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.

UCFB Etihad Campus student Sarah Makki, who’s studying BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism, explains how she found the Clearing process.

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

What circumstances led you to Clearing?

I used all five of my choices up before I found out about UCFB. I was too late to apply through UCAS as one of my five, so I decided to wait until August after receiving my results to make this great decision!

How did you find out about the Clearing process at UCFB?

After first receiving an email with information about the new campus in Manchester, I decided to attend an Open Day, and while there I talked to the Admissions team. I also attended the Open Day with a copy of my personal statement to give to the Admissions team.

How supportive and helpful was UCFB during the Clearing process?

The Clearing process was incredibly supportive and helpful; any questions I had were answered straight away.

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

Do your research! Out of the university degree options you have, research them each carefully. It’s important to know what you’re in for during your time in higher education.

Make a pros and cons list of each institution and see how they will help you get to the place you want to be in the future.

Don’t rush and make any irrational decisions, you’ll be spending at least three years there, so make the decisions carefully!

Choose something you know you’ll love. There’s no point sitting through higher education hating the subject.

How has your time at UCFB been so far?

It has been amazing, I can’t explain how much I love it here. It was definitely the right path for me. All the staff here are so supportive and it’s so easy to make friends as we all share a common interest – sport, of course! The emphasis on placements really motivates you to put the effort in so you succeed.

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

Don’t rush your decision. Know what you want at the end of your degree and research how that institution can help you get there. Also, don’t just choose somewhere because your friends are going there too. It’s important to make decisions that will benefit you in the long run, not just for a few years. As I mentioned earlier, it’s easy to make friends when you are all passionate about sport.