My University Clearing story – Alex, Business Management (BSc)

Hi! I’m Alex, a fourth year Business Management student (BSc) at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). I had originally planned to go to a different university. When I didn’t get in it felt like my world was shattered and all the time and work I had put into the long days of A-Level revision was worthless. I had never considered Clearing and didn’t really know much about the UCAS Clearing process because I never thought I would have to use it.

What was Clearing like?

I applied to LJMU Clearing on A Level Results Day, but I was still on holiday in Spain at the time and had to call at the airport so was dreading it. When I eventually did the phone was answered right away with a jolly voice giving me hope that there was still a chance at higher education. 

I was worried that I would have to do a different course than I originally wanted, but this was not the case. I was asked what my A level results were in what subjects and what exam board I was with, then after a few minutes, someone came back to the phone congratulating on my place at LJMU’s Business School! It’s safe to say, Clearing turned the worst day of my life into the best. 

After A Level Results Day

I thought that getting my place through Clearing would mean my university experience would be different to everyone else’s assuming I might have had to commute, or I might be last in the queue for any international or placement opportunities. But I couldn’t have been more wrong. Almost immediately I was invited to the Clearing Open House, an on-campus event for Clearing students, to view accommodation and told that no matter what I was guaranteed accommodation. Immediately I felt at home in Liverpool, and despite initially feeling apprehensive as it was not where I pictured myself a couple of months before, I loved it immediately!  

When I started classes, I met more people that got in through Clearing which made me feel immediately comfortable and less ‘out of place’ and gave us something to bond over. These are friendships I still have today, 4 years later. 

Opportunities at LJMU

During my time at LJMU, I have been chosen to take part in three global opportunities including a study abroad year in Madrid! Something I may not have completed if it wasn’t for my last-minute university change. These experiences have massively influenced who I am today, and I have never been so happy that I got in through Clearing to LJMU and what originally felt like rejection really was just redirection.

What’s your favourite thing about LJMU?

My favourite thing about LJMU has to be the opportunities available academic and just generally.  

There is loads of support available at the university, from academic support with assignments to support in securing external opportunities such as placements and internships. The university partners with Unitemps, a company that provides part-time work and internships, ringfenced to LJMU students. This means that in the current job market, it is easier to find roles that build your CV. 

On a more personal level, there are hundreds of societies to join, all coming together at the start of the year at the M&S Bank Arena so you can go and meet everyone and ask any questions you have. This is a must if you are worried about making friends. The university gym membership offers gym classes, food nutrition classes, swimming and loads more at just £40 a year! Before starting at LJMU I rarely went to the gym but now I love it as an escape from uni work during busy periods. 

What’s your favourite thing about Liverpool?

This question is difficult to answer, there are so many reasons I love Liverpool!  

There being so much to do socially, around the town really helps when making friends as there is so much to try out!  

I think, personally, the live music scene is something I have really taken advantage of whilst being here. Liverpool might as well be the music capital, there is always new and upcoming artist playing in the numerous venues across town, suiting all different genres. Even if you’re into more mainstream artists, there are loads of big names playing either here or Manchester which is only a 50-minute train away. 

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