Aleena Madathiparambil Saju

Aleena is a Medicine student at the University of Sheffield

"Sheffield has very quickly become home for me. The people here are so friendly and always willing to go out of their way to help you. In my first week in Sheffield, when I was still getting to know my whereabouts, I often stood around looking at a map completely lost. I was really surprised when so many people came up to me and offered to help with directions. From my first week here and now three years in, the people I’ve met here both around the city and in hospitals have been so caring and friendly.

With students making up a quarter of Sheffield’s population, it is very much a student city. As a result, there are so many activities catered to young adults ranging from music festivals, events to nights out. And of course, we can’t forget all the student discounts!

The city is very international with a variety of international supermarkets and restaurants serving food from all parts of the world – so you are never short of a new cuisine to try! And of course, the Peak District is literally right at your doorstep. It is the perfect escape from the city and a great place to visit to exercise and destress.

I’ve been to many cities around England and at the end of the day I’m always glad that I chose to study at Sheffield."