There are probably few days that fill students with as much excitement, dread and anxiety as Results Day.
But it is possible to step back and consider how you can make your Results Day - and specifically applying through Clearing - as calm and straightforward as possible. Below, we’ve listed just a few ways that might help.
Five ways to stay calm during Clearing:
1. Remember you’re not alone
If you find yourself in Clearing after missing out on the grades needed for your university offer, don't panic; you're not alone. Thousands of students successfully apply through Clearing every year.
Disappointing exam results can feel like the end of the world, but that doesn't mean your journey to university is over.
If Results Day has its hiccups, take a deep breath and remember you're following in the footsteps of countless students who are now successful, happy graduates who had the time of their lives throughout university.
2. Prepare for all possible outcomes
As with anything, doing a bit of planning before Results Day can really help ease nerves. But how can you prepare for something that has so many moving parts? First, consider a few different possibilities and make plans for each.
List the different variations of grades you might receive on the day, and assign courses and universities whose entry requirements match up to each possible outcome.
Most universities will start to publish their course vacancies in early July, giving you time to research universities and courses to reach out to during Clearing.
Once you have a list of universities you’re interested in, make a note of their Clearing contact details so you don't have the hassle of frantically searching for numbers on the day.
3. Stay off social media
We’re all nosy - even those who profess otherwise - and it can be hard to stay off social media and not read about all our friends’ and peers’ results. But before the big day, take a moment to think about how that may affect your ability to stay calm during Clearing.
For example, there’s a possibility you may not get the results you want. If this is the case, seeing others publicly celebrating can be a real knock to your confidence. It’s perhaps worth postponing scrolling until the next day, or once you have a clearer path mapped out.
Why not temporarily delete your social media apps? You can always discuss your results with friends and family over text, and the absence of social media on the day can give you a little breathing room to process the many emotions of Results Day and prioritise your personal journey.
4. Make sure your health is your priority
Any stressful situation is amplified when you're tired, hungry, thirsty or feeling a sense of urgency or pressure. Whatever happens on the day, you will be okay. There is a place for you at a university where you will be fulfilled and happy - and that place is no more or less secure if you stay up all night and skip breakfast!
Remember to get a good night's sleep before Results Day, and stay hydrated and energised with a healthy breakfast and lunch. Though it may feel like the be-all and end-all, securing a place at university should not come at a detriment to your wellbeing.
5. Ask for support from those around you
You know how much planning goes into a university application, so when that process gets condensed into a day as you go through the Clearing process, it can be a lot for one person to navigate alone.
Don’t be afraid to lean on your support system during this time - it can make all the difference. Would your parents mind preparing your breakfast or lunch while you look up university and course options? Are there any friends who can help you research accommodation while you make Clearing calls?
Results Day and Clearing can be a rollercoaster of emotions with a lot to process. Trust in your ability and know you will end up exactly where you're supposed to be!
