My University Clearing Story, Laura from Northern Ireland

I'm Laura from Antrim, Northern Ireland. I graduated from my MA in International Relations and Politics in 2024 after completing my undergraduate in History at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Though coming to LJMU it felt like a last-minute UCAS Clearing decision, it has come to be the best decision I ever made. I now work at LJMU in the Global Opportunities Team, and I have been here professionally for just over a year. 

What happened on Clearing? 

I went to school in Belfast, and the university I wanted to go to was just across the road – my mum went there, and I had just assumed that I was going to go there too, and I never really put any thought into exploring opportunities outside of Belfast. 

On results day, I could see that my acceptance was still pending, and I hoped that after I had been to school that maybe it would update. Later in the day, I knew I hadn’t been accepted, so I started to explore clearing options. 

Why did you choose LJMU?

My best friend at the time had got an offer from LJMU so I thought I should look into Liverpool since I would know at least one person, and Liverpool wasn’t that far from home. I looked at the Clearing options for LJMU and saw that they were accepting for the History programme. 

I called up, let them know my results and ask would I be accepted. I received a verbal offer, and after I had finished the phone call, I received an email with the next steps.

What happened after your place was confirmed?

After my place was confirmed via UCAS, I had a letter of acceptance, accommodation and finance sorted within a few days of my verbal offer. 

I started joining group chats for my programme and my accommodation, and I was more excited about going to university that I had been when I thought I was staying in Belfast. 

I had never been to Liverpool until the day I moved, but as soon as my mum and sister left, I was so excited to be living somewhere new. There were more students from my sixth form who came to Liverpool, and it was good to see familiar faces. 

Though it felt like a last-minute decision, it has come to be the best decision I ever made. Liverpool is such an inviting city, and the support I received from LJMU made it feel like I belonged from the outset.  

What’s your favourite thing about LJMU? 

My favourite thing about LJMU is the Students’ Union – there are so many different clubs and societies that you can join, and it really helps to make you feel like part of a community. 

When I joined as a fresher, I felt a bit reserved and didn’t really get involved in many societies outside my History course, but I made more of an effort in my second year, and I really wished I had joined my clubs and societies in first year! 

They are amazing ways to make friends with similar interests, but also to meet people from across the campuses that you otherwise may not have bumped into. 

What’s your favourite thing about Liverpool?  

My favourite thing about Liverpool is the way the city has an amazing atmosphere throughout the year.

During September, you can really feel the buzz from students who are excited about coming to university, and there are so many great events for students. 

Once we get to April/May, and the sun starts shining, it is so lovely to see more people hanging out around the docks, whether they are skateboarding or having a picky-bits catchup with friends. 

I love Sefton Park and Lark Lane, which are both easily accessible from the city centre – it’s always nice to go for a matcha and a walk around Sefton Park and then do some sunbathing in the summer! 

LJMU is the most popular university in Britain for Northern Irish students. Looking for a Clearing place at Liverpool John Moores University? Search courses to find out more