Alix Walters, BSc (Hons) Psychology

AFTER receiving offers to study psychology from all the universities I had applied to, and just as I was getting my head around the idea of going to uni, results day happened. I hadn’t got the grades I needed for either my firm or insurance choice.

After more than a few tears, I knew that not getting the results I needed was not the end of the world – however much it may have felt like it at the time – and that it was better to have as many options as possible.

So, the task of calling as many universities as possible through their clearing helplines began.

I knew I liked Cardiff as a city and that I didn’t want to be too far from home, so I began calling universities in the surrounding area. Cardiff Met was the only university that allowed me to speak directly to the head of my prospective course, allowing all of my questions to be answered accurately and directly. In the end, this is what helped me to make my decision.

I wanted to double check that this was the right decision for me, so I went to a clearing open day which was so reassuring and helpful. I ended up being shown around the campus by a student who had just finished her degree in psychology, and spookily was also from the same place as me! Although this was a massive coincidence, all the current students and staff I met that day were just as happy to answer all of my questions on student life.

I am now loving university life and have since become a student ambassador working at various events with the uni all over Cardiff. I also took part in a cultural exchange with my course to Athens, which I really enjoyed.

After my experience of clearing I would say that although in the moment it does feel like the end of the world, it’s really not! The most important thing is not to panic and remember that there are still so many options open to you – try to see clearing as an opportunity rather than a last resort.