Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Clearing tips I wish I had known before
Hey, I’m Luke and I applied to Leeds Beckett University through Clearing. I now study English & Creative writing here and I’d like to share my UCAS Clearing experience with you.
Applying to university in Clearing can be an intense experience, with a split-second choice shaping your future. For many, it’s the start of an exciting new chapter; for others, it’s a challenging hurdle. For me, it was both.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably in a similar situation. I had arrived early to pick up my results when reality dawned - my study habits had taken a hit, turning my expected A*, A, A into an A, B, C - it just so happens that The Jackson 5 were lying about the simplicity of such a phenomenon.
I’d been hoping to head to my firm choice university in my older brothers' footsteps with my rucksack and a million dreams, but as is often the case with that sort of thing, my rucksack emptied out quickly. I had to act fast – what now?
Despite my worries about the success of my exams, I hadn’t seriously considered Clearing, like assuming the postcode lottery would not happen to me. When reality hit, my first step was to panic - pure, unfiltered, steam out the side of my head, losing it – I would suggest skipping this unnecessary step. After the initial shock, I started making lists: What do I want to study? Where would I like to live? Where can I afford to live? What are the entry requirements?
I’m lucky enough to have people around me whose opinions I value, but my teachers were all busy with other students, so I had to ring my parents. I checked the UCAS website, explained to them what Clearing was, and started the discussions. Being a Leeds United fan, the thought of being too far away from Elland Road was, frankly, sickening, so I kept my options closer to home. These details are important not to underestimate, as when all the panic is said and done, you’ve still got to go and do it, living somewhere potentially brand new for the very first time, so don’t invalidate the things that matter to you.
Another crucial factor was finding a course I was genuinely passionate about, for me this was studying English Language at university. After thorough research on the UCAS website, I found an opportunity to study this course at a university not too far away and called them to see if there was an offer on the table for me.
It was available.
I had to decide: pursue a course I love, somewhat close to home with a few friends, but in a new city.
I felt unsatisfied, like something was missing, and that is when I rang Leeds Beckett.
The Clearing team asked for some personal details, discussed my day, and ensured I was okay before diving into my options. I will always remember the way the phone call made me feel, amidst the chaos, their calm voice stood out. They suggested I sit down and take a breath, chatting with me as if we were old friends. I was offered a spot in English Literature, which I quickly declined. Then, another voice suggested, "English Literature, and creative writing." Oh yes. My heart leapt. The advisor explained the course details and its benefits, and by the end of the call, I had enrolled.
I called my family to ask if they thought enrolling was a good idea. As someone who practices reading aloud his Chinese food order before calling, I had never been more certain of a decision. Throughout college, I felt I had found myself, discovering new passions and pushing myself to excel. In ten minutes, I realised that seven-year-old Luke had found the course he had dreamed of in Miss Reece’s year three class.
If you're nervous about Results Day like I was and considering the possibility of Clearing, there are a few steps you can take to ease the process and minimise the stress. Firstly, it's beneficial to familiarise yourself with the Clearing process in advance. Check out the Clearing page of Leeds Beckett University for updates, course information, and important contacts, including the admissions team's hotline. Additionally, consider creating a backup plan to provide a sense of security and preparedness in case you don't get the results you anticipate. And, if like I was, you're feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of Results Dayd, consider enrolling in Leeds Beckett’s Clearing Priority Pass to access things like a priority phone number for quicker access to courses on results day and lots of support on the lead up.
By taking proactive steps, you can help alleviate the pressure associated with Results Day and approach the day with a greater sense of preparedness and calm – past me would have loved this.
In the end, it all turned out great for me, and I went in to Clearing without a clue. So, my advice? Be prepared and utilise the tools and support around you before Results Day. Make your lists, know your back-ups, find your reasons, and pick up the phone. Good luck.
