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Higher education

Talk to other parents whose children are preparing for university on our Higher Education forum.

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Original poster

Sheffield university for shy boy ?

23 replies

beachhead · 24/03/2017 15:55

Just visited Sheffield & its definitely got the thumbs up from my son, he's going to confirm offer.

Only a day to visit, it's impressive yes, but I wonder how he will find it leaving home in Kent to live away.
I worry that he's not very outgoing, and may be lonely.

At home whilst in 6th form he's had his head in his books, and he likes the games ! Very anti social I think. But maybe he doesn't want to be with us ? He even declined coming on holiday with us at half term (but i don't complain I understand he's got lot of study, & school report was good)

He is great looking boy , but few times he's asked me about a lift to a party or gig, but then he drops out last minute.
I hope he will get on ok socially, that is a concern for me. He needs to come out of his shell. Especially as he will have a year abroad, with his language option.

Any guidance on student life experiences out there please?

OP posts:

LIZS · 24/03/2017 15:59

Ds friend there seems to spend a lot of time partying! Accommodation is spread throughout the city so need to allow plenty of time to get to lectures.

JugglingFromHereToThere · 24/03/2017 16:19

DD is thinking of putting Sheffield as her top choice, though because it's quite a high offer is more hopeful really of getting her insurance choice of Swansea, which she likes almost as much but is a bit further away.

On the shyness aspect I'd say encouraging him to join some clubs or societies that catch his eye can be very helpful.
I joined a great walking and hostelling group which was great for getting us out of the city to explore a bit further afield. Sheffield has the lovely Peak District on its doorstep doesn't it?

There's a great Y13 thread entitled "Starting Y13 2016" - you should come over and join us over there. Everyone is going through similar - a big step both for them and for us!

JugglingFromHereToThere · 24/03/2017 16:22

Oh another thing I meant to say is that there are all types of different young people at a Uni and I feel the Uni's are getting better at understanding that, and helping students a bit to find their niche amongst everything on offer.

PossumInAPearTree · 24/03/2017 16:23

I can't see that Sheffield will be any different to any other uni and I've been to three including currently Sheffield!

There's plenty of clubs and societies which will be at freshers fair and he can sign up for. Uni is probably better than school as a wider range of people by virtue of the numbers. So there will be kids with similar interests to him.

terrylene · 24/03/2017 16:27

Sheffield is good for student clubs.

I know a few that have done well at Kent though.

bojorojo · 24/03/2017 19:34

Sheffield is always well liked by students and plenty stay in the city after graduation. I think any student has to make some effort to join in, but there is a huge choice of activities. I would choose accommodation carefully. It is possible to hide in rooms so see what social events are available at the hall and joining clubs is a good idea. There should be a language club for example.

With the year abroad, start thinking about it. Does he want a job or a University? Or teaching? What countries might be available? The secret is - don't leave it late! Self-starters do better abroad but there is a more confident person waiting to get out and Sheffield will enable that to happen. Don't worry.

AllWorkedOutOk · 24/03/2017 20:38

Sheffield has plentiful cheap student accommodation and it's possible to stay in 'halls' for your whole degree. Although some of the private halls are real nice some have a high proportion of overseas students, obviously it might not be a consideration for your DS but might be something to ask about.

Perhaps in the first year you son could consider catered accommodation - it's more expensive but can work out well socially.

It's a friendly city and there is lots for students to do.

What subject is your DS going to study?

bojorojo · 24/03/2017 21:15

I too think catered is more sociable and the student has less to think about but I have not checked if Sheffield has many catered halls these days. Don't go into private halls. They can be quite isolating. I can't imagine many stay in halls for three years and the beauty of Sheffield is relatively cheap housing and this offers a great opportunity to branch out as an individual.

PollytheDolly · 24/03/2017 21:24

My DS is fairly introverted and has almost finished his masters there. He likes it so much he's doing his PhD there. It's a great city and was his favourite out of all we visited beforehand. I love going there to visit. It really is a very student orientated city.

