My Clearing story

After missing out on her firm and insurance choices, Elizabeth applied to study LLB (Hons) Law at the University of Salford through Clearing. Wanting to stay local, she attended a Clearing Visit Day and left feeling confident in her decision. “I didn’t do much research beforehand, but the staff were so welcoming. From the first phone call to the visit day, the whole process felt really supportive.”

She settled in quickly, made strong friendships and built close relationships with her lecturers. “Coming through Clearing felt completely normal. I wasn’t treated any differently. Salford just felt right.”

Academic support was key to her experience. “I had help with essay writing, exam prep and one-on-one feedback. There was always someone to go to.” The careers service also supported her with CV writing and interview prep, helping her plan her next steps.

Outside her course, Elizabeth entered a mooting competition, which led to a mini-pupillage at a law chamber in Preston. Guest talks from the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed her ambition to become a criminal barrister. “Hearing from professionals and getting real-world insight was so valuable.”

Reflecting on her journey, she said: “Clearing gave me the chance to stop and rethink what I really wanted. I didn’t expect to end up at Salford, but I’m so glad I did. It’s given me the confidence, skills and direction to move forward.”

Sara originally started studying Medicine at another university. But she realised within days it wasn’t the right fit. Personal circumstances also meant she needed to be closer to home. “I just knew I’d be better off somewhere that felt more like home,” she said.

She applied to Salford through Clearing in early October. “I’d never even considered Salford until I looked it up,” she said. “I had doubts at first. But after chatting with the Clearing team, who were super helpful and gave me so much information, I felt so much better.”

Sara enrolled on our BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course. Starting later than most students was daunting. But she was quickly made to feel welcome. “It’s nerve wracking picking up the phone. But the person on the other end was friendly. It felt like, ‘Let’s talk about you.’ No judgment.”

She found strong academic and personal support from her tutors. “They didn’t just think about me as a number,” she said. “They looked at the person behind the student. They asked, what does she need to succeed?”

Sara gained hands on lab experience. She also secured a Wellcome Trust placement in oncology research. “That was my first real exposure to life in research. It helped me realise this is what I want to do.”

Now graduating with a first class degree in Biomedical Science, Sara is moving on to postgraduate study. “Clearing helped me find my niche here at Salford. It gave me a second chance. And it helped me find my place.”

Rebecca decided to change careers and applied to Salford through Clearing. She left her office job and joined the BSc (Hons) Prosthetics and Orthotics course. Three years later, she is working as a Graduate Prosthetist with the organisation where she completed her placement.

“I had been looking for something more meaningful. The course had strong job prospects, hands-on learning and two long placements. It seemed like the right fit,” she says.

Although it was her first time applying to university, Rebecca found the Clearing process straightforward. “I was excited about the opportunity and the admissions lead was so helpful and kind. I was kept well informed and felt really supported throughout.”

Her final placement was a turning point. “I was working in London, supporting rehabilitation for patients recovering from brain injuries and strokes. Each day brought a different team and new challenges. It helped me develop as a clinician and showed me how rewarding this work can be.”

Looking back, Rebecca feels confident in the path she chose. “Salford gave me the tools I needed to build a new career and the confidence to succeed.”

Lloyd always knew he wanted a career in finance. In 2020, he applied to the University of Salford through Clearing to study BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance with Professional Experience. Within ten days of calling the Clearing hotline, he was moving into halls and starting his university journey.

“2020 was a tough time. The job market had collapsed, and my circumstances had changed. All my friends were going to university, and I thought I might be missing out. I applied through Clearing almost on impulse,” he says.

A close friend was already studying at Salford and spoke highly of the experience, which gave Lloyd confidence to apply. “The process couldn’t have been easier. I gave my grades and a little information about myself and soon received a provisional offer.”

Since then, Lloyd has completed a year-long placement at Unilever and is now on track to graduate with a first-class degree. “The support from lecturers and staff has been amazing. They helped me find the right accommodation, secure part-time work, and prepare strong applications for placements.”

“My confidence has grown, and I’ve gained real independence. I’ve learned so much about myself and I would definitely recommend Clearing to others.”