Clearing success story: Aberystwyth

What is your name?

Effie.

What degree had you originally applied for, and at which institution?

Initially, I applied to study French and European History at York and Nottingham.

What degree are you now studying, and at which institution?

I am now studying Creative Writing at Aberystwyth University.

Why did you enter Clearing?

Things didn’t go as planned. I struggled during my A Levels and didn’t get the grades I’d hoped for in two subjects. As a result, I was rejected from every university I applied to. It was a very disappointing and uncertain time for me.

What factors made you finally settle on the course you chose?

What first attracted me to Aberystwyth was the beauty of the town itself. The setting was so stunning that I decided to look into what courses were available to me through Clearing. I came across the Creative Writing course, and the poetry aspect particularly intrigued me. Wanting to learn more, I booked a Clearing open day and brought my mum along for support.

Did you attend a Clearing open day and, if so, how was it?

Yes, the visit was crucial for my decision-making. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day; it was incredibly informative and reassuring. Speaking with staff from various departments helped me understand my options and made me feel more confident about making a new start.

Did you find accommodation easily through Clearing?

Accommodation was one of my main concerns. At the time, Pentre Jane Morgan was the only student housing still available. While it’s a great option for many, it didn’t feel quite right for me. The limited availability also showed just how popular Aberystwyth is.

I asked about disability-accessible accommodation and received a wealth of helpful information. I was advised to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), which ultimately allowed me to secure a place in Fferm Penglais, which was much better suited to my needs.

Have you enjoyed your course and time at university so far?

Like any major change, starting the course was challenging at first. But this had more to do with my own anxieties than with the course content. Since switching from French and Creative Writing to Creative Writing, I’ve found my studies much more enjoyable and engaging. The support I’ve received from staff and fellow students at Aberystwyth has been instrumental in helping me overcome those initial hurdles.

What are your Clearing Top Tips?

If I could give one top tip for Clearing (courtesy of my mum) it would be this: don’t hang around. The longer you wait to sort it out, the more overwhelming it becomes. Even though you might feel stressed or disappointed at first, it’s better to act quickly. Getting your Clearing process sorted early means you’ll have something exciting to look forward to instead of dwelling on setbacks.

Looking back, I’m so glad I took that leap. What began as a stressful period of uncertainty turned into a positive and transformative experience, and Aberystwyth has truly become a place where I feel I belong.

Visit Aberystwyth's Clearing profile to help find the right course for you.