assumption that everyone has arrived prepared to and provides answers and clues to where further work participate in discussions. may be needed. • On some courses, tutors may organise the class • Details of how your department assesses (and into small groups who work together for the provides you with feedback on your performance) are duration of the module and which are expected included in your departmental handbook. to meet regularly outside of the classroom 5. Skills development and support to develop their work. Often, the product is a group presentation or a jointly produced written In most cases, you will be expected to work submission, website, or other item to be assessed. independently, and where work is not specifically set for you, it will be expected that you are working consistently, 3. Is it the same for all subjects? reading extensively as you learn and keeping up without The University is a large institution with many different needing to be told to or being constantly monitored. departments that often have their own subject-specific The Academic Skills Hub (TASH) provides access to approach to teaching and learning. online resources for academic skills development and For example, in the science and engineering subjects, independent learning at all levels of University study. much learning may take place in lab-based practical http://www.tash.group.shef.ac.uk/ TASH covers areas sessions, whereas in architecture and landscape, you will such as being at university, everyday skills and learning, participate in design studio-based practice. There will be writing, communication and research skills, and points you conversation classes and laboratory work for languages. towards existing resources at the appropriate level and in Fieldwork and practical classes, which are common in the a relevant disciplinary context. sciences, are also used in subjects such as archaeology, Do you understand what it means to critically architecture, engineering, geography and journalism. In evaluate something? Do you know how to reference some subjects you may work on real-life problems facing correctly? Plagiarism (using someone else’s words local or regional organisations, for example doing research in your work without acknowledging them) is a very for a local charity or community group. common problem, and there are high penalties if you are You are encouraged to visit your Department’s website caught plagiarising. Improve your skills in ‘information and to make contact to find out more about the approach literacy’ as much as you can using the resources provided and environment that you can expect. Your induction by the University Library. This will not only decrease the programme in the academic department during Intro likelihood of you plagiarising, but will provide an excellent Week is also a good time to find this out and ask grounding for any research task you undertake during questions. your studies. http://www.librarydevelopment.group.shef.ac.uk/ 4. How will I be assessed? Are you a little uncertain about your maths and • As with teaching and learning, we use a variety of statistics skills? Or do you need some help with a assessment methods to help you demonstrate in a particular area? Many academic departments that range of ways what you have learned, as well as show include maths or statistics as part of their course offer us that you have gained new skills. tutorials in this area. You should go to these with your • There are the traditional unseen examinations as well problems first, but if you find you need help beyond this, as continuous assessment of submitted work, multiple MASH, the Maths and Stats Help centre is for you. choice papers, open papers, long essays, dissertations http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mash and project work, assessed groupwork, poster Sheffield offers a wide range of opportunities for personal presentations, online quizzes, peer assessment and and academic skills development, including enterprise, reflective writing. languages, leadership and key skills for work. See: • How you are assessed will vary from module to www.sheffield.ac.uk/studentskills and module and from programme to programme, but most www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers for more information. programmes will use a variety of methods. There will be many things for you to adjust to as a new student at Sheffield, but you can help yourself by taking action. To be fully prepared it is important to take part in all your departmental induction and skills development activities, as well as making time to meet with your personal tutor. Staff will be very happy to help you with this to make your transition as smooth as possible.
24 Academic & other services Section 10
10 Academic & other services
WHAT CAN GO WRONG IF YOU DO NOT READ b. The University also has its own free mobile app, THIS SECTION? which offers campus maps, show locations of • You won’t be able to access Internet before available computers, and gives you access to your registration. course information and library reading lists. For more information and download instructions see: • You will not know how to access our great www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/mobileapp services!
A. 301 STUDENT SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE 301 is a new student skills and development centre based at 301 Glossop Road. This modern, flexible space will offer a wide range of resources to help you: • Develop your employability and study skills • Learn a new language or improve existing language skills • Gain new experience and expertise in areas such as leadership • Maximise your personal and professional development Find out more at www.sheffield.ac.uk/studentskills
B. COMPUTING FACILITIES I’d always thought that my fees were for tuition only but we get access to loads of 1. INTERNET ACCESS “ services for our money – English classes, a. All students have access to free, unlimited, high- counselling, advice, support, Careers Service, speed Internet access, both on campus and in Library, Computing Services – so much! University-owned accommodation. On campus in Nele Glang, East Asian Studies computer rooms, lecture theatres, cafés and other ” public spaces you can connect to secure wireless Internet. For a list of wireless locations see: 4. LEARNING SPACES www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/wireless a. The Information Commons is open 24/7 and offers b. Social media websites are not blocked at the five floors of desktop computers for students to use. University; in fact CiCS uses Facebook and Twitter It also houses the pick-up and drop-off point for the to help support students. Follow us on Twitter and laptop loan service. (More details in section B.) Like us on Facebook to receive news and tips in using the IT facilities at Sheffield. b. The Information Commons offers library books, twitter.com/cics photocopying, laser printing and scanners. Staff are on facebook.com/cics.comms hand to offer assistance. 2. COMPUTERS c. There are 35 additional unstaffed computer rooms around the campus see www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/ a. You can use your own computer in your computers. See the CiCS website for list of all rooms accommodation and on campus. available and those with free computers, b. The majority of University services are web-based 5. MUSE: ACCESS TO ONLINE UNIVERSITY SERVICES and will work on Windows PCs, Macintosh, and Linux computers and in addition to desktop and a MUSE gives secure access to your email, your laptop computers, University services work well on online courseware, your library resources, your many tablet devices too. student record, your timetables and electronic journals. You can use the tools within MUSE to 3. MOBILE PHONES AND DEVICES arrange the loan of a laptop, book a group study a. Modern smartphones including iPhones, BlackBerry room, reserve a library book, download lecture devices, Android, Windows and Nokia Symbian notes and manage your printing account. devices can connect to the University wireless b. MUSE provides access to these services and online network and the Internet. Additional devices such resources from home or from any computer with as iPads, Android tablets and the iPod Touch can Internet access. See also connect to wireless, but the Amazon Kindle www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/muse cannot at this stage. Instructions for connecting devices are available on our website and our staff c. Your email and calendar are available via MUSE as can help you to connect and access your University are additional Google Apps including Docs, Blogger email and calendar and Picasa. See www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/smartphones. www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/googleapps 24 25 Section 10 Academic & other services
6. PRINTING d. Soft-seating areas where students can work a. There is a comprehensive student printing service. informally or relax High quality, colour and monochrome laser e. Power points around the building where printers, printing to A3 or A4 paper are distributed students can charge laptop batteries while in rooms around campus. accessing the wireless network b. You can print from any computer in any room and f. 70 seat Internet café which is open 24/7 and later pick up the printout from any compatible staffed 7 days a week. printer anywhere around the University. c. You pay for printing using credit on your UCard; D. UNAUTHORISED COPYING AND For instructions see: DISTRIBUTION OF COPYRIGHT MATERIAL www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/printing The use of University facilities in breach of copyright 7. GETTING HELP law is against University Regulations and English Law. This a. First you must register for a computer account. refers to all forms of copyright material and includes You will receive a username, a password and a music, videos, and computer programs. University email address, and you will be given 1. Any computer appearing to be used to illegally copy Information about getting started and connecting or distribute copyright material will be blocked from your own computer to the Internet. using the network and will only be unblocked once all b. You will be sent instructions on this via the Pre- unauthorized copyright material has been removed. Registration email (see page 7) or at registration 2. Any incident that is a repeated offence, or where with the University. circumstances warrant, may result in formal action c. You can also get help: being sought under the University’s Discipline Regulations. i. from any staff member in the Information Commons. 3. The University firewall prevents the use of many applications used in the sharing of music and video ii. unstaffed rooms contain phones that let you files, so if you have existing file sharing programs, they contact the CiCS helpdesk for free on 21111. may not work. iii. by telephoning the helpdesk on 0114 222 1111. The University’s policy regarding the unauthorised iv. from the helpdesk service in the Computing copying and distribution of copyright material and Centre on Hounsfield Road. information about the enforcement of this policy is available at www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/policies/ v. using the CiCS knowledgebase in the, “CiCS copyright Helpdesk Self Service” channel in MUSE. vi. by posting questions on Facebook and Twitter. 8. REGULATIONS & IT CODE OF PRACTICE Your Computer account is provided to enable you to fulfil the requirements of your course or research and to meet your other needs as far as is possible. It is your responsibility to be familiar with the Code of Practice for the Use of University Computing Facilities and the Regulations on the Use of Computing Facilities. Both are available on the web at www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/codeofpractice
C. INFORMATION COMMONS The Information Commons is a state-of-the-art learning environment, which provides a unique mix of library and computing services, library material, learning and teaching resources and flexible study spaces. Some people say they are too busy with their studies to improve their English. What they 1. Open 24/7 “ don’t realise is that if their English a. Support staff available until late evening every improves, they won’t need to spend so long weekday (during the afternoon at weekends) on their work! b. You must use your Ucard at the main doors and Srivathsan, Aerospace Engineering electronic turnstiles. ” 2. Range of facilities a. Over 500 PCs (some of which can be booked in advance) E. SOCIAL NETWORKING – YOUR SAFETY Facebook, MySpace etc. b. 100,000 books 1. These networks are very popular with students and c. more than 1300 study spaces configured to suit a can be accessed from the University. They are visible variety of different learning styles. to anyone outside or inside the University.
