I went to school in a low socio-economic area, where few of my student friends would progress to higher education. Despite this, I knew that I wanted to pursue a degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering that was close to my friends and family in London. However, when I missed the entry requirements in maths at my first-choice University, I went home and started the clearing process.
Through clearing I contacted the Universities at the top of my list. I was recommended Loughborough University by a friend and so I researched how it ranked in league tables. It was its teaching quality, links with industry, central location, amazing campus and offering of catered accommodation that influenced by decision.
During clearing, I spoke to a member of the Loughborough University academic team who talked me through the course content and what to expect in the coming years, and the course matched my interests and future career aspirations. I then received a verbal offer over the phone that guaranteed my place.
My experience of organising accommodation after securing my place in clearing was very simple, and it exceeded my expectations. I did not expect to receive any accommodation on campus at this late stage but there was still some available that suited my needs, and so I was pleasantly surprised that everything worked out. Whilst it may be a very fast paced and emotional event for some, I can confidently say that I found clearing straightforward because I contacted Universities immediately after I found out my results.