Why did you apply through Clearing?
I had accepted an offer to go to a different university but I have a disability that had flared up and impacted my A-Level exams. When I got my results, I had missed out on my predicted grades.
My teacher told me to look at Clearing.
How did you find the experience?
Stressful at first. I only sort of knew what Clearing was - it had been mentioned by my school as a possibility but I was pretty much left to my own devices on results day.
Looking for courses and calling universities was a bit of a daunting experience. I felt like I was in limbo, not knowing where I was going to end up.
Then I called Edinburgh Napier and was immediately more at ease. I got through pretty quickly and the volunteer on the phone line talked me through the courses I was looking at.
He gave me an offer right there on the call and, by the end of the day, I was able to go out and celebrate with my family. I was going to university!
What made Edinburgh Napier stand out?
I had heard about the university since I have a cousin here but it wasn’t really at the front of my mind. I spent a lot of time on Google and trying to phone other universities.
I really didn’t want to end up going somewhere or doing a course that I didn’t like, just for the sake of it. But then the Edinburgh Napier website caught my eye.
The page was so bright and informative. It championed Clearing as another route to higher education, in total contrast to how my school had treated it before, which had me expecting something negative and scary.
Reading the stories of students at different stages of their lives and education who had gone through Clearing made me realise it wasn’t anything to be ashamed of. It’s actually quite a common process.
The law course I looked at seemed to suit me perfectly and, after I called the phone line, I was sure I wanted to study here.
Did moving to Scotland present any extra challenges?
I initially thought I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere in accommodation since I was so late in applying. However, it got sorted out quickly and I really loved my first year flat!
Student finance was also a bit of a worry since I had been all set up to go to an English university. The team at Edinburgh Napier gave me some advice and it was a simple transition after that.
What advice do you have for new students going through Clearing?
Don’t be afraid of the Clearing process. There is a course out there for you - you just need to get stuck in and keep searching.
Of course it can feel scary if your results day takes a similar turn as mine did but there’s no reason to think Clearing is a bad thing. It helped me to where I am now and I’m loving it here!