26 Academic & other services Section 10
2. PLEASE TAKE CARE ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. 3. Do not display: a. Your address at home or in Sheffield. b. Your telephone numbers. c. Where you will be at specific times. There have been cases of strangers or very unwelcome relatives, ex-boyfriends etc. using these networks to physically find a student at specific times. 4. Employers are increasingly checking prospective employees’ on-line postings. Will what you post give a good impression?
F. UNIVERSITY LIBRARY It’s really worth spending time at the ELT 1. During Intro week and week one student Centre to improve English. Time invested ambassadors will provide orientation tours and “ in the first few months means less time staff will be on hand to help. Most departments struggling later. arrange introductory Library sessions for new Phisini, Psychology students, helping you to get the most out of Library ” resources. You can also find guidance online, including one minute’ how to...’ videos. 2 The Centre’s staff have experience of teaching 2. Online information skills tutorials help you to International students in a wide range of locations use the Library catalogue; to search effectively using and situations, both in the UK and overseas. They are search engines and databases; to reference correctly therefore well prepared to give you all the help you and avoid plagiarism in your assignments. may need to improve your English both before and 3. You may need to use more than one site of the during your studies. Library to find the material you need. Most sites 3. Facilities at the Centre include modern classrooms are geared towards specific subjects, although the and well-equipped computer suites, as well as Information Commons contains the main collection of advanced audio-visual equipment and learning textbooks to support taught courses for all subjects. resources. 4. Your UCard, issued at registration, is also your 4. There are different full-time courses you can take Library card. You must have it with you whenever to improve your English before you join your you visit the Library. University department: 5. For full details of all Library services, see a. The International Summer School Programme a. www.sheffield.ac.uk/library or (May – September). b. Pick up a guide at any Library site. b. The University English Course (September–June). c. Further information is in the Academic Diary and c. The Management English Course (year-round). Student Handbook 2011–12 (taught students) or A fee is payable for these three courses. Further Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes information can be found on our webpages: (research students and supervisors). www.sheffield.ac.uk/eltc/courses 6. You may want to follow the Library on Twitter @ 5. International students studying on degree UniSheffieldLib to help you keep up-to-date with programmes at the University are welcome to news. make maximum use of the free services and facilities offered by the Centre. These include: G. ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE a. English Language Support Classes: English Language Teaching Centre A range of free part-time courses for all students Location: 78 Hoyle Street, Sheffield, S3 7LG who wish to focus on certain language skills is Tel: +44 (0)114 222 1780 offered. These courses take place in the early evenings, and on Wednesday afternoons. Fax: +44 (0)114 222 1788 Registration is online. (Some courses are ‘General’ Email: [email protected] e.g. Grammar, while others are ‘Faculty specific’, e.g. Academic Speaking for Science & Technology. Web pages: www.sheffield.ac.uk/eltc The actual range of courses offered may change.) 1. The English Language Teaching Centre is one of the For further information see central support services of the University. www.sheffield.ac.uk/els
26 27 Section 10 Other University services
b. Writing Advisory Service H. LANGUAGES FOR ALL • Individual help sessions for students who Would you like to develop your language skills? Sheffield feel that they need help with the writing of offers 20 languages from absolute beginners to advanced assignments, reports, dissertations or theses level that can be taken as major or minor parts of your • five days a week during semesters and degree, additional classes or experience taster sessions. vacations Language learning activities are offered by a range of academic departments and the Students’ Union. Find out • free to all students on degree programmes more at: http://www.shef.ac.uk/languages advance booking is necessary. For further information see 1. MODERN LANGUAGES TEACHING CENTRE www.sheffield.ac.uk/writingadvisory Would you like to learn a language as part of your degree course? c. Part-time classes within departments: a. Modules in French, German, Italian, Spanish, The English Language Teaching Centre offers plus Arabic and Latin. English courses in collaboration with many departments of the University aimed at students b. Courses range from beginner to near-native levels studying specific subjects. c. Communicative language classes, project, tandem These classes are held in the departments and online modules concerned and are timetabled to fit in with the d. All modules are worth 10 credits. students’ other courses. e. Many students can take language courses For further information see throughout their degree and graduate with a very www.sheffield.ac.uk/deptclasses high level. 6. Credit-bearing modules – the centre offers a range f. If you can speak more than one language you have of modules and programmes that give credits for better job prospects, learn very important skills, international students. For more information and to develop your cultural agility and can work abroad find out if you can register, see as well as in the UK - AND it’s fun! www.sheffield.ac.uk/eltc/credit 2. Tandem Learning 7. Part-time exam preparation classes are offered Register for an accredited English/French, English/ by the Centre at various times of the year and you German, English/Spanish or English/Italian Tandem can take a University of Cambridge ESOL exam at the Module OR partner a Sheffield student on an informal ELTC. See www.sheffield.ac.uk/eltc/part-time Tandem learning basis. For further information 8. Teacher Training and Development – the centre email: [email protected] delivers various courses for Teaching English You can sign up for our courses at registration in as Foreign Language (TEFL) from TEFL Tasters Intro Week. to the Cambridge CELTA/DELTA and bespoke programmes for overseas English teachers To find For more information please email: mltc@ out more and the entrance requirements see: sheffield.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)114 222 4897 www.sheffield.ac.uk/tesol MLTC, School of Languages and Cultures (formerly SOMLAL) 9. How to Register Further information on all the above courses may be obtained from: I. THE ACADEMIC SKILLS HUB (TASH) See section 1. The Secretary, The English Language Teaching Centre, The University of Sheffield, 78 Hoyle Street, Sheffield S3 7LG. Tel: +44 (0)114 222 1780 or from our website J. PLACES TO STUDY www.sheffield.ac.uk/eltc or email eltc@sheffield. 1. The Information Commons ac.uk. 2. Libraries 10. Council Tax 3. Computer Rooms (see B above page 25) At the time of writing, international students registered at the International Summer School, one 4. Students’ Union Gallery & Activity and Sports semester or other short courses and living in privately- Zone owned accommodation may not be exempt from Council Tax. Please see Academic Diary and Student K. CAREERS SERVICE Handbook 2012-13 (taught students). 1. The Careers Service provides many opportunities for you to develop the skills, knowledge and awareness that you will need. You can choose to take advantage of a range of opportunities. 2. Web pages www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers or www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers/studentjobs
28 Other University services Section 10
L. COUNSELLING SERVICE 1. All students are eligible to use the University Counselling Service and Skills for Life programme that they offer. If you know you are bringing problems or challenges with you or if they arise during your time at University, see: a. Web pages: www.sheffield.ac.uk/counselling and www.sheffield.ac.uk/counselling/services/skillsforlife b. Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012-13 (taught students) and Code of Practice for Research Degree Programmes 2012-13 (research students and supervisors).
