For one Liverpool Hope University student from Northern Ireland, a last-minute decision led to an opportunity she doesn't regret. Katie Dodds swapped a job offer for education and a one-way plane ticket to Liverpool.
"I wasn't planning on coming through Clearing. I actually had a job lined up and thought I knew what I was going to do. I’d discounted university but at the last minute I decided to take the plunge and apply, particularly as my grades were better than expected."
Through Clearing, she found the right course for her in Early Childhood, and was surprised by how quickly everything came together. The course was the right fit, and Katie talks about falling in love with the Liverpool Hope campus before she’d even arrived.
"Everything happened so quickly. I was offered a place over the phone in less than 10 minutes. Within a week, I'd sorted everything and had my place and my accommodation confirmed. I couldn't believe how straightforward the whole process was. The staff who took my initial call guided me through my options and were so helpful."
Moving away from home to study in England was a big decision, particularly coming from Northern Ireland, but the support Katie received made the transition much easier than she expected.
"I was worried that applying to university at the last minute would be stressful, especially moving from Northern Ireland, but everyone at Hope was so knowledgeable. The staff were really welcoming and made me feel comfortable from the beginning."
Once she arrived on campus, Katie already knew that she would love life at Hope. From settling into lectures to getting to know the campus and meeting new people, she quickly felt at home.
"It didn't take long to settle in. Everyone was friendly and there was always someone available if I needed help. If you're unsure about anything, just ask, people genuinely want to help you, from applying to arriving here."
Looking back, Katie says choosing Clearing gave her an opportunity she never expected, and she will stay at Liverpool Hope to begin her PGCE in September.
"I honestly have no regrets. It wasn't the route I thought I'd take, but everything fell into place, and I'm so glad it did. Clearing was one of the best things to happen to me and is such a simple way to apply to university.
"Things might not always go to plan, but that doesn't mean they won't work out. Clearing gave me the chance to find the right course, and it's one of the best decisions I've made."