Clearing Q&A with student Suraiya
Suraiya Mahmud
Computer Science BSc(Hons)
I'm Suraiya and I applied to Huddersfield through Clearing so I could be closer to home and my friends and family.
How would you describe what Clearing is to someone applying to university?
Clearing gives you a second chance of getting accepted into a university . In some cases, people use such opportunity to switch courses or universities. It can also be used if you’re applying to university for the first time. In my case specifically, it was an opportunity that allowed me to switch the university I wanted to attend.
Why did you apply through Clearing?
I applied via Clearing because I wanted to attend a university that was more local to me. The university I initially got into was far away and would require a lot of time either commuting or a lot of money staying nearby and renting. This was something I did not want since I wanted to stay near my family or friends.
How did you research your Clearing options, such as which course and which university?
I researched universities that were closer and easier to travel to from where I lived. Then I researched the modules that would be within the course I wanted to apply for, since I knew I wanted to still pursue Computer Science. I then concluded that Huddersfield was the university perfect for that since it had modules I was intrigued about, such as “Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming” which gave me an opportunity to learn a new programming language called Java, applying principles I was familiar with but never applied when previously coding. The University was also recommended to me by a friend.
Some students are nervous about calling universities to apply through Clearing - what was your experience of making that call?
I believe it's nothing to be afraid of now I’ve been through it. Initially I too was afraid of calling the Clearing team. I even asked a friend to be there for support since I was unsure on how to explain the situation and was worried it might have been a very lengthy process, but in the end, it was a very straightforward call.
Firstly, I asked them if they had any space for their Computer Science course which they answered with a yes. Then, they asked me about my grades in all my subjects, and remained patient and accommodating with me, while I found such results, even answering any questions I had amongst the call such as if they considered EPQ as a subject.
How long did it take for you to get your offer at Huddersfield?
I got my offer instantly. They emailed me straight after the call with my acceptance into the University and only required me to reject my offer from the university I wanted to transfer from and to accept the Huddersfield offer.
What advice would you give to someone applying through Clearing?
To not be afraid. It is completely normal to feel nervous however, the team is very helpful, kind and only want the best for you. Even if you have or don't have an offer, it is never too late to decide what you want to do and look at alternative options if you are not fully confident or happy with your current ones.
If you do end up calling the Clearing team do make sure to double- check to ask if they have space within the course you’re applying for - such information can be found on the UCAS website and the University’s own website, as well as having your grades ready.
How’s your university experience been so far?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time within the University. There have been many events I have gotten to be a part of, such as the University’s Hackathon. I enjoy my modules, they have taught me a lot. For example, my Relational Database and Web Integration module which taught me the fundamentals of creating front-end designs for websites allowing me to utilise HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
The support from the University has also helped tremendously since it has have a policy where it responds to emails within two days, so it is easy to ask for assistance and guidance.
Finally, being able to share my experiences and work on behalf of the University as a Student Ambassador is something I love since it has given me the ability to meet new faces, and work amongst different people who I cherish dearly.
Which University?
Read more articles from current students at Huddersfield describing how they chose their course and why.
Student life in Huddersfield
What is life like as a student in Huddersfield? Hear it straight from our current students as they write about their student experience.
If you're thinking of applying to Huddersfield this summer, you can find lots of helpful information on our Clearing Support pages.
