Hi everyone! My name is Remie, and I’m currently a third-year Psychology BSc student at the University of Exeter. As I write this, I’m preparing for graduation, wrapping up my dissertation, and looking back on everything that brought me here. But it wasn’t so long ago that I was in a very different place – fresh out of high school, anxiously awaiting results day, and uncertain about what would come next.
What I didn’t know then was that my university journey would begin not with the traditional UCAS route, but through Clearing. At the time, it felt like everything was going wrong. But looking back now, I can say with full confidence that Clearing led me exactly where I was meant to be. So if you’re feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or just curious about what Clearing is really like, I hope sharing my experience will bring you some reassurance, encouragement, and practical advice.
Results Day: The Moment Everything Changed
Like many students, I had a vision in mind of how things were supposed to go. I had my firm and insurance university choices on UCAS lined up, and I’d been working hard throughout Sixth Form to meet those entry requirements. But after sitting my A-level exams, I had a gut feeling things didn’t quite go to plan.
On results day, I went into school early because I just knew I hadn’t performed my best. My instincts were right: I didn’t meet the grades for my firm choice. That moment hit me hard. It’s completely normal to feel emotional. I cried, and honestly, I’m glad I did. It helped me process everything instead of bottling it up. After that initial wave of emotion, I gathered myself and went to speak to my Higher Education counsellor. I’m so grateful he was there that day; having someone supportive by your side really helps you stay grounded – whether that’s a member of staff at your school, parent or carer or even a good friend. We sat down and looked through UCAS Clearing options together.
Navigating Clearing: Practical Steps That Helped
Clearing can feel chaotic at first. Suddenly, you’re searching through university options all over again, this time under time pressure. But if you approach it calmly and strategically, you’ll be surprised by how smooth it can be. Here are some practical steps I took that made a big difference:
- Be prepared with your grades and documents. Before making any calls or filling out forms, I made sure I had my grades ready, both on paper and as a PDF on my phone. Some universities ask for a quick run-through of your subjects and results, so having that information easily accessible makes the process less stressful.
- Call around, but stay focused. I rang multiple universities to see what options were available. This part can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not used to making official calls. But the admissions teams I spoke to were kind, helpful, and understanding. They know you’re under pressure and are there to support you. Some universities also offer online Clearing forms, which can be much easier if you’re not confident speaking over the phone. That’s actually what I did with Exeter – I filled in a quick online form on their website.
- The Exeter experience: smooth and supportive. Out of all the universities I contacted, the process with Exeter stood out for how easy it was. I submitted my form online on results day, and the very next morning I received an offer through UCAS. It felt like such a weight had been lifted. I didn’t hesitate – I accepted it immediately. If you’re reading this ahead of results day and want to be proactive, I highly recommend bookmarking the Clearing section on Exeter’s website so it’s easy to find: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/clearing/
Making a Last-Minute Decision: Using Social Media for Research
Because everything happened so quickly, I didn’t get the chance to visit Exeter before accepting the offer. That’s where social media became my best friend. I turned to YouTube and TikTok to get a sense of what student life at Exeter looked like – what the campus was like, how the town felt, what students thought about their courses. I even searched hashtags like #ExeterUni and #ClearingSuccess to see real student perspectives. While it’s not the same as walking the campus in person, these videos helped me visualize my future and get excited about starting fresh. If you’re in the same position, Exeter’s student-run Instagram account, @exeterunilife, is a great place to start.
Arriving at Exeter as an International Student: Challenges and Triumphs
Moving to university is a big deal for anyone – but as an international student, it felt even more daunting. Because I went through Clearing, I had to apply for my visa much later than usual. The processing time took longer than expected, and although it arrived in time for me to start my course, instead of flying to the UK with my mum like I’d planned, I had to travel from Thailand on my own. It was pretty scary: I didn’t know anyone here yet, and everything felt unfamiliar. But that moment of independence was also incredibly empowering. My flatmates were so welcoming – they helped me buy the essentials from town and made me feel less alone. That kindness meant the world to me.
If you’re an international student going through Clearing, here are a few tips that helped me settle in quickly:
- Make a shopping list before you arrive. This helped me stay focused and avoid panic-buying.
- Order online in advance, if possible. You can have essentials delivered straight to your accommodation – just make sure they don’t contain food, as reception can’t accept those packages.
- Bring plug adapters, documents, and sentimental things from home, especially photos so that you can quickly decorate your space and settle right in.
Settling In: Embracing Campus Life
Once I arrived and moved into my accommodation, I started exploring campus. Exeter is a campus university, which I personally love. Everything is within walking distance, and the city centre is only a short stroll away. That closeness made everything feel more connected and manageable, especially in those early weeks when everything feels a bit overwhelming. I booked myself onto campus tours and made an effort to attend events during Welcome Week. It was such a great way to meet people, learn where things were, and slowly start building my routine. I also reached out for support when I needed it. There are so many resources available – from wellbeing services to academic mentors – and it’s worth familiarising yourself with them early on. No one expects you to have everything figured out from day one, and Exeter really wants to help you thrive.
Academics and Belonging: Finding My Place
Academically, I couldn’t be happier with my choice. Psychology BSc at Exeter is such a stimulating and rewarding course. I’m constantly being challenged, and I’ve learned from some of the leading researchers in the field. There’s also a strong focus on practical research skills, which has been amazing for my personal development. But more than just the academics, I found a sense of belonging here. There are so many societies, student groups, and cultural communities that help make Exeter feel like home. As a woman of colour and an international student, it meant a lot to find spaces where I could be seen, heard, and celebrated.
The life I’ve created here is one I once only have dreamed of during the stressful A-level days. I just didn’t know that dream would come true through the Clearing route – and I’m so grateful that it did.
Final Thoughts: You’ll End Up Where You’re Meant to Be
If you take anything from my story, I hope it’s this: going through Clearing is not a sign of failure. It’s just another path – one that many students, myself included, take to find where they truly belong. Yes, it’s scary. Yes, it can feel overwhelming at the moment. But once the dust settles, you might just find that everything worked out even better than expected. Stay calm, lean on the people around you, and remember that your worth isn’t defined by a single set of grades. You are capable, resilient, and deserving of a fulfilling university experience – no matter how you get there. And who knows? Maybe, like me, you’ll look back one day and feel nothing but gratitude that things turned out exactly as they did.