Results day and moving away from home for university can be stressful enough without having to go through Clearing as well. But Clearing doesn’t need to be a negative experience. It’s how I found Queen’s, which was actually the perfect university for me, even if I didn’t realise it at the time. 

I’m now a 2nd year Pharmacy student; I love my course, I've settled into life in Northern Ireland and I have made great friends in Belfast. So don’t worry – not getting into your first choice of university or course doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy your university experience! 

Here’s my advice for Clearing and settling into life in Belfast as an English student. 

Get to know how Clearing works ahead of time 

Pharmacy wasn’t my first choice of course, I had originally applied to study medicine. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the grades I needed for my firm or insurance choices so I was automatically put into Clearing on results day. All I knew about Clearing at the time was that I had to find a different university, and a different course. 

My advice would be to get to know the Clearing process before results day. If you’re prepared, the experience will be much easier and less stressful.  

You’ll spend a lot of time on the phone trying to contact universities. Don’t give up! The more universities you contact, the better your chances of getting a good place on a course you like. Just be sure to get in touch with universities you actually want to study at so you don’t waste time. 

The Queen’s Clearing hotline is helpful, and the staff will do their best to get you a place on your preferred course. They will understand you are in a stressful situation and will be there to offer advice. 

Remember you aren’t alone! 

It’s important to talk with your family and friends about what you’re going through. It’s understandable to feel a bit upset or lost if results day doesn’t go the way you’d hoped. Talking to someone about this will make you feel better. I found that my family and friends gave me great advice and offered a more positive perspective on my situation. 

And remember - you’re not alone. There are plenty of people around you that can help you through results day and Clearing. 

Belfast is closer to home than you might think 

Moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland for university can feel like a big step and an even bigger change. But the thing I’ve found since coming to Belfast is that it really isn’t a long journey from England. It quickly felt like my home away from home because people here are friendly and inclusive, which makes it easy to find friends.  

Queen’s is a great place to be even if it’s not where you had originally imagined yourself. There are so many clubs and societies you can join, and these are a great way to meet people and make friends who have similar interests.  

Belfast has lots to offer outside of university too - from climbing Cave Hill in the morning and watching the sunrise to going out to bars with friends. There’s plenty to do in Northern Ireland as well - I’ve been lucky enough to visit the beaches in Newcastle and Helen’s Bay and explore Portrush with my flatmates.   

You’ll be surrounded by people in the same boat 

It’s a great experience to get to know a new city, especially when you can do it with new friends. Moving out can be especially daunting when home is a flight away, but it’s a rewarding life experience too. And you won’t be alone as you’ll have your new flatmates and friends around you.  

I got accommodation at Elms BT9, which is a great place to stay in your first year. You’ll get to know your new flatmates quickly and you’ll live in a community of students in the same boat as you. There’s a real village feel to Elms BT9, which will help make you feel at home at Queen’s. 

It’s completely normal to feel homesick at times. For most students, it’ll be their first time living away from home too, so there’ll be lots of people who will understand how you feel.  

Clearing is just another way to find your perfect university 

I’ve loved my experience at Queen’s so far and I have made friends for life. So, even if your results day doesn’t go as planned, don’t feel too disheartened. 

The most important thing to do is to approach your situation with a positive attitude. Clearing could be a great opportunity for you, even if it doesn’t feel like it yet! 

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