YOURSTUDYINGABROAD IN
SHEFFIELD
HandbookWelcome tothe Universityof Sheffieldon academic quality – what you learn at Sheffield will
enhance your education, broaden your horizons andinternationalise your degree.

Studying abroad as part of your degree is an exciting
opportunity. We are delighted you have chosen to spend
part of your degree with us at the University of Sheffield.
Every year, we welcome around 750 exchange students
from all over the world into our community.

Studying and socialising alongside students from over
150 countries means your experience at Sheffield will be
truly international. You’ll experience the very best that UK
education and life have to offer.

We work with our students to make sure that they havethe best experience possible. As you would expect froma leading UK university, we place a strong emphasis

CONTENTSSECTION a:
Before you arrive		
University accommodation

SECTION D:
Making the most ofUniversity			 P10

Visas, travel and healthcare

The Students’ Union

Planning your arrival

Sheffield Global Campus

p3

Choosing your modules

Wellbeing

SECTION B:
When you arrive		

University Health ServiceP6

Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies
ServiceMoving into University accommodation

Disability and Dyslexia Support ServiceRegistration process

Belief, No Belief and Religious Life Centre

Form signing and questions
University Health Service registration

Global Opportunities

NHS entitlement and Health insurance

SECTION c:
While you are here

Contact us

P8Changing modules
Extending or reducing your stay
Attendance monitoring
Examinations and assessments

2P13

SECTION A:
Before youarrive
Choosing yourmodules
If you wish to register for less than the full credit load, youmust provide a letter from your home institution. This should
be uploaded to the pre-registration system before you
complete your registration.

In your application to Sheffield, you will select which modules
you would like to study. The application will show all themodules available according to your exchange programme.
Your modules will be approved by the relevant department
during the application process. All module allocations
are provisional until the start of term when timetables
are confirmed. During the application process, Global
Opportunities and your host department(s) may be in touch todiscuss your options and possible alternatives if changes areneeded.

Pre-registration
Once you have accepted an offer of a place you will be sent
instructions on completing pre-registration actions online
before you arrive in Sheffield. More information is available on
the registration webpages.

How many credits do I need?
•If you are spending a full academic year with us you are
expected to register for the full load of 120 Sheffield
credits.

•The minimum you can register for is 100 Sheffield credits,with written agreement from your home institution (fullyear students).

•If you are spending one semester with us, you are
expected to register for the full load of 60 Sheffield
credits.

•The minimum you can register for is 40 Sheffield credits,with written agreement from your home institution(semester only students).

Have we got your current email address? We need your most
up-to-date contact information for pre-registration. Keep us
informed of any changes to your email address by contacting
us.
Email: pre-registration@sheffield.ac.uk

3

University
accommodation

Residence LifeAll full year exchange students are guaranteed a single roomin University owned accommodation if you apply by theaccommodation deadline in the summer.

Residence Life is here to enhance your accommodation
experience. The Residence Life team run various events andactivities throughout the year to give you the best student
residential experience.

There are rooms available for single semester students, butthese are not guaranteed. We suggest that you submit youraccommodation application as soon as you can once you
have accepted your conditional or unconditional offer.
Accommodation will only be confirmed once you haveaccepted an unconditional offer.

There are also Residence Life Mentors – experienced students wholive in the same residences and are on hand to support you during
your time in University accommodation.
They can help with emotional issues, academic worries, or if you
just need someone to talk to. If they can’t help or don’t know theanswer, they’ll signpost you to someone who can.

You will be contacted approximately four weeks prior toyour arrival to confirm whether your application has beensuccessful.
If you are coming for a reverse full year, you are only
guaranteed accommodation for the first part of your course(February – July).

INCLUDED IN
YOUR RENT:

Students attending with a December finish are offered ashorter accommodation contract.

All of your gas,electric, water andinternet bills

How do I apply?
Everything you need to know about applying and living in
University accommodation is available online.

Our accommodation

Room contents
insurance

Accommodation is available on both Ranmoor/ Endcliffe andCity sites. Wherever you live, you will be part of a supportive
community where there’s always something happening.

Residence Life
events and sports
activities
Residence Life
Mentor support4Visas, travel
and healthcare
Do I need to apply for a visa?

Planning your arrival

Check the UK Government webpage to see whether you need
to apply for a visa to study.
Visa information is subject to change, so make sure you keep
up-to-date with the latest information and advice. You can findinformation about Student and Visitor visas on our webpage.

Your arrival date will depend on your individual arrangements
but we recommend that you arrive in time to take part in someof our Orientation activities. Orientation takes place at thestart of each semester, so that your first days in Sheffield are
as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.

What insurance will I need?

Orientation includes a wide range of activities, tours,
information sessions and social events, and is a great way tohelp you meet new people and adjust to life in the UK.

You must ensure you have insurance coverage for travel,
medical treatment, loss of property or money, etc.
Ambassador tip:
Shop around to get the most comprehensive policy. Don’t justsign up for the cheapest one!

