Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
My seamless university Clearing experience
Hello, my name is Daaniyal, and I'm heading into my third year of a Law degree at Leeds Beckett University. I'd like to share my experience of applying to LBU through Clearing after taking a two-year break from education. While the Clearing process can be a busy time for many students, my experience was surprisingly smooth and efficient.
The decision to return to education
After finishing Sixth Form in March 2020 with A Levels in Law, Criminology, and Sociology, I decided to take two years out to work full-time at McDonald's. During this time, I achieved a management position, learned about myself, and developed valuable skills such as people skills and time management. After becoming a manager, I decided it was time to follow my passion for law and policing. In the summer of 2022, I left my job and returned to education, ready to pursue my long-term goals.
Why I chose LBU
At Sixth Form, we participated in a partnership programme called the Progression Module, which provided us with extra UCAS points recognised by Leeds Beckett University and another institution. I knew I wanted to study Law, so I focused my research on various aspects such as academic reputation and social life. Personally, I wanted to stay in Leeds because it boasts the second-largest legal sector in the UK, after London. Additionally, the idea of graduating in my hometown was appealing, so I concentrated on universities in Leeds. Leeds Beckett stood out to me for several reasons. The strong relationship between my Sixth Form and the university meant that I had already attended Open Days, UCAS fairs, and Applicant Days there. Many of my friends also chose Leeds Beckett, contributing to the friendly atmosphere that I experienced. The beautiful Headingley Campus made it easy to envision myself studying there. Whilst academic criteria was important, it was meeting the lecturers and experiencing the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that truly influenced my decision. I also valued the social side of university life, having taken two years out to ensure I could fully embrace everything university had to offer.
The Clearing application process
I understand that the application process can be stressful for many students, but I want to reassure everyone to have confidence. My own application experience was surprisingly smooth. It started with a phone call, and to my amazement, everything was completed within 45 minutes. I had anticipated the process would take a few days at least, so it was a pleasant surprise to have it all done in one day.
The efficiency was due to my clear understanding of the course I wanted and my reasons for choosing Leeds Beckett. The gentleman on the other end of the phone was professional and guided me through each step. He asked about my A Level results and the subjects I had studied, as well as my interests and career goals. He then provided detailed information about the course structure, entry requirements, and what to expect as a student at Leeds Beckett. After confirming that I met the entry requirements, he made a verbal offer over the phone. I then logged into the UCAS Hub to refer myself to Leeds Beckett and waited for the confirmation to come through. The entire process was seamless, and the support I received made it feel straightforward and stress-free. While I recognise that this might not be the case for everyone, I believe most of the process should be straightforward and efficient as long as you know your name, what you’re interested in studying & your grades to hand! I couldn't have asked for a better, more stress-free experience.
What I love now I am here
While everyone's experience may vary, for me Leeds Beckett delivered on all fronts because of its strong reputation, excellent sporting facilities, ideal locations, and welcoming atmosphere. Returning to education after two years, I couldn't have asked for a better environment. The social aspect is fantastic. There are a variety of societies, sports clubs, and an incredibly diverse city. Leeds Beckett offers something for everyone. I was pretty introverted before taking my two years out, but during that time, I learned so much about myself and how to communicate with different types of people through my work. This experience significantly boosted my self-confidence. I know I wouldn't have joined half as many societies as I am part of now if it hadn't been for that period of personal growth. Over the last three years, I have been particularly impressed by the course structure and how clearly everything is laid out. The Leeds Law School team is exceptional; the professors, including barristers and solicitors, bring their professional experiences and stories into their teaching, which has greatly enriched my development as a student. Leeds Law School also offers excellent study abroad opportunities, with partner universities in Mauritius and Botswana. You can take a year out to study wherever you choose, which is an amazing opportunity. Leeds Beckett has been the perfect fit for me, and I couldn't have asked for a better university experience.
To students considering a gap year, I highly recommend it. However, it's important to stay productive during this time. Whether you're working or traveling the world, the skills you acquire—such as managerial experience or learning a new language—can enhance your academic journey. A gap year can also provide you with a broader perspective on life, giving you a personal advantage. For me, understanding the law in practice and seeing how it operates in the real world was fascinating and fuelled my passion for further studies. I can't stress enough the importance of doing your research: attend open days, UCAS fairs, and talk to people to get an idea of their experiences. Thorough research and preparation will give you a clearer picture and help ensure a smooth journey through the clearing process.
Finally, I was thrilled to be accepted to Leeds Beckett, because it was where I always wanted to go, but remember, everyone's experience is unique. It's all about how much effort you're willing to put into achieving your goals. I wish everyone applying the best of luck and hope the process leads you to where you are ultimately meant to be.
Daaniyal
Hi, I'm Daaniyal, a third-year Law student at Leeds Beckett University. After taking a two-year break from education to work full-time at McDonald's, where I became a manager, I applied to Leeds Beckett through Clearing. This experience allowed me to gain valuable skills and a fresh perspective. Now, I'm pursuing my passion for law and policing while actively participating in various societies and sports clubs at Leeds Beckett.