M. ACCOMMODATION AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES 1. Before arrival see Home from Home and The Counselling Service are wonderful, and pages 8 – 9. it was much easier to approach them and “ arrange appointments than I thought it 2. Contact details: see page 44. would be. I was met with a friendly face and 3. www.sheffield.ac.uk/accommodation fast simple paperwork. They really helped me out when I needed it. N. STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES Jack, English Literature” Ever thought of spending part of your degree in another part of the world? International study opportunities outside UK will be P. LOCAL “Commuter” STUDENTS introduced at the “International Experiences Abroad” 1. “Local students” are students who are living in the session, family home and commuting to university. Though For further information see web pages: mature students may be also living locally, local www.sheffield.ac.uk/newstudents/introweek/home student events are aimed at those who are under 21 on entry to their undergraduate degree. You can find out more at: www.shef.ac.uk/ieu 2. There are events for local students during Intro Week and Discovery Week (see below). Intro Week events O. MATURE STUDENTS will be highlighted in the Intro Week Guide. 1. “Mature students” are undergraduates who are 21 3. Information about Discovery Week (10-15 and older on entry to an undergraduate degree. September 2012) will be sent to local students. 2. Information about events of particular relevance Local Student Support Contact: to mature students will be sent out via the mature Emily Ansell, Student Support & Guidance, Student students email group, and the mature student Services Department newsletter. Email: [email protected], Tel: 0114 222 1262 3. The Essential Guide for Mature Students is sent pre-arrival to all home mature students and is available from SSiD. 4. There are mature student events throughout Intro Week, highlighted in the Intro Week Guide. Events throughout the year will be advertised via the mature student email group, the mature student newsletter and the online community. 5. Welcome Events Welcome Day for Mature Students Friday 7th September – this is a chance for new students to meet current mature students and to find out a bit more about the University, a buffet and refreshments are included at both events. Mature Student Support Contact: Kathryn Axon, Student Support & Guidance, Student Services Department Email: [email protected], Tel: 0114 222 1378
28 29 Section 11 Money matters
11 Money matters
A. FEES – see Registration: The Essential Guide 2012-13 b. Tips for saving money • Information on deals and money saving tips can B. MANAGING YOUR MONEY be found at websites like 1. Money Planner www.studentmoneysaver.com The University’s on-line money tools will help you www.moneysavingexpert.com manage your money and give you a guide to the costs www.studentbeans.com you will face when you come to University. It also helps www.push.co.uk and for international with information on money matters and tips on how students www.studentcalculator.org.uk/ best to make your money last. international/ www.sheffield.ac.uk/moneytools When drawing up your budget, the following should be • Many students are eligible for help with health included where applicable. costs e.g. prescriptions, sight tests etc. Form HC1 to apply for help available from the a. Income Student Advice Centre. • Maintenance loan (home students) • Many shops and services offer a student • Maintenance grant (home students) discount. If they don’t advertise ask • University bursaries anyway. • Money from parents/guardians/relatives • You don’t have to buy all your text books brand new. Second hand copies are often • Income from part-time work available from book fairs in the Union or Charity • Welfare Benefits/Tax Credits shops (e.g. Oxfam in Broomhill or on West Street or Age Concern in Broomhill). • Special Support Grant • You can buy student tickets for public Sponsorship/scholarship • transport in Sheffield. There is also a young b. Expenses person’s railcard that many students will be • Tuition Fees eligible for. This can save you money. • Rent/Mortgage • You need to go out and enjoy yourself as well as studying. Make allowances in your • Utility Bills (electricity, gas, etc.) budget for this to avoid overspending. • Food • Full-time students (except for those on short • Insurance courses) do not have to pay council tax. You can print your own exemption certificate via • Travel (public transport, car costs, etc.) MUSE (the University on line portal) or SSiD • Toiletries can provide you with a copy (not required for • Telephone(s) – line rental, call charges University accommodation). • Clothing C. FINANCIAL SUPPORT AT THE UNIVERSITY • Study expenses (books, photocopying, printing etc.) FOR UK UNDERGRADUATES • Laundry 1. To be eligible for University financial support, such as bursaries, fee waivers, alumni • Prescriptions scholarships and access to learning funds • Entertainment you must have been assessed by Student Finance England or other relevant government agency for the • Emergencies national statutory support of student loan (fees and 2. Further Guidance maintenance) and grants. To make the most of your time at university it is a. Once you have confirmation of University important to manage your money carefully. financial support, you must register your bank a. The Student Advice Centre produces Money details so we can pay your award to you. Once Handbooks to plan outgoings of students. All registered on your course you will be able to log information is also on the Student Advice Centre into MUSE (the University on line portal), go to the website at http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/union/ “my quick links” section and choose “University student-advice-centre/money/ Payments Bank Details” and securely enter your bank details.
30 Money matters Section 11
b. Student Finance (Student Loans Company) F. ENTITLEMENT TO WELFARE BENEFITS AND will text you when your loan and grant TAX CREDITS – UK STUDENTS ONLY instalment is due to be paid into your bank account. Please note this will be after you have 1. Claiming benefits and tax credits during your registered. course • You cannot register before the date given in a. The majority of full-time students cannot claim Registration: The Essential Guide 2012-13. welfare benefits. However some UK students can claim certain welfare benefits – this includes part- • If you are relying on your loan to pay University time students, single parents, student couples with rent, see page 9. children and students with a disability or long-term 2. Bursaries and fee waivers for home health problem. undergraduates b. UK students with dependent children can a. Fee waivers will be awarded to students on usually claim child tax credit and child benefit. household incomes of £18,000 or less and Some students may also be able to claim working come from an economically deprived area as tax credit. defined by the government’s Index of Multiple c. International students cannot claim any of these Deprivation. benefits. b. “Bursary” is another word for scholarship or For more information go to http://www.sheffield. grant these are awards which are yours to keep ac.uk/union/student-advice-centre/money/ and you do not have to pay back. 2. Claiming benefits before term starts c. Home undergraduates may be eligible to bursaries of up to £1400. a. Many home students (in addition to the above groups) are entitled to claim Job Seekers d. Students awarded a bursary will be notified of Allowance before their course starts. This includes: their bursary by the end of October 2012. • Most school/6th Form college leavers - e. You do not have to apply for a bursary eligible to claim benefits from 3rd September separately. However, to be considered you must 2012. have first applied to Student Finance England (or other relevant government agency) for loans and • People who have left jobs and are waiting to grants. start university. f. You must be eligible for at least part of the loans • Students who are between courses, and grant support to be eligible for a University e.g. in the summer between finishing an Bursary. (Students undertaking second degrees undergraduate degree and progressing may not be eligible for loans, grants or bursaries.) to postgraduate study. Also students who withdraw from one course and begin a new g. Students on fully NHS funded (i.e. there are no course at a later date. tuition fees to be paid) will not be eligible for a University bursary. b. If you are entitled to benefit, you can claim until your full-time university programme begins; for 3. Financial Support Fund/Access to Learning Fund most students this will be 24th September 2012. a. The Government provides funds to support UK Intro Week is not part of the academic year so you students who experience exceptional financial may be entitled to claim benefit for this period if difficulties, or legitimate, higher than average you can demonstrate that you are available for and financial demands. actively seeking work. b. UK Students in hardship can apply for additional c. Students in rented accommodation, (including financial support. SeeAcademic Diary and Student University-owned) could also be eligible to claim Handbook 2012–13 (taught students). Housing Benefit until the start of the term. For further information see http://www.sheffield. D. FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL ac.uk/union/student-advice-centre/money/ STUDENTS funding/benefits.htm A limited fund is available for international students who find themselves in hardship. However students are G. INSURANCE expected to have adequate funds before they arrive in 1. It is vital that you take out insurance. Sheffield. a. All University accommodation includes contents insurance provided by Endsleigh Insurance as E. SHORT-TERM LOANS part of the residence contract. If you visit the These are available when funding is delayed or Endsleigh’s web pages you can enter details of your emergencies arise. accommodation and check the cover at www.endsleigh.co.uk/reviewcover FURTHER INFORMATION b. If you are living in private accommodation you a. www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/finance should check if any cover is included in the rent. If b. Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012–13 it is not then you should arrange this through an (taught students) insurance provider. c. Go to the SSiD office in the Students’ Union
