University of Sheffield: Megan Whelan

I began my exchange with early and travelled through Europe for 2 months prior to starting at Sheffield Uni, England.

I have family in London and Denmark so I spent some time with them and then continued on my journey to meet up with friends and travel to Ireland and Scotland where I managed to catch some of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

My travels then took me to Milan to meet up with more friends and eventually on to Valencia for ‘La Tomatina’ – the tomato throwing festival. It was an experience to say the least! What happened after that is was one of those things that could only happen halfway around the world with a bunch of great friends, with no plans and very little money. We met an Aussie couple at the hostel we were staying at and they were looking for people to help out as crew on their old sailing ship. We jumped at the chance and the next 2 weeks of my life were spent sailing from Valencia up through the Balearics (Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca) I hopped off the boat in Menorca and caught a plane back to Sheffield to start uni.

Having felt like I’d done almost all there was to do already I was interested to see how I’d handle getting back into the routine of uni life and also being without friends or any other support.

I was put into accommodation with other international students from all over the world. I shared a flat with 4 other girls, 2 from Denmark and 2 from Germany. The accommodation was terrible. Mould on the ceilings and a tiny little toilet and shower, below average kitchen and fairly small rooms with dial-up internet. But amazingly we made it our home and came to love it.

The two Danish girls from my flat slowly became some of the closest friends I’ve ever had; so much so that I went to visit them in Denmark in the break over Christmas. They showed me around and hopefully at the end of this year when they have finished studying, I will be able to return the favour.

I would encourage anyone considering exchange to just get out there and do it. It has changed my life. It has made me realise how helpful and nice people all around the world are and how much you can do if you just let your self get out of your comfort zone.

In the 5 months I had in Sheffield I became very independent and confident, I made some of the best friends I will ever have and I took some great subjects at uni which really interested me. Going on exchange was the best decision I ever made. And once the seemingly endless forms had all been filled out before I left, I didn’t look back once.

Megan Whelan.

Last reviewed: 30 May, 2007