Hi, I’m Fatema
I’m in the final year of my Business Information Technology degree and my time at uni has been one of the best times of my life. But without Clearing it just wouldn’t have happened.
Initially, I planned to study biomedical sciences and have a career in public health. I remember, as results day approached, I felt scared and nervous because I realised I’d changed my mind and was more interested in studying a degree that was business and IT-focused.
At first, I did panic! But then I called the Clearing line, found the Business Information Technology course at Kent, and was able to get a place. There was so much support throughout the whole process that, looking back now, I can't believe how nervous I was. Everything worked out in the end – I'm about to graduate in two months. I really do think changing my course was one of the best decisions I’ve made.
So, if you have a last-minute change of mind, it's OK, Clearing gives you options.
Be prepared by doing your research before results day. If you have an idea of the subject area you're interested in, start making a shortlist of the courses you'd like to apply for. So, when Clearing comes around, you've got everything you need to make the right decision - from course content and entry requirements to whether the university and location are a good fit for you.
Once you get your results, time is of the essence. Clearing for popular courses will operate on a first-come, first-served basis so the quicker you contact universities with your results, the better your chances of grabbing a place. Please keep all the necessary details handy, such as your UCAS ID, personal statement, and exam results, so you can act quickly when you find a course you'd like to apply for.
"I called Kent’s Clearing hotline and spoke to an incredibly helpful person who passed me over to a professor in the Computer Science department who was also very reassuring," said Dora, a Computer Science student who came to Kent through Clearing.
Although Clearing can feel overwhelming, Kent students recommend staying calm and not rushing into decisions. Take your time to carefully consider all your options. It’s easy to feel pressured, but making an impulsive choice may lead to regret later on.
“My advice for anyone going through or considering Clearing is to keep an open mind,” added Dora. "Things might feel a bit bleak if you’ve hyped up a certain uni in your head, but at the end of the day, you’re still going to uni and you’ll have a great time. I’m proof of that!”
It’s normal to feel disappointed if you don’t get the results you were hoping for, but remember that Clearing offers a second chance. Lily used clearing as a chance to switch from medicine, and follow her passion for biology.
If your results don’t meet your expected offers, don’t panic. Clearing gives you the chance to review different course options. Kent students suggest considering courses that you may not have initially thought about. A change in course can often lead to unexpected new passions.
"Clearing can feel very daunting but there are lots of courses available and more time than you think to make decisions – don’t stress," advises Lily, who found a course she now loves at Kent.
Each university has a Clearing hotline that you can call. During these conversations, admissions teams can provide guidance on available courses and their specific requirements. Kent students recommend being honest about your results and your interests—admissions staff will often give you personalised advice based on your situation.
If you're feeling unsure about your decision or need help, universities like Kent offer support services during Clearing. Whether it’s advice on mental health or general application assistance, make use of these resources to help you make a confident decision.
Lily added: "A short time after I'd accepted my place at Kent, their student support and wellbeing team had put together a provisional Individual Learning Plan for me. Having that in place before I started gave me one less thing to worry about."