30 31 Section 12 The Students’ Union
12 The Students’ Union
President: Abdo-Aziz Suleiman Location: Western Bank (No 120 on location map) Tel: +44 (0)114 222 8500 Fax: +44 (0)114 275 2506 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sheffieldsu.com
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDENTS’ UNION The Students’ Union is a membership organisation that represents the views of Sheffield students to the University and nationally. Its building is central to life on campus. It is THE place for socialising and activities in the University and the city. It enjoys a national reputation for some of the best services and activities available at any University. The Union is the best! I’ve gained so much A. YOUR MEMBERSHIP “ by getting involved in committees and organising events. Looks great on 1. University of Sheffield students areautomatically my CV too! members of the University of Sheffield Students’ Union. Tabitha, Information Systems Management” 2. The Students’ Union is run by students for students and is independent from the University, although the two organisations work closely together. C. HELP & ASSISTANCE 3. The University of Sheffield UCard is also your 1. Student Advice Centre membership card for the Students’ Union. a. The Student Advice Centre is a free and 4. The National Students’ Union (NUS) confidential service that is independent of the a. Currently recognises the University of Sheffield University. Highly trained staff advisers offer help Students’ Union UCard as membership/ID of NUS. on problems such as managing money, housing, b. The NUS has introduced “NUS Extra”, an additional academic, employment, immigration and welfare discount card available at £11 per card. For full matters. details of how to get this card see website b. For further information see www.sheffieldsu.com/ www.sheffieldsu.com advice/ Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012-13 (taught students) and Code of Practice for 5. The Students’ Union also provides free access Research Degree Programmes (research students to the internet with free wifi and computers and supervisors). throughout the building c. See website: www.shef.ac.uk/union/advice/ B. GETTING INVOLVED 2. Student parents 1. There is strong student participation in the The Students’ Union has highly rated nursery Students’ Union’s clubs and societies. These are facilities and a play scheme during school holidays. co-ordinated through The Activity and Sports Zone, See Information for Families booklet available from which also runs the Give It A Go Programme. Accommodation and Commercial Services. 2. “Give It A Go” is an activities programme full of one off introductory activities and events. With Give it a Go you D. ENTERTAINMENT & SOCIALISING can try new things, make new friends, learn new skills The Students’ Union offers a packed programme of club and visit different places. Pick up a booklet from the events, cinema and live music. The Students’ Union has Union or find us on line www.shef.ac.uk/union/ been recognised on numerous occasions as the best in get-involved/give-it-a-go/ the country. 3. The Activity and Sports Zone Come to the Activities To find out more & Sports Zone to find out how to get involved with a. visit the Students’ Union building, collect an intro pack Sports Clubs, Societies, Volunteering and fundraising and explore for yourself. opportunities, Give it a Go and the Communities Project. There’s so much to get involved with! You can b. log on to www.sheffieldsu.com also hire equipment such as digital cameras and find out about things to do in Sheffield and the local area. The Activities & Sports Zone Desk is open Mon – Fri 10am – 6pm. 32 Cars, parking and transport Section 13
13 Cars, parking and transport
All University accommodation is within walking distance of campus and is on good public transport routes, so we recommend that students do not bring a car with them to Sheffield.
A. CARS 1. The University operates a ‘green’ transport policy which promotes use of public transport and healthy options such as cycling and walking and discourages avoidable car use, especially for commuting. 2. Car parking is by permit only; availability is limited and a fee applied. 3. Limited parking may be available at some University accommodation but students are not advised to bring a car as all the accommodation is within walking distance of campus. Get a timetable for bus services you will 4. For further information about parking permits, visit use regularly. And international students, www.sheffield.ac.uk/parkingservices “ remember: in the UK, buses are not always punctual! B. CYCLES Raffick, Metallurgy 1. Most purpose-built University accommodation has ” secure cycle stores. 2. Free cycle parking facilities are available close to all major academic buildings. v. A reasonable distance before your stop, ring the bell to indicate that you wish to get off. 3. Several cycle routes serve the central campus and main residential areas, and are being extended with vi. Most bus stops have names on them BUT the help of government grants. most people in Sheffield will refer to the bus stop by what building, pub or road is nearby. There is no map with bus stop names on. C. PUBLIC TRANSPORT b. Tram 1. Local i. Sheffield has a tram system which passes Most of you will use public transport. The City of the University. Tickets (£2.10 to Meadowhall Sheffield and surrounding district are well served or £3.70 for a return Dayrider ticket) can be by an extensive network of bus services and the bought on the tram. For University of Sheffield Supertram. All purpose-built accommodation is either students - Unirider is a heavily discounted, on a main bus route or within walking/cycling distance, term travel ticket that gives unlimited travel on as are most University-owned and privately-owned any Stagecoach tram or bus in Sheffield. The ‘approved’ houses. ticket is only available for sale on-line - a. Bus http://www.supertram.com/unirider.html i. For timetables please see: ii. Trams stop at tram stops if passengers are www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/ waiting there. To get off the tram, ring the bell timetables/sheffield/ some distance before your stop (indicated on ii. Buses stop at fixed points. Bus stops normally the electronic notice board on the tram). See indicate which number buses stop there. You webpages: www.supertram.com must signal for the bus to stop by holding out c. Taxis your hand. i. There are taxi ranks at: iii. Pay the driver as you enter the bus; drivers • the Railway Station (until midnight only) can refuse passengers who offer notes, so always have some change/coins available. • Barkers Pool in the City Centre Return or weekly tickets can save money. • Ecclesall Road (between Hunter’s Bar and iv. Collect your ticket from the machine. the City) • at night, at the entrance to the Students’ Union “Bar One” and Western Bank in front of the Octagon Centre. • Endcliffe village
32 33 Section 13 Cars, parking and transport
ii. A taxi from the Railway Station to the E. NATIONAL TRAVEL University will cost around £6-7. Taxis are There are two ways of travelling nationally: by coach or generally more expensive after 10.00pm or if rail. you are travelling outside the city boundaries. 1. Coach iii. You can sometimes wait an hour or more for taxis at busy times (especially late at night). a. Travel by coach is probably the cheaper form A wait of 10–15 minutes is more common. of national transport. A National Coach Service Other taxis – ‘mini cabs’ – break the law if they operates from the Transport Interchange, Pond pick up passengers not made by a telephone Street to all the major cities in the UK. There is an booking. enquiry and booking office there. iv. Traditional taxi cabs (usually black but b. Website www.nationalexpress.com sometimes other colours) have meters and 2. Rail are allowed to stop and pick up passengers in the street. If a taxi cab is showing its orange a. STA Travel can provide a Young Persons Railcard illuminated ‘For Hire’ sign, you may hail it by or ISIC Student Travel Card for discounted holding out your arm or waving. travel on British Rail but do not sell train tickets. v. Do not accept lifts from cars whose drivers b. Train services run from Sheffield Midland Station say they are taxis or mini cab drivers unless to all the major towns and cities in the UK. you have telephoned for a taxi to come. You c. There are a number of other ‘saver’ tickets. In all should check that the taxi comes from the cases, where you are travelling on a student fare, company you called. Most companies have a ensure that you keep your Student Card with you sign on the car to indicate this. and always check (before you board the train) vi. All licensed taxis have a small licence where cheaper fares are involved, since there are number plate (black figures on a white many restrictions on the times or trains on which background) on the back of the car. If you you can travel. are in any doubt as to whether or not a taxi is d. For fares and timetables see genuine, ask to see the driver’s identification www.thetrainline.com/buytickets/ (which should include a photograph) or ask him to radio the taxi office so that you can hear his 3. Flights are available for internal travel within the UK controller. from the major airports.
