My clearing experience
The whole process was much simpler to than I had been told. It was a busy morning phoning different universities but I left with 7 different university offers for me to choose, including Loughborough which was essentially an "upgrade" from the foundation course I had been offered as my insurance. The process of obtaining an offer from Loughborough was very simple, quick and hassle free.
My biggest challenge from clearing was choosing my university from the offers I had received, as deciding your university in a short space of time can be scary. Many universities offered an extra clearing visit day which I attended for a handful of my offers to solidify my choice.
Clearing is not and does not need to be a scary place. I remember leaving with multiple offers and receiving calls from current students at some of the universities, offering help and advice for me to choose the university that felt right for me. If you are applying through clearing, some advice I would give is:
- Make note of which universities offer your course
- Are you fixed on one specific course or flexible to consider something slightly different?
- Prepare a methodical approach, which universities do you want to target first?
- When you have an offer move on to another university unless it is an offer you want. From receiving the offer, you usually have a few days to decide.
- If available, attend clearing visit days to make sure you see the university you end up attending.
My Loughborough experience
I have always enjoyed the practical aspects of my course, one of which being a flight test in a Saab 340 aircraft, collecting a real flight data and comparing this to taught theory. I also enjoyed the flexibility to study language modules as well as being able to tailor my module choices based on my passions in later years.
The main support services I used for my course were the Maths Learning Support Centre and The Careers Network which supported me to secure a placement at GE Aerospace. My personal tutor and department admins were also helpful in answering any course related queries.
I joined my department committee as a Social Student Involvement Officer as well as the Vice Chair where I was able to support many fellow students and welcoming them, whilst getting the opportunity to work on amazing volunteering projects and the inter-department sports events!
I was also on the Loughborough University Motorsport Team working on the Formula Student car. I worked up to lead aerodynamicist which continually challenged and pushed my engineering abilities, but equally invaluable for career prospects and good fun too. More recently I joined the roller hockey society where I enjoyed learning a new sport and meeting some amazing people!
My placement experience
I went on placement between my third and fourth year. I worked for GE Aerospace as a Systems Engineer Intern in the Power Distribution team for 13 months.
My department sent through regular reminders of applicable jobs to apply for, noting the application deadlines. They also pass on information of current students at the company you want to apply for to give you advice during the application process. The Careers Network team offer CV guidance, mock interviews and assessment centres.
During my placement, the most memorable and challenging aspect was supporting customers through a week of rigorous testing. The tests went exceptionally well, as we not only passed all their checks but also exceeded expectations. The customers were highly impressed with our level of engineering ability, praising our team's performance.
From this placement, I am now on the 2-year graduate engineering scheme at GE Aerospace. In the future, I wish to become a chartered engineer (CEng) and work designing and developing aircraft for the future, helping to reduce the environmental impact of air travel. I believe the skills obtained from my course will help me along the road of professional registration.
My advice to future students
Loughborough University feels like a family! There is never nothing to do! The course is challenging at times and has a lot of contact hours compared to other courses but equally means less self-study is required in the initial years. The course has a lot of practical aspects which are both fun but teach essential industry skills.
Loughborough University has so much to offer you will never be bored. There are so many ways to make new friends through the years and with most things in life you get out what you put in.