Student — Aranza Freyre Carrera

Hailing from Peru, Aranza is a business management student at the University of Sheffield. She talks to us about her university experience so far and offers tips and advice on all aspects of student life

How did you find settling into university and student life in general?

I found it really hard at first, mainly because I had never been so far away from home before. I missed my family, my friends, my dog, and my life in Peru in general.

As an international student, I believe you find it harder to settle into a new country, but after a while, you start feeling at home.

What three things do you love most about student life?

I love being around friends, the fact that every day is different and you can walk to different places and do not depend on others for that, especially in a city like Sheffield.

What are some of the challenges?

Student life presents a variety of challenges. It is hard to keep a balance between your social life and studies because many students face pressure to perform well in their studies and avoid missing out on plans with friends.

Mental health issues could be a challenge as well, because sometimes it feels a little lonely, especially for those living away from home for the first time. Homesickness can hit hard at some points.

Also, adapting to independent living is hard because you have many duties, such as grocery shopping, cleaning, cooking, etc., which are time consuming.

What non-essential items did you pack for university that you now couldn't live without?

My speaker, which I use when I am stressed, and I just want to sing in my room - or when I am cleaning my room and I don't want it to feel like a chore. I truly recommend bringing a good speaker to university.

Can you provide tips on sharing a flat with other people you don’t know?

Be considerate and aware that you are sharing common environments with people who may have different habits and come from different cultures. So try your best to respect other people's spaces and their belongings.

Try to be as clean and organised as possible too, and if you find it useful and necessary, divide the home duties with your flatmates. 

How have you found making friends at university?

Making friends at university has been a really good experience. You often meet new people in classes or societies, and while it can take a bit of time to open up, that is completely okay. I believe the best approach is to be patient.

How do you organise your time to manage all your commitments?

I try to stay organised by planning ahead and setting priorities, because sometimes, even if you would love to, you cannot dedicate the amount of time you wish to everything.

I use a digital calendar to keep track of deadlines and assignments. This helps to break big tasks into smaller goals.

I also try to be aware of my commitments and complete them ahead of time to avoid being stressed at the end.

How do you balance enjoying student life with managing your budget?

Balancing student life with a budget can be hard, but I try to be mindful of my spending while still having fun and allowing myself to buy stuff that makes me happy.

I have a monthly budget dedicated to essentials like food, transport, and bills, and then I keep what's left for social activities. I also try to look for student discounts, which there are plenty of.

What revision techniques work best for you and why?

The revision techniques that work best for me are flashcards and practice papers. Flashcards help me memorise key terms and concepts more easily and quickly, especially for those modules that require memorising definitions or explanations.

Practice papers are also really useful for me because they show me what to expect in the exam and help me get used to the format. Sometimes, I also revise with friends, so we can test each other. 

What are your tips on staying productive during the summer break?

To stay productive and motivated during the summer break, I would say create a routine. You could keep a light routine without feeling overwhelmed. For me, staying connected with friends and enjoying time with my family during the summer break is the best way to feel motivated. 

Have you ever accessed university support services?

Yes, they have been really helpful. I have spoken to the careers team for guidance on CVs. It is really helpful to know there is support available whenever you need it. I definitely recommend using these services because the staff have more experience of the working world.

How has university and the student experience impacted your life?

My university experience has had a huge impact on my life both personally and academically. It has helped me become more independent and organised. I have learned to rely on myself and take full responsibility for my actions, since there is no one constantly telling me what to do.

The overall student experience has taught me a lot about balancing responsibilities and making the most of new opportunities.

What advice would you give to new students?

Take your time adjusting and don't feel pressured to have everything figured out at the start. Be patient, but try to get involved in activities or societies that interest you. I'm involved in the Latin American society.

Stay organised with your studies and do not be scared to ask for help when you need it.

Most importantly, enjoy the experience and be kind to yourself. It's a new chapter of your life and it is okay to be scared at first.

Find out more

• Watch Aranza talk about her experience on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ YouTube channel.
• Learn more about university life.
• Take a look at what you can do with a business management degree.
• Discover more about studying at the University of Sheffield.