D. CARS AND DRIVING LICENCES F. SAFETY ON THE ROADS In Sheffield most students do not own or run a car, but 1. Pedestrians do not have right of way to cross roads live within a twenty-minute walk of the campus or use the except at pedestrian crossings. Do not step out in very frequent and reliable bus and tram services. If you front of cars on roads, drive-ways etc. intend to buy or hire a car, you must go to 2. Traffic drives on the left. You may not get used to www.sheffield.ac.uk/newstudents/welcome/transport/ this quickly so take extra care when walking or driving. licence See A page 33 for information on parking. 3. Think carefully before driving on the left. Your reactions may not be appropriate if you are used to driving on right and your driving could be dangerous.
G. SAFETY Do not walk home alone very late at night. See page 35.
H. WOMEN’S SAFETY BUS See page 36 and Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012-13. Women students can get home late at night for £1.50 from the University.
34 Safety Section 14
14 Safety
A. SAFETY OUT AND ABOUT Sheffield is certainly NOT one of this country’s, nor the world’s, most dangerous cities. However, like almost any big city anywhere in the world, there are some problems relating to personal safety on the streets at night and with opportunist thefts. So, like anywhere else, it is sensible to take precautions and to avoid the type of situations in which crimes might occur. 1. ALWAYS INSURE YOUR PROPERTY! 2. The media, specific groups and individuals publicise any attacks (particularly on women) to alert others of perceived or possible dangers. You should remember that such occurrences are comparatively rare. It is not necessary to confine yourself to your home in the evenings, provided you are sensible. You may like to take the following points into consideration. It is really worth insuring your 3. STAY WITH OTHER PEOPLE as far as possible late at “ possessions. Sheffield is pretty safe night (after about 10pm). but there are some who will steal things if they can. 4. DO NOT accept lifts from strangers; hitch-hiking is considered to be dangerous, particularly for women. Min, Biomedical” Science 5. DO NOT USE subways at night; a longer detour may be safer. 6. STAY ALERT when walking alone at night. For 17. AVOID unlit areas, waste ground, alley ways and short instance, iPoDS or personal stereos can prevent you cuts. from hearing if anyone is approaching you. 18. IT IS VERY UNLIKELY THAT YOU’LL EVER FEEL 7. KEEP expensive mobile telephones out of sight on the THREATENED BUT IF YOU DO, shout and scream or street. These can be stolen. use an attack alarm. This will often deter an attacker. 8. IPods can be tempting to the few bad people around. (See C2 below.) Don’t use in the street. 19. DO go to the Porters’ Lodge, at Firth Court or Mappin 9. KEEP LAP-TOP computers hidden or discrete. Don’t Street if you find yourself alone in the University area advertise them by carrying in a lap-top case. and feeling vulnerable. 10. IT’S WISE, NOT RUDE, TO AVOID conversation or 20. DO use the Women’s Night Safety Bus (women only). eye contact with anyone behaving in an anti-social 21. TRAVEL by public transport or taxi. Always check it is manner. a legitimate taxi by checking the taxi plate on the rear 11. DO NOT trust strangers who offer to help you in or the driver’s ID-card. (See previous section). financial matters, sell you a cheap computer etc. Students have lost hundreds or even thousands of B. SAFETY AT HOME pounds through such scams. Thieves sometimes target student properties because 12. DO if possible make sure that your friends know they know students might not be as careful as some older where you are if you intend to be out. people. 13. DO find out where shops, petrol stations, etc are open 1. DO keep ground floor windows and doors securely very late at night. Remember this information and go locked whenever you leave the room. Wallets, laptops, there if in need of help. handbags etc. can be stolen by sneak thieves. 14. DO try to keep to areas/streets that are well lit; 2. DO close curtains in the evening and at night so that walk briskly near the edge of the pavement, towards passers-by cannot see you. oncoming traffic if possible. You are less likely to be careful when answering the door. Don’t allow be attacked if you are visible to others and appear 3. DO anyone in unless you are sure who they are. It is a good confident. idea to fit a chain to your front door or to call out to 15. DO stay sober and in control if out late at night. ask who is there. Ask to see identification. 16. DO stay in residential or busy areas where possible. 4. DO NOT leave valuables in downstairs rooms. For example, some areas in and around the University may be busy and safe during the day BUT are best avoided at night. Walk a longer way round, get a taxi or ask friends to escort you.
34 35 Section 15 Religious matters
C. WOMEN’S SAFETY Women’s safety needs are different to men’s although men can also be vulnerable. The Students’ Union therefore has developed a variety of support services for women students. 1. The Women’s Night Safety Bus See Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012-13 (taught students) for details. 2. Alarms a. Available from the Women’s Officer or the Student Advice Centre, Students Union. b. See Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012-13 3. Safety Information
For important hints on safety please see the Students’ Sheffield is one of the safest cities in the UK Union web pages www.sheffield.ac.uk/union/advice/ but it’s not crime-free, of course. What large safety-and-security/ “ city is? Some students act as if the whole city is an extension of the campus and make D. SECURITY SERVICES themselves vulnerable by walking alone late at night. They act like they’re on holiday not 1. Security Services living in a real, large city! a. See Academic Diary and Student Handbook Computer Systems 2012-13. Anoj, Engineering ” b. See website www.sheffield.ac.uk/security 2. Local Policing Team a. The police have a team of officers based at within the Endcliffe Student Village. b. The local police team serve the whole local community, including the student population. c. See Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012-13.
