Why did you choose this course and university?
I always knew I wanted to go to university, as I wasn't ready to leave the education system and wanted to experience studying away from home.
The University of Sheffield stood out to me straight away from the first open day I attended. With its city campus and its status as a green city, it felt immediately like home.
It was a no-brainer, as the business management course was rated highly, with the option of a placement year and multiple opportunities to undertake short-term internships.
Once I toured the Management School and spoke with module leaders, I really got a feel for the course. I had been thinking about going into marketing, and there were plenty of options that aligned with that.
How did you find the application process?
It did initially feel very overwhelming, especially having to make those important decisions and finding the time to update my UCAS application. However, with support from my personal tutor and the college disability service, we were able to break it down into manageable steps and work through the application together, so I could ask if I was unsure how to answer any of the questions.
Working alongside my college disability service ensured I provided any relevant information about my disability, which was then shared with the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service team at Sheffield, who contacted me to provide further information.
At what stage did you choose to disclose your disability/condition? Why at that point?
I had always been reluctant to share information about my visual impairment with my peers in fear of looking different and standing out. However, I knew the transition from college to university was going to be difficult enough, so it felt like the right time to formally disclose my disability to ensure I could be supported best at university. I was also strongly encouraged by my college disability services, and I'm so glad I did.
Have any specific adjustments made a difference to how well you've felt able to perform at university?
Rest breaks have been a lifesaver during exams. It was something I was completely unaware of before university. My eyes get really tired, and my vision gets worse under stress, so I tend to lose the ability to read questions in an exam and often take far too long to read them. Rest breaks let me pause the exam, which massively reduces eye strain for as long as I need, until I feel ready to read the question again.
What other support have you received from the university?
I have received support from the university's 301 Academic Study Skills Centre. It's a dedicated skills hub where you can get help with anything related to your studies.
After the first few months of my first year, I felt my Excel skills needed improvement, as it was a core skill I needed for one of my modules. I booked onto a session, which was brilliant as it was a much smaller class than I was used to on my course, and I was able to get much more personalised support from the tutor.
How is the course structured and assessed?
The BA Business Management is structured in a way that really gives you the opportunity to build on your prior business knowledge.
All first-year modules are core, which I found was a great way to figure out which elements of the course I enjoyed, so I had a better idea of which optional modules I would pick for year two.
In my second year, I was able to choose four optional modules, which was a great way to narrow down what area of business I wanted to learn more about and find my niche.
I then had the option to do a placement year, which I have loved and recommend, as it's been a great way to get real industry experience and help me stand out to employers when looking for graduate roles.
The final year is structured around one core module centred on the Management School's sustainability goals, with the rest of the modules being optional, which I look forward to taking in September.
Each module is assessed differently: some are graded just on essays or exams, while others include bi-weekly quizzes and group presentations, which have been a great way to meet other people.
What has your placement year experience been like? What skills have you gained?
I've thoroughly enjoyed my marketing and events placement so far, and I've been given a lot of autonomy and responsibility within my role.
The main skills I've gained are in digital marketing and proficiency with software such as the Adobe Suite and Canva for creating social media content.
I've also improved my digital literacy, including:
- blogging
- email professionalism
- PR writing.
I'd recommend applying for placement years to everyone if given the opportunity; it's a brilliant way to refine the core skills needed in the workplace and to reduce the gap between education and the world of work after graduation.
What's your overall university experience been like so far?
It has been really positive. I've managed to get involved in so much, both academically and socially, which has widened my network and made me a much more confident individual.
Having much more independence has given me so many more opportunities in my part-time jobs, my degree and social life, including:
- being heavily involved in societies
- presenting at subject talks
- taking part in course-specific activities such as the annual Marketing Challenge
- working student-facing jobs on open day stands.
What are your interests outside of your course? Have you been part of any clubs or societies?
My main hobbies and interests lie within music. I've played piano and guitar since childhood, and it's one of the reasons I chose to come to Sheffield, as it has a fantastic live music scene. I also love running, walking and playing badminton and with the Peak District National Park on my doorstep and the brand-new sports centre at the university, I have been able to keep these hobbies up. Since my first year, I have been part of Rock Band Society, Walking Society, and Management Society, and have served as the social secretary for the Women in Business Society. This has been a great way to meet new people who share the same interests.
How have you managed your finances as a student?
Once I knew how much student loan I was getting, I started a budget plan prior to starting university, setting aside a rough weekly budget for essentials and experiences. It was a great way to keep track of my spending, especially during freshers' week, which can be expensive because you end up going out a lot and doing things with new people you meet. Being on placement has also been a great way to earn and save money.
Tell us about any part-time jobs you've held while at university.
I've taken on a lot of part-time jobs at university, including:
- content creator
- disability champion
- wider and faculty student ambassador.
All these roles have given me the opportunity to present to audiences. For example, at open days, I've been able to share my positive experience with prospective students and parents. These roles have also equipped me with time management skills and the confidence needed for entering the workplace.
How have you balanced your time between your work, study and other commitments?
My course has been structured with fewer contact hours, so I've been able to take on many short-term opportunities, such as participating in student experience focus groups and leading small campus tours for prospective students.
I love routine, so after settling into university for the first few months, I was able to find a balance that involved plans for my weekdays, including:
- going to university
- studying with friends
- taking part in societies in the evenings
- working part time in any available free time.
Briefly tell us about your plans for after graduation.
During my final year, I aim to apply for lots of graduate roles in Yorkshire. I have also been offered the opportunity to continue working for the company I am undertaking my placement with during my final year, which is another great opportunity to save up ahead of graduation.
I've always had an interest in marketing or organising events in the music or travel industries, so I aim to do a bit more research into these areas and keep an eye out for opportunities to gain the skills I need to work towards that. I'd also love to stay in Sheffield, as it's become home for me.
Do you have any further tips for disabled students thinking about going to university?
- Reach out to the university's disability team. It will make your transition from sixth form or college much smoother.
- Attend as many university open days as you can and visit the disability stand. They will be able to signpost you in the right direction for accessing support, such as Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA).
- Don't worry about standing out from others. There are lots of people with hidden disabilities who you may not even notice accessing support from the university's disability services. It's so important to access the support you are entitled to, get the best out of your studies, and have support throughout your degree journey and beyond.
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