Clearing season is upon us and we’re here to ensure that your application is as seamless and stress free as possible. To provide you with an insight into how the Clearing process really works, we caught up with current student Alisha Martin to get her top tips for students applying to ULaw this year.
By Cara Fielder. Published 29 July 2022. Last updated 24 March 2023.
My experience of joining ULaw through Clearing was, to my surprise, very simple and stress-free. Clearing at ULaw is an extremely efficient process, and the specialist advisors could not be more helpful and informative. With the process being so easy and well organised, it really highlighted to me that I’d made the right decision and strengthened my faith in joining ULaw.
ULaw was one of the universities I originally applied to through UCAS; I was always considering them. However, at the time, I was unaware of ULaw’s Nottingham campus and commuting to Birmingham was the only reason for me opting against ULaw to begin with.
Over the summer period, I made sure I spent a large amount of my free time researching which university would be the best suited to me. My research, largely conducted on the UCAS website and university websites, led me straight back to ULaw. The prestigious teaching, along with their high rate of graduate employment and the immense focus they put on employability, really could not be matched in my eyes.
Before exam season came to an end, I decided that I would go through Clearing. I'd fallen out of love with my firm choice of university, and I knew that it was not the right fit for me. Fortunately, I had a lot of time to research Clearing and potential universities. I didn’t want to make a similar mistake as I did with choosing an unsuitable firm choice. I found it incredibly helpful to hear the perspective of students who had previously been through the process; to grasp a true insight into what to expect and how to prepare.
Communication with ULaw when I applied through Clearing was incredible; it was the final reassurance I needed to prove I had made the right decision. I called the Clearing contact number (0808 3019834) as I knew emailing and waiting on a response would just increase my nerves. I remember getting through to a Clearing advisor very quickly; I was warmly greeted and congratulated on my results. I expressed how I intended to commute during my studies instead of moving and highlighted my particular interest in the Birmingham ULaw campus. As to my knowledge, it was my closest location, but then I was informed about the Nottingham campus - a far easier commute for me. I was so appreciative of this information; it demonstrated how the Clearing advisors are working to accommodate everyone as best as they can. Once I said I would be more than happy to attend the Nottingham campus, I was offered my place over the phone, which minimized stress and was very efficient. Once the process had come to an end, I was surprised at how simple it actually was. It was not confusing at all, and I wish I had not worried myself so much about it during the build-up.
Looking back on my Clearing experience, I would not change a thing; I couldn’t possibly feel better suited to a university. I think Clearing is nothing but beneficial; it enables students who possibly achieved less than what they hoped for or, students who have had a change of heart, a second chance to find a perfect fit for them.
I could not be happier that I ended up at ULaw; I have gained so many skills beyond education which are vital to being a successful law candidate. The incredible Employability Team has given me so many opportunities which have truly enhanced my legal skills. Also, a highlight of ULaw is its unique teaching approach. The resources that we are provided with and the smaller lecture sizes have been an immense help, and I believe these are to thank for my first-year achievements.
My top three tips for Clearing are:
- Be prepared; know the universities you want to apply to and how to get in contact with them.
- Keep up to date with the UCAS website and the websites of your potential choices; here, you'll find loads of useful information on Clearing in general and specifics to those universities.
- Don’t overly stress. As long as you’re prepared, the process will be super simple.
Prior to joining ULaw, I was not sure about my plans after completing my law degree. However, the amazing Employability Team have truly helped me see how to use my law degree to its greatest potential. My ambitions are similar to many law students. In the longer term, I hope to achieve at least a 2:1 in my degree, secure a training contract and undertake the LPC with ULaw.
Choosing the proudest moment from my entire first year is difficult because of the huge amount of opportunities and schemes I've gotten involved in. However, having to choose just one, it would have to be my first semester grades. With law being a challenging degree, I was over the moon with my results, and they truly motivated me to continue to learn about the profession.
Discover more about joining ULaw through Clearing on our dedicated webpage or call us on 0808 3019834.
