"I never thought of myself as being smart enough for university and I thought that I had missed the sign-up date, but after looking at the University of Plymouth website I found out what Clearing is and decided to take my chances."
University could be right for you – even if you haven’t previously thought so
After setbacks from events out of his control, Josh found that Clearing was the way to let him do what he loves
A change of plans
Through college I studied music, obtaining two diplomas in Music Audio and Technology.
However, I had my mind set on going into the ambulance service as a paramedic. This all changed when the NHS went on strike and suddenly, I found myself without any training to attend and no idea what to do next.
This is where the idea of doing what I loved and going to university came into play.
I never thought of myself as being smart enough for university and I thought that I had missed the sign-up date, but after looking at the University of Plymouth website I found out what Clearing is and decided to take my chances.
Do what you love
My application was successful, and it's the best thing I have ever done.
With my start in audio technology, I decided a more computing-based subject would be best for me, and I decided to study computer science so I could gain a better understanding of how software is made rather than just using it.
An easy application
When I applied through Clearing it happened so quickly, it was all over in about two weeks. After calling the University I was then able to apply like any other student would and, soon enough, I had received a letter from the University saying I had gotten a place, which of course made me incredibly happy! From there I received emails about accommodation (which was a breeze to secure) and all the information on my course.
No judgement
Throughout my time in first year here, I have been treated no different to any other student at the University.
The topic of how we got into uni doesn't come up very often but when it does, and I explain I had to go through Clearing, there is no judgement or bad comments at all; everyone here is in the same boat.
In the future, I want to go into cyber security, and I want to work in the agricultural sector. With farmers using more and more technology year-on-year, I want to be able to help protect their online presence and data so that the people who feed the country are not at risk of losing the money and the valuable crops they grow.
A typical day in my first year at university
10:00–10:45 Get ready for the day
10:45–11:00 Make my way to my lecture/lab
11:00–13:00 Lecture 1
13:00–15:00 Lecture 2
15:00–16:00 Break
16:00–20:00 Go home to do coursework, tests or quizzes
20:00–22:00 Meet up with the Ski Society and hit the slopes
22:00–23:00 After-ski drinks
Josh's top tips for Clearing:
- Stay calm. There is time – the University will make time for you.
- Keep communicating. Keep in touch with the University and follow up with your application if you need to.
- Make sure you know what you want to do. There is time but you may not have loads of time to change course.
Could Clearing be for you?
If you’re worried about your university place, you don’t have to wait until A level results day to apply for Clearing.
Whether you’re yet to apply or have already made an application to the University of Plymouth, we aim to make your next steps as easy as possible.
