‘Clearing provided me with more opportunities than I could have imagined’
Anisha Chauhan, BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies tells us about her journey
IT’S that time of year when A-level students will be receiving their results and stress levels are high as grades are required for their first-choice university.
I went through this same journey and let’s just say I found it beyond difficult!
A-levels were not for me. I struggled with exams and found the two years draining and tedious. I managed to persevere though, and here I am now studying Primary Education at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Cardiff Met was a choice that I had kept in mind, but I decided to decline because I wasn’t sure which university to go with for my second choice. But when results day didn’t go as planned and I needed to find a university place through clearing, it seemed like a good place to start.
Going through clearing was quite frightening at first, as I didn’t know what to expect; I’d only briefly looked at the university, and was not aware of where my lectures or seminars would be held, or what exactly it had to offer for my course.
My other big concern was the accommodation aspect – where was I going to stay?
Fortunately, the admissions team I spoke with was a huge help in terms of guidance and support. It helped to make my experience before coming to the university as positive and stress free as possible.
I also had time to consider the options for accommodation and chose where I thought was best based on the pictures and information online. At this point, I felt slightly relieved but still a little on edge; moving to a new city can be daunting.
Fast forward a couple of months and the moving day marked on the calendar had finally come around. I settled in to my new accommodation well, and made friends on the first day.
Then it came to the real thing – finding out what the course entailed and being introduced to the tutors. It was challenging at first, but as it started to become more of a routine, I began to enjoy my course and the work that went with it.
Everything clearly happens for a reason, because studying in Cardiff has been such a positive experience, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time so far. I’ve made new friends, and my course has provided more opportunities than I ever imagined.
I’ve just finished my second year. It’s been slightly more difficult but having the opportunity to do my placement in a special school and work with children as part of the course makes it all worthwhile – it’s reminded me why I am doing this degree.
A-level results day is a stressful time of year. My advice would be not to doubt yourself based on what you can’t achieve – think about what you can and work from there.
It’s easier said than done, but the stress is only short-term and if your experience is anything like mine, it will work out better in the long run.
Clearing is not a bad path to follow – enjoying the next chapter of your life is the main thing.