When she was initially applying to university, Lottie Babb wasn’t even sure that higher education was the right path for her. After applying relatively late and being turned down by other universities, she began to wonder whether it was an option for her at all.
However, a suggestion from her mum led her to the city of Liverpool, and eventually to Liverpool Hope University, where she discovered the perfect course for her.
“I didn’t always know that I wanted to go to university,” she says. “I applied quite late anyway, and then when I didn’t get accepted, it made me want to get a place even more.”
Her mum had visited Liverpool and encouraged her to consider the city.
“I looked at all the universities in the area and realised I wanted to do a combined honours degree. Then I found Hope and thought it was brilliant, and offered a course that was the best of both worlds. I fell in love with it immediately.”
Originally from Devon, the move to Liverpool was a big one. But she quickly felt that she had made the right choice. “I love it in Liverpool, so my mum was right!”
Finding a route through Clearing
Although receiving rejections from other universities had initially left her feeling disappointed, Clearing gave her another opportunity to find the right place.
“I remember being almost scared to go for it because I didn’t want to get rejected again, but the Clearing process at Hope was much smoother than I had expected. It was so easy, and the university was so supportive. They wanted the best for me. They made everything really clear and I remember feeling really looked after throughout the whole process.”
For Lottie, Clearing became about much more than simply finding a university place. It changed the way she viewed her A-Level results.
“When I didn’t get the grades I hoped for, I felt almost like a failure. But through Clearing, it gave me a much more positive outlook and I realised that I just had to do things a bit differently.”
Graduating with a first-class degree
Studying Social Policy alongside International Relations, Lottie is grateful for Hope’s personal approach, something that would define her university experience.
“I went to a really big college where I don’t think my teachers even knew my name. Whereas here, my lecturers knew me as a person. I remember doing a paper that wasn’t my best work and my tutor took the time out to check that I was ok. It’s just that really personal aspect that makes Hope so special.”
The support she received helped her achieve something she had never expected when she first arrived at university.
“I ended up getting a first-class degree, and I didn’t even think that was on the cards for me. I actually couldn’t believe it.”
Looking back on her time at Hope, she describes it as one of the best decisions she has ever made.
“It’s honestly been the best time of my life. The opportunities I’ve had at this university and the support I got from all my lecturers and tutors was unmatched. When I compare my experience to my friends at other universities, I’m so grateful that I came here. It’s an unbelievable institution. I can’t thank this university enough for everything it’s taught me.”
Having graduated with a first-class degree, and currently acting as Vice-President Education for Hope’s Students’ Union, she hopes to pursue a career in the non-profit sector in the future, potentially working in humanitarian aid.
And for students receiving their results, her message is “don’t let disappointment stop you from pursuing your ambitions.”
“Don’t let it stop you. If it doesn’t go the way you planned or hoped, it doesn’t reflect anything about you. It just means something else is out there for you. Rejection is a redirection.”
For Lottie, Clearing wasn’t the route she had planned but it led her to a university where she felt supported and able to achieve more than she thought possible.
“Everything happens for a reason. Something is out there for you, so don’t get disheartened if it doesn’t go the way you want it to.”