15 Religious matters
A. CHAPLAINS AND FAITH REPRESENTATIVES C. RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS/OBSERVANCE Full details of chaplains and faith contacts are available DURING INTRO WEEK AND EARLY DAYS in the Academic Diary and Student Handbook 2012-13 or 1. Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur (Jewish) on the web pages: www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssd/chaplains. a. fall on 17 Contact Debora Green, Student Support and Wellbeing The holiest days of the Jewish year and 18 September 2012 (Rosh HaShanah) and 5-26 (email [email protected]) September 2012 (Yom Kippur). b. You must ask your department in advance for leave B. FOOD SHOPPING for these dates. Halal, kosher and international food providers c. For information about services and hospitality can be found on the web at www.sheffield.ac.uk/ contact Debora Green newstudents/welcome/shopping/diet email: [email protected] 2. Muslim and Jewish students who cannot attend classes/exams on specific days or times. See www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssd/chaplains/activities/ absence
36 Sport and extra-curricular activities Section 16
16 Sport and extra-curricular activities
A. SPORT AND FITNESS All sports facilities (except the S10health fitness centre) can be used on a pay as you play basis. Contacts There are a range of membership options for the Telephone: Fitness: +44 (0) 114 2226969, S10health fitness centre. Sport: +44 (0) 114 2226999 Please see the Appendix for our S10health Early Email: Fitness: Application Membership Offers available for a limited [email protected] period only. A reply slip is included. Sport: [email protected] Fax: +44 (0)114 222 6998 B. SHEFFIELD GRADUATE AWARD Web site: www.sport-sheffield.com 1. The Sheffield Graduate Award is an additional award you can earn during your time at University. View our online video tours to get a feel for the excellent The Award recognises and rewards valuable skills and facilities available. experience gained outside your degree course. Facilities include: A university certificate is provided to students who 1. S10health fitness centre gain the Award upon graduation. This provides 170 pieces of equipment spread over two air University of Sheffield certification of all the extra- conditioned floors. Friendly, qualified staff to help curricular activities you have undertaken in addition you get the most from your fitness programme. to your academic achievements. Gaining the Award Completely refurbished and brand new equipment allows employers to see that you stand out from the installed in January 2012. crowd because you have acquired real examples and evidence of your skills which can put you ahead of 2. Swimming pool, poolside sauna and steam rooms many other graduates. A 33m, 6-lane indoor, heated pool plus poolside sauna 2. Eligible activities for the Award are grouped into and steam rooms. the sections below: 3. Fitness class studio • Enterprise Up to 40 classes a week, from yoga and pilates, to • Student jobs and work experience circuits and boxfit. • Volunteering 4. Bouldering wall • Cultural and social The Matrix, one of the largest fibreglass-moulded bouldering walls in the country. • Internationalisation 5. Group training room • The university and its community Particularly suited to sports teams. 3. To find out more about this opportunity please see webpages: www.sheffield.ac.uk/ 6. Indoor and racquet sports thesheffieldgraduateaward/index or ask at the A multi-purpose sports hall for badminton, basketball, Careers Service. volleyball and netball plus four squash courts and provision for tennis. C. SKILLS FOR WORK CERTIFICATE 7. Synthetic pitches and playing fields The “Skills for Work Certificate” is designed to Three full size synthetic pitches including FIFA help you use your work experience (part-time jobs, approved pitches usually found in professional clubs, a vacation work, voluntary work etc) to demonstrate to further synthetic R.F.U. rugby training area, three five- future employers that you have the necessary skills a-side synthetic pitches and 45 acres of high quality that they are looking for in their workplace. It will also grass playing fields. All synthetic pitch carpets replaced help you to learn more about yourself and your career Autumn 2011/Spring 2012. options. 8. Participation for all Successful participants will be awarded a University of We cater for all levels of sporting interest. Sheffield Careers Service Certificate, endorsed by a range of graduate employers. You can become a member of a gym, play sport casually with friends, enter a team into the popular Attainment of the certificate also counts towards the Intra Mural leagues, or represent the University at your Sheffield Graduate Award. chosen sport. See www.sheffield.ac.uk/careers/students/advice/ We also run a Sport Bursary Scheme to support elite sfwc sports men and women, competing at national and international levels. www.sport-sheffield.com/get- involved/by-level/performance-sport/elite-sports- performance-scheme
36 37 Section 17 International Sheffield
D. Higher Education Achievement Report Don’t forget that many of your extra-curricular activities, including the Sheffield Graduate Award and the Skills for Work Certificate, can be included in your HEAR, to help you present a broader picture of your university experience. To find out which activities and awards can be included, go to www.sheffield.ac.uk/hear
Staff in the Activities and Sports Zone are “ so helpful and knowledgeable. They can help you plan a cheap day out even if you don’t have a car. Kai, Biomedical” Science 17 International Sheffield
A. INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES B. CROSS-CULTURAL LIVING 1. The University of Sheffield has students from 139 1. Communicating countries. You have the opportunity to meet students When communicating with people from other from all over the UK and all over the world. countries or regions, you need to think: 2. You will never have this opportunity again! a. That your accent may be unfamiliar to them, so try a. To meet so many people from so many countries. not to speak too quickly. b. To learn about different ways of studying and living. b. Slang or colloquial language may be unfamiliar. c. To visit people in all sorts of exciting places around If this is the case, try using a different word or the world. phrase rather than repeating the unfamiliar one. d. To challenge set ideas and pre-conceptions. c. References to popular culture may only be familiar to people from your own country. e. To see your own country and culture through others’ eyes. d. If you don’t get on with the first people you meet from another culture, it doesn’t mean that you 3. All students can take part in all events. won’t get on with others. 4. You can study abroad 2. Living and working together a. As part of your Sheffield degree The diverse backgrounds of your fellow students b. For all or part of a year of your degree. provide wonderful opportunities. It can also present some challenges. c. In Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore. Please see a. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. www.sheffield.ac.uk/ieu b. Do take advantage of the opportunities to meet 5. Sheffield offers 20 languages from absolute beginners people different to yourself. to advanced level which can be taken as major or c. The cultural and international opportunities minor parts of your degree, additional classes or available to you at University can lead to great experience taster sessions. Find out more at: experiences for you to put on your CV. www.sheffield.ac.uk/languages 3. FURTHER READING: We recommend: 6. International Experience on campus or abroad will improve your employability. You can reflect on and a. “Watching the English” by Kate Fox be rewarded for these experiences as part of your b. “The Xenophobe’s Guide to the English” by Antony Sheffield Graduate Award (see www.sheffield.ac.uk/ Miall and David Milsted thesheffieldgraduateaward) c. “Sorry, I’m British – An Insider’s Guide to Britain from A-Z” by Ben Crystal and Adam Russ
38 International Sheffield Section 17
4. a. “A fish doesn’t recognise the property of water ii. For instance, ‘I don’t suppose you could open until it is removed from it”. the window, could you?’ rather than, ‘Please “Just as you will bring clothes and other personal open the window.’ items, you will also carry invisible “cultural ‘British people never get to the point. They go baggage”. That baggage is not as obvious as the around this way and that way, using twenty items in your suitcases, but it will play a major role words where three would do. It’s really hard to in your adaptation [abroad] and with those of other communicate with them.’ (Israeli student) nationalities. Cultural baggage contains the values ‘Some nationalities do not always seem very that are important to you and the patterns of polite; ‘I want this’ or ‘I want that’, no smiles nor behaviour that are customary in your culture. a please nor a thank you’. (British University The more you know about your personal values Official) and how they are derived from your culture, the g. Please and Thank You better prepared you will be to see and understand the cultural differences you will encounter studying i. ‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ are probably the and living with foreigners abroad.” three most important words in the British- English vocabulary. (From Nafsa’s International Student Handbook) ii. British people are easily offended if the b. To newcomers, the British can seem strange words are not used. In many languages and and difficult people. To be fair, any host nation cultures such fundamental importance is not can seem strange and difficult to a newcomer in attached to these words; one can be perfectly any land. We have all grown up learning strict polite without uttering them. In Britain almost codes of conduct, rules of behaviour and lists the first words children are taught are ‘please’ of what is or is not polite. However, these rules and ‘thank-you’ (or ‘thanks’ or ‘ta’). and customs are quite different from country to country. We absorb them, throughout our lives, iii. What happens if you don’t use them? In a learning what is acceptable within our own culture dining room, for example, if one says ‘Chips’ and discovering what is not. or ‘Can I have chips?’ or ‘Let me have some chips’, the chips will almost certainly be served. c. Living within or alongside another culture, one However, the facial expression and body is bound to make mistakes which offend, amuse language of the person serving will give a clear or irritate members of the host culture. In the indication that they are unhappy, offended or same way, newcomers can be offended, amused do not like dealing with this particular student. or irritated by the speech, behaviour or practices The student may see this negative reaction but of the host culture. Because rules about what is not be aware what has gone wrong. S/he may polite, acceptable or expected in our own culture see that staff are more friendly towards British are not recorded in a concise form, we often do students and may assume that staff simply do not appreciate how rigid these rules can be or how not like foreigners. It is far more likely that closely we follow them. When our culture’s rules ‘please’ and ‘thank-you’ were omitted from conflict with another culture’s, we often do not the exchange and that the British person was realise that this is what is happening and assume reacting to this. that breakdowns in communication or lack of warmth are due to prejudice or unpleasantness. h. Smiling d. Personal Space i. Some students say that British people smile a lot, compared to many national groups – often i. British people like a lot of space around them. for no particular reason. ii. They tend not to make physical contact ii. The British smile as a greeting, smile when of any kind with strangers and feel very asking for something, smile on receiving it. uncomfortable if anyone stands too close to them. They will instinctively draw away if iii. ‘The British are so insincere. They smile even anyone comes too close. when they are not happy or pleased to see you. One woman smiled at me every time we e. Shaking Hands passed each other and I thought she really liked One example of the British ‘keeping their distance’ is me. So I asked her to come out with me and the infrequency with which people will shake hands she refused. She was leading me on and then with one another. British people do not shake hands turned me down.’ (A male overseas student) very often at all. Well, she probably did not realise that she was f. Making Polite Requests smiling and probably smiled at everyone. But it i. In making polite requests, British people tend is easy to see how this could be misinterpreted by someone in whose culture smiles are used to use very indirect language, using the conditional tense and negatives. only to express genuine warmth.
