Clearing - Dos and Don’ts from a former hotline employee
During my time as an Architecture Student I was employed as a Student Ambassador for the university. This meant helping out with various events such as open days, presentations and yes, Clearing. This post is just to share some quick Do’s and Dont’s to get through the system as quickly and as easily as possible!
DO: Be prepared for the day - read my previous blog post for tips on what you need and and what to do
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DON’T: Have someone else call for you. Nothing was more frustrating than talking to a parent/guardian, family member or friend who didn’t have all the information about their student. If for whatever reason it’s necessary, give the person talking on your behalf them everything you have - student number, UCAS number, UCAS login details etc.
DO: Ask for advice or guidance if you need it. You will be making some big decisions that will have an impact on your future and in the rush of Results Day, extra support from UCAS directly, a teacher from your school or a family member can be incredibly helpful.
DON’T: Wait around to get everything sorted. Whether you’re going through Adjustment or Clearing, get what you need to do out of the way. The temptation is to get your grades and then either go out and celebrate or drown ones sorrows but the system will not wait for you, universities have limited spaces and if you miss your chance, you might have to wait another year!
DO: Sort out your accomodation. If your original space at your university has now been confirmed and you now have an ‘Unconditional’ double check your accommodation booking. If you either didn’t book your accommodation with an unconditional or you now have an unconditional from a different university get that accommodation sorted ASAP!
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DON’T: Panic about your place. I am a serial panicker so I know it’s not as easy as just deciding not to panic but try your best to be as calm as possible! Results day is just about using the grades you have to get you into a university that is the best fit for you. You might call the first university on your list and get a place or you might go through 5 universities until you get your place. Important thing is to stay calm, your telephone calls to universities will go quicker and smoother if you are able to relay the necessary information to the person on the phone.
