Clearing: It's ok to change your mind
My name is Madison and I am currently in my final year studying BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Dietetics. I have loved my time at the University of Winchester! While it is bittersweet to be leaving such an amazing chapter, I am equally eager to step into the working world, well prepared for what lies ahead.
Why apply through Clearing?
During my time in Sixth Form, I felt uncertain about which university and course I wanted to pursue. Time was ticking, and I needed to submit a university application if I wanted to go that year. I made a rushed decision about the course and university I chose. Fast forward to the summer after A-levels, and I spent the summer holidays feeling confused and anxious about the decision I had made.
When results day rolled around, I was ecstatic about the grades I had achieved, and I had got into my chosen university. However, I finally felt sure that the university and course I had picked were not the right choice for me. I decided to reject my university offer and enter Clearing.
This resulted in me frantically looking for universities that offered the course I knew I was passionate about: Nutrition and Dietetics. I found the University of Winchester and immediately contacted them. I loved the look of the university and city and could not believe that I had not come across it before. By the next day, I was being interviewed to secure a place on the course and within the week, I was prepared and packed to start my journey at the University of Winchester.
Why Winchester?
What I love about Winchester is the amazing scenery. My favourite activity is going for a walk or run at St Catherine’s Hill – it is a beautiful place to switch off and reconnect with nature. I also love the amount of independent coffee shops in the town centre that are all unique.
A highlight of my time at the University of Winchester was meeting my coursemates for a coffee on campus before our very first lecture. We sat outside in the sun, sipping our iced lattes and chatting about where we were all from and why we had chosen our courses. Over the three years at university these friends have been by my side – tackling tricky assignments, sitting through lectures together and spending countless hours in the library. I am now leaving university with friends for life.
Top tips
My top tip for anyone applying through Clearing is to be prepared. If you are unsure about your choice or think your grades may be lower than expected, have an idea of the courses or universities you are interested in so you can start contacting them as soon as you receive your results.
My advice to anyone starting university this September would be to say ‘yes’. Say ‘yes’ to new opportunities and experiences. I am leaving university not only with a degree, but with so much more. I have been able to have a part-time job through the university, as a note-taker, which has strengthened my academic and organisational skills. I have gained extra qualifications, like a personal trainer qualification, offered at a subsidised cost by the university. I also have got involved with charity and extracurricular events on my course that have allowed me to develop teamwork and leadership skills. My course has also provided me with amazing placements in which I have done a range of activities from attending farms to explore the local food system to working in fast-paced, acute hospital settings.
There are so many opportunities to try new things and challenge yourself within the university – join societies, volunteer, try a part-time job or anything new! There are so many ways to challenge yourself and grow as a person.
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