My University Clearing Experience

Ben Hinchliffe

Psychology BSc(Hons)

Hello, my name is Ben. I’m from West Yorkshire and I’m a Psychology student now getting ready to go into second year.

A different path to university

My experience of joining university was not like the majority of other people’s, because I joined through Clearing and was classed as a mature student! I had underperformed at A Levels due to life distractions and had no intention of going to university, and no idea of what I wanted to study if I did.

I worked throughout the Covid pandemic until I realised I wanted something different for myself, that I was capable of more and wanted to prove that to myself.

With the grades I had I knew I would have to do a foundation year, so I applied and sent my Personal Statement in January and was accepted to do ‘Psychology with Foundation year’ at one of my university choices.

However, that summer my best friend George, a student at the University of Huddersfield, got a job at the University’s Clearing helpline. With his new knowledge, he found out that I could get into the University through Clearing, and without completing a foundation year! This would be much more convenient as Huddersfield was closer than my other choices.

Making the Clearing call

I knew what I had to do. I was hesitant and anxious, but I called the Clearing helpline the next day and told them my situation, my grades and achievements, and what I wanted to do.

It took a couple of days to figure out my complicated situation, but I knew that I had back-up options and that this was worth a shot, whether it worked out or not.

Student Ben Hinchcliffe leans on a wall with graffiti artwork of the word 'pride'

Ben Hinchliffe went through the Clearing process to get his place on his Psychology BSc(Hons) course

Helpline staff put my mind at rest

I felt very anxious as it seemed like my future relied on this exact moment. To ease my nerves a little, I called the Clearing helpline again where Charlotte and Rachel were very kind, encouraging and helpful in letting me know that these situations were more common than I thought.

I received an email confirming my opportunity to enrol at the University of Huddersfield and happily accepted! It took a couple of days for UCAS to show the confirmed offer but when it did, I was over the moon! Before I had applied I wish I knew how easy and stress-free the process would be and how worthwhile it would be!

A pink and blue graphic saying 'Places available in Clearing. Call our friendly team now on 0333 987 9000'

Joining a university through Clearing can be looked upon negatively, but in reality it is an extremely beneficial opportunity for many people to access a higher tier of education - and at the end of the day, we’ll all be in the same classes and reaching the same heights!

Clearing top tips

My top tip for applying through Clearing would be to be prepared before you call the Clearing helpline. Have all your personal details to hand, plus your results, your GCSE maths and English scores, what courses you are interested in, and anything else you think may be relevant.

This will make the process easier for you and the Clearing helpline staff as they can quickly input your details and determine what the next step is.

Remember to check when the Clearing helpline is open too!

Good luck with your results, and remember, if the first path to achieving your goals is blocked, there is always another way around.

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