Did your results make the grade?

Clearing tips and advice

Prepare Preparation is key when facing the clearing process. You might think you only need to ‘cross that bridge when you get there’ but taking the time to do some research ahead of results day will guarantee a less stressful situation. Look into all the universities that offer the subject you’re interested in ahead of results day so you have plenty of options to choose from.

Start now Clearing is already open and most universities will list which courses they have places on. Look out for the courses you’re interested in, don’t be surprised if you come across other exciting courses at universities you hadn’t considered until now. There’s plenty of choice!

Pick up the phone Don’t be afraid to talk to a university to see if they have availability in the courses you’re interested in. It gives you the perfect chance to collate all the information you need before making your choice.

Keep an open mind Don’t be scared to widen your horizons. Even if you have the grades for your first choice, you might spot a course more suited to you or that you are more interested in and you can change your mind. Clearing isn’t just for those who haven’t got the marks needed. If you pick a course that you love the sound of, chances are you’ll end up loving that university more than your initial choice.

Don’t stress! Health and mental well-being is particularly important during stressful times. The more prepared you are the less panicked you’ll feel on the day – and the more likely you are to make a rational and wellinformed decision! Check out Bath Spa University’s Youtube channel for our guide to wellbeing, including top tips on how to relax, concentrate and sleep better… ahhh!

Coping with stress: A-level results day and clearing If you are feeling frazzled in the run up to A-level results day and the prospect of having to go through clearing, Bath Spa has some useful hints and tips which will help you de-stress and cope with the pressure of making the right decision.

Calm your breathing When we are stressed we tend to breathe faster, take shallower breaths and breathe in more oxygen than the body needs, causing the natural balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide to be disrupted. Before you open your results or make that first call to a university, slow your breathing right down. Take a breath in through the nose for four seconds, hold it for two and exhale for six. Repeat this four times to bring your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels back into balance.

Be mindful Stress also means our thoughts can become quite negative and feel as though they are spinning out of control. Often we will be worrying about the future or ruminating over the past, but the power can be taken out of these thoughts by being aware of the present moment. By being mindful and connecting with the present moment, observing our thoughts, feelings and sensations non-judgmentally, we can become more directly aware of them and better able to manage them.

Exercise Physical activity plays a critical role in the reduction of stress – go for a brisk walk, hit the gym or go for a run. Exercise is proven to help our mental health and will help clear your mind so you can make rational and informed decisions on the day.

Eat a healthy diet As with exercise, there are strong links between what we eat and how we feel. The government’s campaign for five-a-day isn’t just good for our physical health but it is crucially important for our mental health. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and drinking lots of water for at least a week before you get your results and you’ll be surprised at how it affects your ability to cope with stress and pressure.

Start a journal Research has shown that writing down both current and historical issues has a positive impact on wellbeing. Write to clarify your thoughts, know yourself better, reduce stress and frustration, solve problems and resolve disagreements with others. You can keep what you have written to look back and reflect on, or each day you can rip up what you have written. Write quickly without concern for spelling or punctuation as this frees up your brain from ‘shoulds’ and other blocks. Writing can be a powerful tool in unlocking emotional distress and is perfect to de-stress before results day.

As part of its efforts to help students and prospective students cope with exam pressure, Bath Spa University sent them mindfulness videos, highlighting its commitment to supporting students before they even arrive on campus. Sara Gallagher, head of student support at Bath Spa University, said: “Helping students – even before they join us - to develop skills they can use to reduce stress is a real priority for us, and these easy to follow guides support that aim.”

The practical stuff Here’s some practical information to help get you through results day!

■ Bath Spa University clearing helplines is open from 7.30am-7.30pm on August 16 on 01225 875 550

■ Visit www.Bathspa.ac.uk/clearing for a full list of courses or ask a question @Bathspauni

■ University of Bath clearing information and courses can be found at www.bath.ac.uk/clearing

■ The University of Bath helpline will be open from 7am-5pm on Thursday 16 August and 8am-5pm on Friday 17 August on 01225 430202.