Boards
Sheffield (and Manchester Piccadilly) - A review.
Trams: These are a godsend. Basically we had to get from Seffield uni to the station after the graduate fair which finished at 4pm. Our train was 4.42 which was even then cutting it fine to get to manchester airport for our flight. So, after our taxi bailed (still no phone call the bastards) we had to grab a tram and get to the station... and they worked. Much quicker than a bus, smoother than a taxi... and actually took the predicted time. \o/
University: Not the prettiest uni I have seen, but the campus seems well connected (see above) and the refectory type lunch thing was excellent. Also, the graduates that came to our stand was pretty high, though loads of electronics and controls grads that don't really fit with us... and I mean loads.
Piccadilly: Woah. Not since I went to London was I more at sea in a train station. The train from the Airport to the city was nice but the train from Piccadilly to Sheffield was a fucking trolley. Seats facing in one direction, doors on one side of the train, doors that don't shut, no insulation from the loudness of the smelly and hot diesel engine... pretty much the worst railway journey I have had. On the return journey I had a tin of Fosters and a seat, so that was much better.
Overall: 6/10. The hotel was nice, the transport system actually worked and the beer was cold.