There is normally a Meet and Greet airport pick up service
from Manchester Airport for students starting in September.
Further details will be available online closer to the start of theacademic year.

You can check your entitlements to healthcare in the UKonline.

Information on travelling to Sheffield from the airport isavailable online.

Booking your travel to the UK
If you need a visa, we would advise waiting until you havereceived it before booking your travel. Make sure you know
your required date of arrival in Sheffield before making any
travel arrangements.
Sheffield has a number of airports within close proximity. The
nearest international airport served directly by train from
Sheffield is Manchester Airport.
Public transport journey times to Sheffield Station areavailable online.
It's important that your passport is up-to-date and will not
expire during your stay in Sheffield.

5Section B:
When
you arrive

Moving into University
accommodation
September arrivals

February arrivals

Once you have accepted your contract, you can complete youre-induction where you will find lots of information to help you
settle into your accommodation. During the e-induction, youwill be asked to book a time slot for arriving and collecting
your keys. More information about moving into University
accommodation is available online.

Your keys will be available on the first day of youraccommodation contract. You can collect them from thekey collection point, full details will be included in youre-induction.

If you are taking part in Orientation and staying in University
accommodation, then your key collection will be included in
the programme of events. If you do not take part in Orientation
then your keys will be available on the first day of youraccommodation contract.

What if I can’t collect my keys on the firstday of my contract?
If you’re arriving late due to flights for example, then informthe Accommodation Office as soon as possible. They’ll let you
know how long they can hold your room for and how you cancollect your keys.
Email: accommodationoffice@sheffield.ac.uk

6Registration
process

NHS entitlement

Before you can attend classes, you must complete
registration. You need to check all of your module choices
have been approved and added to your student record.
Full information about the registration process is available
online.

You won’t be charged for the care you receive at the University
Health Service or treatment received within the Accident
and Emergency department of a hospital. This is free to all
overseas visitors. You may have to pay for other treatment,depending on the type of treatment required and yourimmigration status.

Form signingand questions

You must bring evidence of your BRP/visa/ EHIC with you toall hospital appointments, otherwise, you may have to pay fortreatment regardless of any exemptions.

The Student Services Information Desk (SSiD) can answer
any questions you may have, sign your arrival forms andassist with the majority of your student paperwork (excluding
your Learning Agreement, this must be signed by yourdepartmental tutor).

Studying for 6 months or more (non-EEA students)
If you're studying for more than 6 months and you are a nonEEA student, you are required to pay the Immigration healthsurcharge. This will enable you to access NHS services in theUK.

If you are a languages student the Global Opportunities teamcan sign your Learning Agreement. If you're unsure, or havequestions, contact us.

Studying for less than 6 months (non-EEA students)
If you have a short-term Study visa or a Visitor visa, you should
obtain private medical insurance.

Email: globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk

European Economic Area and Switzerland (EEA) Students
If you’re an EEA and Switzerland national, you should obtain
EHIC before coming to the UK. This will enable you to access
NHS services in the UK.
The EHIC card must be issued by your home country, a UK
EHIC card is not valid for use within the UK.

You can contact SSiD online. You must get your form signed inperson at SSiD on Level 3 of the Students’ Union Building.

University
Health Service
registration

Further information is available on our webpage.

Health Insurance

The University Health Service is a National Health Service(NHS) General Practice focused on student health. It offersa full range of GP and Nurse services. All students of theUniversity of Sheffield, studying for three months or more andliving in the city can register with the service.

You may want to consider taking out health insurance, even if
you are entitled to free NHS treatment whilst in the UK. Thisis particularly recommended if you have a chronic or ongoing
medical condition or concern.

Find out more online.

77Section c:
WHILE YOUARE HERE
Changing
modules

AttendancemonitoringYou can alter your choice of modules during a three week
period at the start of each semester known as Add/Drop. You
can only amend modules through Add/Drop once you havecompleted your in-person registration (subject to availability).

It’s very important that you attend teaching sessions andmake academic progress on your course of study. The UK
Government requires universities to report any student on
a Student visa who does not engage and is consequently
withdrawn from their academic programme.

More information will be available online after you register.

More information about attendance and engagement isavailable online.

Extending or
reducing yourstay
You can only extend your stay if you have permission fromboth your home university and the University of Sheffield.
You must email Global Opportunities to request this before 1
November 2023.
If you wish to reduce your study period in Sheffield, you mustalso contact Global Opportunities to request this. If you haveregistered for a module which is assessed by examination, youare expected to attend the examination on the set date.
Email: globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk8Examinationsand Assessments
You must submit any assessments and attend any
examinations required as part of your course. An examination
timetable is released online once exams periods have beenannounced.
If you have a valid reason for being unable to attend an
examination then contact the appropriate academic
department as soon as possible. It is your responsibility toensure that you are familiar with the University’s examination
regulations.
If you have a December finish you must liaise directly withyour department(s) to make examination and assessment
arrangements.

