My clearing experience
The night before results day, I decided to write down the phone numbers of universities offering clearing places for my course, just in case. This is where I came across Loughborough – along with my teacher who studied here and recommended it, Loughborough's proximity to home and strong rankings appealed to me.
I was stunned by how helpful Loughborough were throughout the whole clearing process; I couldn't have asked for a better experience. At the end of a very flustered call on results day, I asked if I could drive over that afternoon to have a look around campus. I was told that I was very welcome, and was even put in contact with an academic (Rob, who is now one of my lecturers) who was amazing. He dropped everything to show me and my dad around the whole department and campus.
Being only one mark away from securing my first (and only) choice, I had applied for a remark, so waiting for that and going through the clearing process was really stressful. I kept facing dilemmas as offers were expiring and the remark was taking forever. Talking it through with friends and family, as well as making pros and cons lists certainly helped rationalise things. Most importantly, speaking to people from the university was what really made a difference.
Organising accommodation was really simple. I thought there would be barely any options left, but there were loads from cheaper offerings to more expensive, shared bathrooms, ensuites, etc. My student digs worked out nicely in the end, and I’d recommend finding out where your lectures are and choosing a hall which is close by - you’ll appreciate the extra lie-in when you have a 9 am!
My advice to someone who is considering applying through clearing would be:
- Always look out for calls and emails from admissions staff, and if you have any questions or concerns, just get in touch and speak to someone at the university – it really helps. Even if it’s something you think is small, this is a new challenge and just because it may be obvious to someone else, doesn’t mean it is to you.
- Also, if you’re feeling a bit like an outsider (first of all, don’t!) just keep reminding yourself that you have absolutely earnt your place, and Loughborough really want you to be there. There is nothing inferior about coming through clearing, I rarely even think about it anymore.
- I guess it’s advice for university on the whole, but just engage in everything, say yes to everything, and integrate yourself within the Loughborough family. You’ll soon feel at home.
My Loughborough Experience
The experience on, and after, results day with how helpful and welcoming all the staff were really made me want to come to Loughborough. The campus looked great, and I just got the feeling that I’d get on well here.
I love the fact that in your first year, there is a strong emphasis on aircraft systems and design, where other universities may have a more generalised engineering introduction. It’s cool that we get to learn about the things we’re actually fascinated by, instead of just maths and physics. The guest lectures are really engaging so I’d say make sure you don’t miss those. Also, volunteering as a course rep was a good way to meet students and staff in my first year.
You are assigned your own personal tutor within the department which is super helpful, and I’ve found that mixing with people from the years above you can be one of the most useful things at university – they always have fantastic advice.
The most fun moments have certainly been whilst playing with the university big band, Tuxedo Swing. I’m so pleased I joined a society and would absolutely recommend it to anyone starting at university.
My advice for future students
If you know university is the right place for you, just go for it! You’ll have a good time wherever you end up, but to have the chance to study at Loughborough is special and you’ll love it.
If you’re not sure, visit the campus, talk to people here, talk to your teachers about where they went, and make sure you check out all the options. University can often seem to be the only route, but it’s certainly not for everyone and doesn’t have to be. Have a look at apprenticeships or even degree apprenticeships as they can be fantastic if you want to get working quickly.
You could even take a gap year, I know loads of people who decided to do that, and now they’re in a much better position knowing exactly what they’d like to do. There should be no pressure to dive into a degree if it doesn’t feel right!