Clearing stories

"I thought I knew exactly where I wanted to go to university.

Due to personal circumstances, I didn't get into my first or second choice, and honestly, I was devastated.

I remember feeling completely overwhelmed, and then some of my close friends told me they were coming here, so I called Sussex's Clearing number.

Sussex made me feel so welcome, and I was so supported during my Clearing journey. I got to Sussex, and I've made so many friends. Brighton feels completely like home now.

If you would've told me I wasn't going to my first or second choice university, I would not have believed you. But now I'm here at Sussex, I enjoy myself so much.

If things didn't go to plan, don't panic. Go check out Clearing at Sussex."

"I completely changed my degree through Clearing. I originally started university studying nursing.

But after a while, I realised that nursing wasn't for me. Making that decision was scary.

I was worried that the universities wouldn't accept me.

After doing my research, I realised that I'd missed the application deadline. It was best to apply through Clearing. It really wasn't that scary.

I found the process really accessible, and everyone was really approachable. When Sussex offered me a place, I accepted it straight away.

I also love being in Brighton. I am so happy with the city I chose. Clearing gave me the opportunity to study the subject that I love.

It's never too late to change path."

"Three years ago, university wasn't working for me. Now I'm back.

Back in 2020, I dropped out of university. I needed some time to figure out what I wanted to do, so I went into the working world.

During that time, I had a think about what I wanted to do with my life.

I really wanted a job that felt like I had an impact, so I realised I needed to go back to uni.

Applications had already closed. I needed to apply through Clearing. I knew what course I wanted to apply for.

I had a phone call with the University, and then I started next month. Clearing gave me the opportunity to feel like I hadn't been left behind.

Clearing could be for you if you think you've missed your chance or you want a career change.

Check out the courses available at Sussex through Clearing."

"I actually had no intention of going to university at all.

So after college, I went straight into hospitality. I thought that was the path I was going to stay on.

During this time, I made a lot of friends who were working in the filmmaking space.

Through seeing them a lot and becoming friends with them, I realised film is what I want to do.

So I realised I can work anytime, but I wanted to go to university now and make the most of it whilst I was young and whilst I had an opportunity to do something, something that I could really see myself progressing in.

So I came to Sussex through Clearing. When I called Sussex, they helped me in picking what course I wanted to do.

They helped me with accommodation and explained how the whole process of that worked.

They just made the whole process really easy for me. Now, I'm studying something I genuinely love. I've met so many great people doing this course. If you feel like it's too late for a change, just know that it's not.

There's always another option, and you can find that through Clearing through Sussex."

"I already had a university place, but something didn't feel right.

I studied there for a year, and then I realised I wasn't having the same experiences as my friends in other unis.

I realised I wasn't reaching my full potential, socially and academically.

I already knew loads of people at Sussex, and every time I looked into it, it looked like a place where I'd be happier.

I also looked into the course, and I realised it was leading into a direction I wanted to follow, and also, it's Brighton and has a wonderful beach.

I made the decision to change paths through Clearing.

It was the biggest decision of my life, but it turned out to be amazing.

As a student who doesn't live in the UK, it was lovely to know that I had guaranteed accommodation after Clearing.

Sometimes changing your mind isn't a setback. Clearing allowed me to have a fresh start, and it might do the same for you."

"As a mature student, I wasn't sure that university was an option for me.

I decided I wanted to start to build a new future through education.

I spent a lot of time researching university. I visited Sussex twice, and honestly, I just knew.

I felt [like I] belonged. My application wasn't straightforward, but admission teams kept supportive and gave me a chance through the Clearing option.

Now, I'm about to start my second year. You might be surprised where Clearing at Sussex can take you."

"I got a first in my first year of uni, and I decided to start again.

Academically, I was doing great, so from an outsider's view, there was no reason to change.

Every time I visited Sussex University with friends, there was a different atmosphere.

The way the lecturers engaged with students and the course itself was much more in line with what I had pictured when I chose to go to university.

It was a scary decision to leave a university where I'd become so comfortable.

I applied to Sussex through Clearing, and with the help of staff, it was much easier than I thought it would be.

I genuinely believed I’d get a richer experience here, and having made the move, I can honestly say that I do not regret it.

Sometimes the right decision isn't always the easiest one to make.

If, like me, you applied to a university which doesn't feel right, it's never too late to apply to Sussex through Clearing."