Returning to Sheffield: A Flood of Memories and Tears 😭💙

After seven long years, I finally stepped back into Sheffield—and the moment I saw the train station, tears streamed down my face. This city holds the best years of our youth, wrapped in nostalgia and heartache. 2016-2017: My Sheffield Story As a Chinese language teacher sent abroad for the first time, fate brought me to Sheffield. That year was packed with golden memories: Hiking in the Peak District 🥾 Late-night study sessions at The Diamond 📚 (while complaining about how long West Street felt!) Sunbathing on the grass near the cathedral ☀️ Hosting weekly Chinese-English corners at the Students' Union 🗣️ Shopping on High Street 🛍️ Fresh produce runs at The Moor 🍎 John Lewis trips (RIP, gone but not forgotten 😢) The Sheffield We Loved (and Complained About) Yes, we grumbled about the howling winds and endless rain 🌧️💨—but leaving made us realize how deeply we missed it all. Seven Years Later: A Time Capsule ⏳ At 22, I was a fresh grad. Now, at 29, returning felt like unearthing my past: The same classrooms, unchanged—but with different faces. Reuniting with colleagues like Director Hu and even students from seven years ago. Meeting old friends—now with kids of their own (when did I become "Uncle"?! 😭). The moment these long-imagined reunions actually happened? Pure, overwhelming joy. Sheffield Today: Still Perfect 🌟 Piccolo’s in the city center? Just as delicious. Sunny Sheffield? Still breathtaking. This city preserved our footprints—and more importantly, our youth. That one year (or few) here? Enough to cherish for a lifetime. A Quote I Once Disagreed With… But Now Believe "Anyway, Sheffield is the best." ❤️ #UK #StudyUK #Sheffield #UniversityOfSheffield #Nostalgia #Memories #Throwback