Your DS will be fine

mrwalkensir · 24/03/2017 21:25

Our youngest is there and loving it- non-catered accommodation - engineering degree - living in Endcliffe which has a lovely feel (and lots of good post-1st year accommodation nearby). Definitely not a clubber. It's a lovely (student friendly) city with lots going on and a friendly almost-campus thing going on (our other two were Warwick and Sussex).

PollytheDolly · 24/03/2017 21:26

And your son sounds exactly like mine!

mrwalkensir · 24/03/2017 21:32

also you can be introverted and happy/alone - not everybody wants to be out and socialising. Just the warm feel of the campus may be enough for him

PollytheDolly · 24/03/2017 21:41

also you can be introverted and happy/alone - not everybody wants to be out and socialising. Just the warm feel of the campus may be enough for him

Absolutely. My son is in his fourth year (renting now obviously) and hardly ever goes out. He's as happy as Larry.

dauntlesscrusader · 25/03/2017 08:25

Maybe avoid the most social accommodation for a shy/quiet DS. DD1 chose the most lively halls for her first year, thinking it would be more fun and there would be easy access to a good social life. Instead, she felt lonely and excluded because her interests and way of living were so different from her flatmates.

One year later (and at a different uni) she is incredibly happy and has brilliant flatmates who socialise in a more low key way. Flatmates are a matter of luck, but she did avoid applying to the halls most known for their social activity.
Social groups form very early in the first year, so wherever your DS ends up, do encourage him to join some groups where he is more likely to find like-minded people. DD joined loads of clubs and then dropped all but the ones where she felt she could make friends more easily. Taking a year out and gaining some maturity can also be helpful for the shy ones.

aliceinwanderland · 25/03/2017 09:18

It was a long time since I was there bit it was great. There were quite a lot of geeky types due I think to the high ranked science and engineering courses. And they were quite a few introverts. And having the peak district right on your doorstep is fab. Think he will be fine

MyrtleMoans · 03/04/2017 08:56

You say he's into games? There's a great shop in town where people meet to play board games (I dont know the names of them but stuff with dragons etc). A friend's lovely, shy geeky son goes there every Friday to play. I'm sure that would be a good starting point. Sheffield is a great, safe city for students. Not too big & scarey but still plenty to do. He'll be fine.

Wikky · 03/04/2017 09:26

I'm not one to read too much into University rankings but Sheffield moved to 13th position in Times UK University Rankings

bojorojo · 03/04/2017 10:43

Tends to get a high ranking due to student satisfaction. My DH is an engineer who went to Sheffield. He would be appalled if anyone thought engineers were geeky! They aren't.

Wikky · 03/04/2017 11:01

Is great for student satisfaction but it's great for research too. Depends on the department though. I think there seems to be quite a variety between courses.

I thought the times ranking was less heavy on student satisfaction. 🤔

OddBoots · 06/04/2017 07:33

My DS has firmed Sheffield, he is not the most sociable of boys but he has already made some friends through a Facebook group of 2017-2018 applicants,. They seem to be a mix of outgoing and shy so if he is on FB that might be a good place to look so he can have a few familiar faces if/when he starts.

newdaylight · 06/04/2017 07:39

I went to sheffield uni albeit some years ago. I was very shy, the first year changed my life. I'd recommend encouraging him to go for catered halls because the social aspect of the halls really helped. They'll be plenty of clubs for various gaming interests etc.

bojorojo · 06/04/2017 14:52

Sheffield web site says best for student satisfaction Russell Group and third overall - date: 23 March 2017. So ranked pretty high!

BerylThePeril44 · 10/04/2017 21:11

I can't speak highly enough about Uni of Sheffield. My son has spent three very happy years there and has just been elected president of the SU for next year! The main halls have a warm and safe feel - located in a lovely part of the city. The student areas for houses such as Crookes are also good. Lots of different things going on and the SU is particularly supportive. He will have a great time 😁

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