Clearing is an opportunity for students to make sure they get a place on a degree programme that excites them at an institution that will help them achieve all of their goals. It is not limited to those who did not manage to obtain a place at their first choice institution.

Below, UCFB Wembley student Sam Smith, who’s studying BA (Hons) Football Business & Media, explains how he found the Clearing process.

Call our Clearing hotline on 0300 737 5800 to apply now!

What circumstances led you to Clearing?

I was planning to go onto a course at another institution which was cancelled due to lack of interest and after that had decided not to go back into higher education. I received an email from UCAS and just happened to open it and saw that it was advertising courses at UCFB which was something I was immediately interested in. So it was quite a sudden and late process of deciding to change my plans and attend.

How did you find the Clearing process at UCFB?

The process through Clearing with UCFB was very simple and quick. I found it quite easy to make the decision to attend once finding out more about the course and the place. The staff were very personal and helpful in guiding me through the process. I was put in contact quickly with the right people who could answer any questions that I had.

If someone is offered a place at UCFB through Clearing and has to make a decision quickly, what would your advice be to them?

You need to get as much information as possible through the website or by contacting staff. If possible, speaking to current or former students would massively help in that situation.

If someone has just found out about UCFB through Clearing and only has a few weeks to plan the move, what top tips would you give them?

Get in touch as soon as you can so that you can find out as much as possible about the degrees to help make your decision, and ask to speak to lecturers or module leaders, I was put in touch with one of the senior academics who greatly helped me make a decision.

How has your time at UCFB been so far?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first year at UCFB. The module content has been good and it’s brilliant to be able to talk to lecturers about topics that don’t feel like work because they are so interesting. UCFB is in contrast to when I previously studied at a different institution, as it’s a lot more personal and feels more adaptive and willing to listen to student input.