My advice for applying to Falmouth through Clearing

Music BA(Hons) student Sintija shares their experience of the UCAS Clearing application process and offers some advice to help you secure your Clearing place at Falmouth University.

What is UCAS Clearing?

Clearing is an alternative application process for universities that is available after students get their results. It provides an opportunity to secure university places that haven't yet been filled. There are lots of reasons why students might apply through Clearing! They might not have achieved the grades they needed for their original course. They might want to explore other courses and universities that they hadn’t initially considered. Or, they may have achieved better grades than expected and want to apply for courses with higher entry requirements.

Everything changed when I came to Cornwall during a summer camping trip. I instantly fell in love with the location and began looking for courses that were open for Clearing. 

Why I applied through Clearing

When I applied for university, it wasn’t originally my plan. I had considered taking a gap year, but everything changed when I came to Cornwall during a summer camping trip. I instantly fell in love with the location and began looking for courses that were open for Clearing. I had a desire to learn more about music but as this was only a hobby at the time, it didn’t seem plausible. However, upon looking at the course specifications, I decided to give It a go and apply. Applying during Clearing was at times a bit stressful, but I wouldn’t have it any other way now that I'm going into my final year.

Advice for applying through Clearing

Explore all available courses

Looking back on my experience, I have some valuable advice to share. First and foremost, take the time to thoroughly explore and compare different courses and degree options. The Falmouth course pages provide all the information you need, and I would suggest making a pro and con list if you’re split between a degree.

Chat to current students

Having said that, I also recommend having a chat with one of the current students on the Ask a Student page, as they can provide you with firsthand information and experience on a course you might be interested in. This was something that helped me when making my final decision! I found that talking directly to a student was a lot easier too as the response time was a lot quicker, which is more ideal if you’re applying during Clearing.

Preparing for student life at Falmouth!

Next, let’s talk about packing. If you’re coming to Falmouth only a couple of weeks before the degree begins like I did, don’t make the mistake of packing your entire wardrobe with you. The same thing goes for kitchen and cleaning supplies. Stick to the essentials, if possible, as it will make the moving process much smoother. Besides, once you’re in Falmouth, you can explore the town to find any additional items you may need. I highly recommend checking out charity shops for affordable kitchen utensils!

Furthermore, it might be helpful to find group chats created by new students. It’s a great way to connect with others who are in the same boat as you and with those who may know more about the university if they had been accepted earlier. I found the overall experience incredibly reassuring and even made a few friends, which made the transition into freshers much easier.

As you embark on this journey, make sure to have a list of things you want to accomplish and experience. It can be stressful at times, but don’t forget that there are always staff and people that want to support you. University life is full of opportunities, both academically and personally. Embrace it and make the most of your time in Falmouth!