Eve Davies

Why did you enter Clearing?

I had applied to a few universities closer to home to study Biology however I had a change of heart about wanting to live out at a campus-based university, rather than living at home. When I received my A-Level results, my grades didn’t meet the requirements for my first-choice university offer so I decided to enter the Clearing process. Now moving away from home had become a priority for myself, I saw it as an opportunity to apply to a campus-based university where I live away. I didn’t originally apply to Edge Hill as one of my choices, but I’m glad that I had the chance to apply to it through Clearing.

What was your perception of Clearing before you went through it?

Before going through the process myself, I would say I had an unjustified negative view of Clearing. I think I had a preconceived misconception that it was an extremely stressful process where you didn’t have much choice in the courses or universities that were offered to you.

What factors made you settle on the course you chose?

After researching online, I decided to apply for Edge Hill as the module choices on the course were so diverse. Personally, I was indecisive about what particular area of Biology that I wanted to study, so I wanted a degree where I would get a taste of a range of topics in the biosciences area. The teaching facilities and wider opportunities also persuaded me as it was clear Edge Hill had a wide range of modern technology and opportunities for experience, such as studying abroad and industry placements which were included in the course.

Did you do any research about Clearing prior to receiving your results to prepare?

I had done a bit of research about Clearing prior to receiving my results as I was uncertain about one of my A Level grades, so I wanted to be sure I was prepared in case I was rejected by my first-choice offer. Leading up to results day I was also having second thoughts about the location and type of university I could picture myself in. I originally thought I would fit in at a city-based university where I could commute and live at home, but as results day approached, I decided I wanted a quieter campus-based university instead with the option of on-campus accommodation. I hadn’t originally considered Edge Hill as one of my initial university choices but through my research online before results day it was on my radar as a place that I might enjoy.

Did you attend a Clearing Open Day and, if so, how was it?

I unfortunately didn’t attend a Clearing Open Day and I was unable to attend any virtual Open Day events, however I did engage with Edge Hill’s social media content on Instagram and YouTube which I found extremely informative. There was a lot of online information from Edge Hill about the Clearing process and key dates and deadlines which I found really useful, as well as information about the courses and accommodation available. On YouTube there were some great videos interviewing students about their courses and general university life which I found really engaging. I also found it really useful that they clearly presented the telephone numbers for the clearing line, accommodation and more as it ensured you would get through to the right person as quickly as possible which made the Clearing process much easier.

Was there a specific reason you chose to apply to Edge Hill in Clearing?

Other than the course modules, the location and campus also persuaded me to apply. I was really attracted to the smaller yet lively town of Ormskirk which has great transport links into Liverpool, as well as the modern campus that offers up-to-date facilities and impressive accommodation. After speaking to friends and family about Edge Hill, there was also lots of positive feedback about its teaching style, campus support and campus life which made me more secure that Edge Hill was a good choice for myself.

How did you find the process of applying to Edge Hill in Clearing?

I honestly found the process of applying to Edge Hill in Clearing extremely positive. Although it was an emotional time for me when I didn’t get into my first-choice university, I genuinely can’t praise the Clearing staff enough for how they guided me through the process of applying. Before talking to Edge Hill through Clearing I had spoken to a couple of other universities where their process just seemed very rushed and, in all honesty, a bit disheartening as it appeared that I couldn’t do the course I wanted to. However, I rang up the Edge Hill university clearing line and they tried their best to accommodate what course I wanted to do as well as on-campus accommodation for myself. The staff were professional but sympathetic and I think they truly understood how much of a stressful time this could be for a first-generation university student like myself. They calmly talked me through the process of changing my offer on UCAS and were promptly available when problems or questions arose. There wouldn’t be anything I would want to change about this process and, again, I genuinely can’t praise Edge Hill’s Clearing process enough as its singlehandedly changed my view about Clearing itself.

Did you find a place to live easily?

Even though I received a relatively late offer through Clearing, I was still offered on-campus accommodation. I understand this may not be the case for some people as accommodation through Clearing isn’t guaranteed but for myself, I was offered an en-suite accommodation option that was on my preference list.

Have you enjoyed your course and time at university so far?

I have really enjoyed my course and time at university so far. Clearing was the best decision for me personally as I feel like I’ve gained so much educationally, socially and in life skills. I have really enjoyed my first year as there’s been lots of trips and field studies. For example, I recently went on a week-long field trip to Cyprus for one of my modules which was an amazing experience. I’m also finding the lectures and teaching style of my course thoroughly enjoyable as it offers supported independence as well as a variety of online and in person resources to make sure the content is fully understood. I’ve also had an amazing time socially at university as there is always something to do on campus including a variety of social teams and clubs to get involved in as well as events like Wednesday Social run by the Student’s Union, which is a great campus night out and a good way to meet new people.

What advice would you give to students who find themselves in Clearing?

My advice for students who find themselves in Clearing is firstly, don’t panic. There are so many people in the same position and it’s honestly not as bad as misconceptions make it out to be. Stay true to what you want in a university but also be ready to take on any suggestions. Remember that the process is about finding the best university to suit you, not the misconception of Clearing that it’s just to fill seats. For myself, Clearing was almost like a second chance to pick the right university for me, and I can wholeheartedly say that it paid off.