Why did you apply through Clearing?
I started looking at applying quite late into the year and I thought all the applications would have been submitted and everyone would have a place already.
Clearing wasn't something I was aware of until I came to a drop-in session at Edinburgh Napier. The lecturer I spoke to explained that it was another way to come to university.
I thought it was going to be so complicated. It wasn’t, it was super easy. You get support every step of the way.
How did you find the experience?
I thought it was fantastic. The team at Edinburgh Napier went through it very thoroughly to make sure I had everything I needed.
Once you’ve got all your documents and qualifications together, it’s dead easy. The application is simple to fill out online and if you get stuck you can phone UCAS. They’ve got advisers to help you g through the process, especially at that time of year.
I thought ‘I’m a mature student, how am I going to do this? I thought it was going to be hard and difficult but it wasn’t.
What was it like to start a degree as a mature student?
To my surprise, it was great. There’s a good mix of individuals on the course from all different ages, ethnicities and backgrounds, and all in the same frame of mind. We’re all here for the same reasons.
I actually think you can bring an extra perspective as a mature student, since you also have some life experience. Even if it’s from a different field, it’s all skills that are transferable for university.
Would you recommend Clearing to other mature learners?
I fully recommend it - it’s the best thing you could do. I'm really happy that I took that chance and came through Clearing because this is the best decision I ever made.
Clearing doesn’t make you any less than anybody else, it’s not because you’re not good enough. You’re excellent, you’re amazing - this is just another path to get in.
If you need help you can just approach the Admissions team and they will support you. That’s what made the transition so easy for me.