38 39 Section 17 International Sheffield
Iv. ‘You told us the British smiled all the time. I find v. Sarcasm and plays on words are also them very unsmiling, especially when compared common. to people at home.’ (Female Singaporean vi. British humour can seem offensive or Student) insulting until you get used to it. Yes, if you are from a culture which uses smiles vii. Try not to be offended; if you do find it even more, you may not find that the British difficult to tolerate, tell the person concerned smile very often. Many students comment that that you feel very uncomfortable with his/her they do not find people in shops, banks, at jokes. reception desks smile enough to make them feel welcome. viii. Jokes about race, sexuality or gender are generally considered unacceptable. i. Greetings k. Topics of Conversation As has already been said, British people do not shake hands very much. In Sheffield people may It is usually not considered polite to ask someone greet each other by smiling or saying ‘hallo’/’hi’/’are their age or their income. Otherwise, most topics you all right?’ etc, nodding or raising their can be discussed openly and frankly. eyebrows or, if they are close friends, hugging or Some cultures will find that the British are kissing each other on the cheek(s). (Heterosexual prepared to discuss issues which they might British males usually do not hug, hold hands with or consider to be private or not to be widely kiss other men.) disclosed. The rules about what is suitable for j. Humour public disclosure and what is not vary from one culture to another. i. Every culture has its own sense of humour, jokes and rules for establishing friendly l. Privacy communications. It is not possible to learn The British may seem to talk about many personal these quickly or easily. things but are, in fact, very private people. ii. British jokes and good humour rely heavily a. Privacy is regarded as a right. on a shared knowledge of British culture, b. People do not like to share possessions without politics, colloquial language, media and other being asked. areas which are unfamiliar to newcomers or even to some people who have been here for m. Friendship several years. International students often comment how difficult iii. Informal relationships among British students it is to make friends with UK students. Every and between British students and staff can group (including British) will naturally feel more therefore exclude many international students. comfortable with others of the same culture. Most British people do not realise at all that Remember: they are doing this. i. friendship takes time in any culture “The technicians started laughing and joking ii. international students come to University with the British students from the first day as expecting an international experience; most if they were already friends. With us they seem British students don’t – they chose a University cold and unfriendly.” (Turkish student) in their home country. iv. British humour also relies heavily on iii. do not confuse “friendliness” with “friendship”. teasing or ‘leg-pulling’, as it is known. This can take the form of picking on aspects of an individual’s personality and exaggerating them in fun.
40 Shopping for essentials Section 18
18 Shopping for essentials
A. BOOKS AND STATIONERY d. Second-hand clothes shops such as those run by Oxfam, Help the Aged and Save the Children. 1. Do not purchase until you arrive. e. There are often second hand clothes and cheap 2. Stationery is available cheaply in the Union Shop. shoes on sale on the Students’ Union’ market days. 3. Sheffield has goodbookshops , Blackwell’s Bookshop f. Car boot sales, where members of the public sell in Mappin Street and Waterstone’s Bookshop in used or unwanted items from the boot of their car, Orchard Square in the city centre. are good for cheap goods, but not recommended 4. It is possible to buy standard texts and other teaching for the purchase of electrical items. material second-hand from charity shops or from 2. Main student shopping areas for daily needs are other students; look out for advertisements on your in Broomhill, Crookes, London Road and around the departmental notice board. Hunters Bar area. Shops are generally open between 9.00am and 5.30/6.00pm every day except Sundays. B. POST 3. A tram–ride away from the University is 1. The nearest Post Offices are on West Street (around Meadowhall, one of Europe’s largest shopping malls. the corner from the Engineering Faculty) and in Most of the major stores are represented there. Broomhill. 4. Food 2. Postage stamps for UK/EU are available from the a. Supermarkets are marked on the University Union Shop in the Union Building, all Post Offices and location map. some shops. Other items for posting must be taken to the Post Office. b. There are some 24 hour stores c. Castle Market offers prices that are usually C. OTHER SHOPPING considerably lower than in high street shops or supermarkets. 1. Economy Shopping i. The stalls offering the best value attract the a. The market area off Commercial Street for food, most customers, so be prepared to wait! clothes and household goods. ii. Take a bag to carry your purchases as carrier b. Household and clothing stores on The Moor, a bags are not usually provided. shopping street in the City Centre. iii. The 52 bus (from the University area or c. TJ Hughes and Primark on the High Street, Darnall) or the tram (from the University) will TKMaxx (Orchard Square) and Atkinson’s take you to the Market. department stores on The Moor for clothes, bedding and household items.
19 Life in Sheffield
A. OUR STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY B. YOUR NEIGHBOURS Sheffield has a well-deserved reputation as a welcoming Whether your neighbours are students or not you must city, with good relationships between students and local treat them with respect. people. Many University of Sheffield students enjoy 1. In residential areas, students, working people, putting something back into the local community through families with young children, older people all live voluntary activities, such as the award-winning Sheffield alongside each other. All have the right to peaceful Volunteering Scheme. enjoyment of their homes. We’re proud that the city recognises our student 2. Noise deprives people of sleep and relaxation. community as a real asset and we encourage students to Please be considerate about the noise in your return Sheffield’s excellent hospitality by treating their accommodation and noise you make on walking home neighbours and their environment with respect and at night. consideration. 3. Loud, boisterous behaviour in public, blocking pavements can intimidate and annoy people. Please be respectful of their feelings. 4. Litter and rubbish on streets and in gardens is anti-social. Please place in bins.
40 41 Section 19 Life in Sheffield
5. If you live near non-students, it can make for good D. LAUNDRY relationships if you introduce yourself. Remember, 1. Washing Machines they may have had inconsiderate student neighbours in the past and be feeling anxious. a. You will have to do your own washing. 6. The needs of neighbours (of private-sector and b. University Residences have washing machines, University-owned residences) must be respected. some of which you pay at every use. 7. Your neighbours have the right to contact 2. Launderettes authorities (University, police) about anti-social A launderette is a place, usually in a row of shops, where behaviour. The University can and does take you pay to wash your clothes in a coin-operated machine disciplinary action. The police can and do issue on-the- and also to dry them. Find out what coins you need spot fines, arrest and charge people breaking the law. beforehand as change is often not available.