Grading system
An overall result is recorded for each unit of study in which youare examined. Even though the examination may be made up
of a number of components, only a single result is recorded

for each unit in official University records. This result may be
converted to a grade on a different marking scale on receipt byyour home institution.

Transcripts
You will be registered with a Gradintelligence account andthis is where your transcript will be available in early March(semester 1 students) and early July (semester 2 and Full Yearstudents). You will receive an email from edocs@sheffield.ac.uk
inviting you to log in to your account to access your transcript.
If your home university can't accept your transcript directly
then contact Global Oppertunities and we can send them thetranscript.
Email: globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk
Further information is available online.

SECTION D:
Making themost ofUniversity
The Students’Union

Most of the activities are hosted by our Global Campus
Ambassadors who are fully trained in helping people fromdifferent cultures.

There are lots of fantastic things that you can get involved withduring your time in Sheffield. The Students’ Union has a huge
range of societies and clubs that you can become a memberof. Whether you want to play football or Dungeons & Dragons,
practise your knitting or photography skills, or are interested
in anything from anime to the tea society – there really issomething for everyone!

To find out more about the activities on offer, head over to the
Global Campus Instagram account: @sheffglobal

Living inSheffield
Sheffield is home to all the best adventures. It’s an
extraordinary place to live and study – one of the major cities
in the UK, yet 60% of it is green space. It’s a city that’s safe,
affordable, creative and welcoming. You’ll get a vibrant big
city feel as well as the space and adventure of the Peak District
National Park which is (almost) on your doorstep.

Joining a society or sports team is a great way to make newfriends, continue an existing hobby or learn something new.
If your hobby requires special equipment (eg sports clothing,musical instruments etc) remember to bring them with you.
Find out more about the Students’ Union and how you can
get involved.
Ambassador tip:Take every opportunity you can, enjoy every moment and just
do it! Make a list of everything you want to do and see because
time really does fly.

Sheffield
Global Campus
Global Campus run a number of regular activities for theUniversity to help you settle into life in Sheffield and enable
you to integrate with fellow students from all over the world,
including the UK. Activities include:•Culture Compass – to help you understand British culture.

•

Global Conversation – to help you improve your socialEnglish.

•

Global Café – to enable you to meet new people from allover the world.

•Local history walks – to help you explore your new city.
10Experience the music, the comedy and the theatres. Explore
vibrant suburbs scattered across the city's hillsides andwander along fascinating riverside trails.

Wellbeing
The Student Wellbeing Service works alongside faculty anddepartmental staff to ensure the smooth continuation of youracademic life, and help support you should you need it. If
you are feeling down, overwhelmed or struggling to adjust to
student life they can offer you short-term, tailored one to one
support to help get you back on track.

StudentMental Health,Counsellingand Therapies
ServiceThe Student Wellbeing Service is there to assist you in
improving your emotional wellbeing by providing practicaladvice, interventions and self-help techniques and aconfidential space to explore and understand your difficulties.
You may also find our Wellbeing Blog a useful resource. It’s
regularly updated with articles and helpful advice to support
you to look after yourself throughout your time at university.

Student Mental Health, Counselling and Therapies Service
is the first point of contact for psychological support needs.
All University of Sheffield students can register online 24/7.
Once you have registered you will be offered an initial triage
appointment. Within this appointment we will look at what
intervention may best suit you, which may include mental
health advice and one-to-one counselling.

Want to connect with like minded students? Umii, is a free appthat connects you to other University of Sheffield students
based on your interests, course type, and societies. Find out
more when you arrive.

All students have free access to Togetherall – providing
immediate access to 24/7 online peer and professional
support, with trained mental health professionals.

11University HealthService (UHS)
If you have a physical or mental health concern you can make an
appointment to see a medical professional.

Disability andDyslexia Support
Service (DDSS)
It’s important that you tell the University if you have a disability,for example a physical disability or mental health concern such as
depression, or a learning difference such as dyslexia. This information
will only be used to offer you relevant support to help you manage
your disability alongside your studies. More information about DDSS
can be found online.

Belief, No Belief
and Religious LifeCentreThe Chaplains and Religious Advisers at the University’s Belief, No
Belief and Religious Life Centre offer care and support to students
of all faiths and none. They can listen and offer advice to students
experiencing difficulties, as well as offering opportunities for worship,prayer and spiritual exploration.
More information about available support and services is available on
our dedicated webpage.
12

GlobalOpportunities
Global Opportunities run regular drop-ins throughout the year, so if you have anyquestions or you aren't sure who to ask, you can come and speak to one of theteam. There’s also a dedicated upcoming events page online.
You can also chat online to our student ambassadors at any time – ask them about
studying at Sheffield, our friendly city, our fantastic facilities, student support oranything you want to know.

Get in touch
You can contact us via email to ask a question or
arrange a one-to-one:
globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk
sheffield.ac.uk/globalopps
instagram @uosglobalopps
TWITTER @sheffielduni
Facebook-square /theuniversityofsheffield