Student Clearing stories

When did you apply via Clearing?

I applied after results day.

How did you find the help you received via the GCU Clearing helpline?

Outstanding. In an incredibly high-pressure situation, the staff were kind, considerate, and treated me like my presence at GCU was really desired. Having had good grades in my HND-level course, it felt brilliant to have that pay off by how quickly the whole process was started and finished.

Do you feel you made the right choice in choosing GCU?

Yes

What makes you feel like GCU was the right choice for you?

It's easy for students to be angsty about their choices when uni ends and perhaps jobs aren't forthcoming, but none of my friends had a bad word to say about GCU. That was a big deal to me, and something that carried a lot of weight when I was making my choice.

What is your biggest lesson learned to date?

As someone who completed a Journalism HND at college, but did not chose this for my degree, I'd just encourage people to be self-indulgent with their choices.  Media was the correct choice for me because of the diversity of modules and learning materials. I'm very relieved that I made the selfish choice to pick a degree I wanted, rather than hone in on the thing I was strictly good at, to the detriment of my enjoyment.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying to GCU via Clearing?

It's never too late! And that if you've done good at college level, that's absolutely something to be respected, and the staff at GCU will respect it. And don't be afraid to divert slightly from the subjects you were studying previously.

When did you apply via Clearing?

I applied after results day.

How did you find the help you received via the GCU Clearing helpline?

As I called the GCU Clearing helpline, I immediately felt welcome. The speaker answered all my questions and gave clear instructions. They also remained patient even when I asked them multiple times to repeat what they had just said, as I was not used to the accent just yet!

Why did you choose GCU?

I was looking for a course that would be related to biology or other life sciences. I did not get into the university of my first choice. That is why I started looking for courses via Clearing. I was torn between a Biological Sciences course at GCU and a Biomedical Sciences one at a different university, as I was given an offer from both.

After further research, I made up my mind and chose GCU. Part of the reason was that I found the Biological Sciences course more personally appealing. But also, I have fallen in love with Glasgow as a city and the prospect of countless opportunities that seemed to wait behind every corner on GCU left me with no further doubt.

Do you feel you made the right choice in choosing GCU?

Yes

What makes you feel like GCU was the right choice for you?

I was looking for a university that is full of ambitious people and staff that really care about their students. I was also searching for a course that would give me a wide range of opportunities after graduation. I feel like I have found all of that at GCU.

I feel very supported in this difficult worldwide situation. The staff made sure that I know who I can contact if I ever just feel like talking – and that I do not have to worry about anything that is not up to me, that I cannot control.

I love how the feedback is always constructive. But also, that I get 100% positive feedback when I actually did something very well. It just feels that this University is so much more than just the buildings.

What is your biggest lesson learned to date?

I am now heading toward the end of first year at GCU and I have to say that I feel much more ambitious than ever.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying to GCU via Clearing?

I would say: go for it! There is nothing odd about applying through Clearing. And GCU? Definitely yes!

I am proud to be part of the University for the Common Good because...

For me, coming to GCU was the biggest step I have ever taken in my life. I can only say that I feel the adventure starting here and after this step, I feel like I am ready for any challenge.

Why did you choose GCU?

I was offered a place on the SWAP Nursing course at Glasgow Kelvin College. I made some great friends during that course, and they all applied to GCU during the designated times. In June 2023, I decided that I'd like to join them. I emailed my college lecturer and she was able to get the ball rolling for my UCAS application. I applied for a place at GCU through Clearing. It was the best decision I ever made. I'd really implore any of you to join nursing at Glasgow Caledonian University as it has fantastic facilities, staff and an absolutely brilliant curriculum.

I chose to get into nursing through my experiences of nurses whilst being in hospital. I was diagnosed with epilepsy in January of 2022, and this set me on a path with an endeavour to help others. I really wanted to make a difference. I also have a 6-year-old daughter, I wanted to show and demonstrate to her that she can achieve anything that she puts her mind to. Jobs don't have genders and it's never too late to make a career.