E. TELEVISION LICENCES 1. Televisions in University accommodation a. Televisions are not provided within University accommodation with the exception of Opal 2 where a television is provided in each communal living space. b. Residents of this and any other property must purchase a Television Licence for TVs in communal areas. c. If you bring a television to your study bedroom, you must buy an individual licence in accordance with the television licensing regulations. This will also cover the television provided in their communal living space but not other study bedrooms. Sheffield may be a safe city but it’s not d. If you do not occupy the accommodation for the crime-free! So you have to use your July, August and September period you may be “ common sense. entitled to a refund. Contact TV Licensing for Akeel, Dentistry further information. ” e. Residents in family accommodation must purchase a TV licence. f. Please note that you will need a TV Licence C. CITY OF SHEFFIELD – CIVIC INFORMATION if you use a computer to watch or record TV programmes. 1. The Sheffield Community Information Service can help with any query relating to the City. The For further details of student TV licences, visit service is in the Central Library on Surrey Street near www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo theatres. Telephone +44 (0)114 273 4763, email: scis@ sheffield.gov.uk. They are also responsible for Help 2. Television licences in private sector Yourself providing up to date information on voluntary a. Television sets must, by law, be licensed. A organisations, clubs, community groups and related licence for a colour television costs £145.50 and statutory services. black and white £49 per year (May 2012). If you buy or rent a television from a shop, the dealer is 2. The Sheffield Tourist Information Centre is at 14 obliged by law to notify the licensing authorities. Norfolk Row, Sheffield, S1 2PA and provides a wide range of information about what to see, what to do b. You can be prosecuted if you do not have a and where to stay in Sheffield. A Tourist Information licence. Prosecution usually leads to a fine of up to Line is available tel: +44 (0)114 221 1900. £1,000. www.sheffield.gov.uk/tourism c. Detector vans sometimes visit the area. These vans can detect when and where a television set 3. It is also worth getting maps of the area and of the UK, is in use. If you do not have a licence, the officers and do not forget there is a lot of information on the have a right to come into your residence at that University’s own location map – enclosed with your time and serve you with a notice that you will be pre-arrival details. prosecuted. 4. Visit the Activity and Sports Zone in the Students’ Members of Television Licensing staff carry out Union for lots of local information, including the Peak regular checks on the residences to ensure District National Park. licences have been purchased. For further 5. See Intro Week activities: information please call 0300 790 6131 or visit http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/newstudents/introweek/ www.tvlicensing.co.uk
42 Administrative matters Section 20
20 Administrative matters
A. CHANGE OF ADDRESS 2. Undergraduates should also notify UCAS directly. 1. Notify us immediately of any change of 3. Write to Accommodation and Commercial correspondence address by emailing shefapply@ Services if accommodation has been allocated or sheffield.ac.uk Undergraduates should also inform applied for. They need to know that accommodation is UCAS. This is very important. no longer required. 2. If attending the ELT Centre’s summer school, 4. Those in the UK subject to immigration regulations please notify us of your change of address by emailing should not remain in the UK unless fully registered on [email protected] a full-time programme of study at a DFES registered institution. For further advice email: international. 3. Under the Points Based Immigration System, the [email protected] University is required to keep up-to-date contact details for students on a student visa. C. ENQUIRIES B. WITHDRAWAL If you need further information on any of the points covered in this publication please email or telephone We sincerely hope that it will not be necessary for you the appropriate department. In any correspondence, to withdraw from the admissions process at any stage. please state your UCAS ID or Graduate Application However, we recognise that occasionally students do find Number (or name of special programme), your full that they are not able to join us in Sheffield. If you do have name and the course and/or department to which you to withdraw: have applied. 1. Notify us by emailing [email protected] Please include the following information: a. full name b. address c. UCAS ID or application number d. department and course to which you applied e. reasons for withdrawing f. the institution you will be joining, where applicable
42 43 Section 21 Contacts
21 Contacts
Who to contact if you have a query about...... Accommodation (if you have not received Recruitment Support your Home from Home booklet) Student Services Department Level 1, Arts Tower Sheffield S10 2TN United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)114 222 1015 Email: [email protected] Accommodation Office Accommodation & Commercial Services The Edge The Endcliffe Village 34 Endcliffe Crescent Sheffield 10 3ED United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)114 222 4488 Fax: +44 (0)114 222 8919 Email: [email protected] My Application Admissions Service Student Services Department Level 2 Arts Tower Sheffield S10 2TN United Kingdom Undergraduate Tel: +44 (0)114 222 8030 Fax: +44 (0)114 222 1415 Postgraduate Tel: +44 (0)114 222 8030 Fax: +44 (0)114 222 1415 Email: [email protected] Disabled and Dyslexic Students Disability and Dyslexia Support Service Student Services Department Hillsborough Centre Alfred Denny Building Western Bank Sheffield S10 2TN United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)114 222 1303 Fax: +44 (0)114 222 1373 email: [email protected] Immigration Student Support & Guidance Student Services Department Edgar Allen House, 241 Glossop Road Sheffield S10 2GW Tel: +44 (0)114 222 1267 or 222 1374 Fax: +44 (0)114 222 1304 email: [email protected] Meet and Greet/International Residential Orientation Tel: +44 (0)114 222 1296 Fax: +44 (0)114 222 1304 Nursing & Midwifery Tracey Pacan Tel: +44 (0)114 222 2058 Email: [email protected] Registration & Tuition Fees Registration Helpline Tel: +44 (0)114 222 1288 Email: [email protected] Other parts of the University University Switchboard Tel: +44 (0)114 222 2000 If you have any other queries before registration, you can visit ask.sheffield.ac.uk In all cases it is helpful if you can quote your UCAS or Graduate Application Number.
44 Join Jim at the Gym... Special Early Application Offer Save up to £88!
For further information please contact a membership adviser on +44 (0) 114 222 6969 or email: [email protected] www.sport-sheffield.com
44 Join 5,000 like-minded students at S10health. As an incentive to take up or maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle, S10health is offering a special early application membership. Available to all new students, includes gym, fitness classes pool & sauna/steam rooms Annual off peak membership only £150 saving £30 Annual peak membership only £240 saving £88 Offer ends: 10th September 2012 Membership includes gym, fitness classes, pool and sauna & steam rooms. Off peak hours: 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday and all day at the weekends. (Off peak members are allowed access up to 60 minutes before the end of the off peak time band). 14 day money back guarantee should you change your mind after membership is activated. ✁ !
To take advantage of this offer, please return this form in an envelope marked: For staff use Special S10health Early Application Offer, ID No. The University of Sheffield, Goodwin Sports Centre, Northumberland Road, Sheffield S10 2TY, UK.
Include either credit/debit card details or a cheque (made payable to The University of Sheffield) for the full amount in pound sterling only (Euro and Dollar not accepted).
Title Male/Female* Full name Date of Birth Address Mobile Email Postcode
Signature Date *Delete as appropriate Thank you for taking advantage of this special annual fitness membership offer. When you arrive in Sheffield please visit the Membership and Promotions Team at Goodwin Sports Centre to complete a full application form, to arrange for a gym induction and to activate your membership year.
PAYMENT BY CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD
1. NAME OF CARD-HOLDER 5. TYPE OF CARD 6. ISSUE NUMBER (eg. VISA) (SOLO ONLY)
2. ADDRESS OF CARD-HOLDER 7. VALID FROM (Month/Year) 8. EXPIRY DATE (Month/Year) ......
...... 9. ON RECEIPT I AUTHORISE YOU TO DEBIT MY ACCOUNT ...... POSTCODE ...... WITH THE AMOUNT OF: (Please tick one box)
3. CARD-HOLDER’S DAY-TIME TELEPHONE NUMBER £240 Peak £150 Off-Peak
Card holder SIGNATURE(S)
4. CARD NUMBER DATE ✁ 10. AUTHORISATION CODE (REVERSE OF CARD - LAST 3 DIGITS) Useful Numbers
Registration helpline: +44 (0) 114 222 1288
Accommodation: +44 (0) 114 222 4488
University switchboard: +44 (0) 114 222 2000
University 24-hour contact (EMERGENCY ONLY) +44 (0) 114 222 4085
NHS Direct: 0845 4647
Emergency Services: 999
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the University can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Copyright © 2012 The University of Sheffield TUOS 267 Design I Print www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/printanddesign