Whilst Clearing is a great way to take control of getting into uni, there's no doubt it can feel overwhelming. Navigating UCAS, phone calls, and, looming deadlines can make it chaotic. Not to mention the thought of not finding anywhere to live because you’ve applied late.

But this isn’t the case for all universities. At Canterbury Christ Church University we try to ensure that Clearing isn't the headache it can be elsewhere. With a knowledgeable and friendly team on the phone waiting for your phone call and the fact that you’re guaranteed student accommodation, we try to make Clearing easy.

We caught up with Clara, an international student from Angola, who has just finished her degree in Logistics Management. Transferring from a university in the USA with her brother, she shared her Clearing experience with us.

Clearing – flexible and simple

“It was actually much easier than expected. Clearing at CCCU was very flexible. The website explained the process well and everyone I spoke to was helpful.

"I was thinking it would be a nightmare because I was coming from the United States, and I had to wait for my documentation from my previous university. Thankfully, the Clearing deadline at CCCU was longer than some other universities and they accepted my application straight away.

"The whole process was really fast and comprehensive. There was never a moment where I panicked or felt lost because everything was explained to me so clearly.”

Student accommodation guarantee – one less thing to worry about

Thankfully, accommodation wasn’t stressful. As they both entered through Clearing, Clara and her brother could take advantage of the accommodation guarantee.

This guaranteed a secure place in student accommodation for their first year, which included bills and Wi-Fi in the price.

“As an international student I was very thankful that I didn’t have to worry about my bills. Even though I can manage my bills, it was a relief to not have to worry about doing it. It made life so much easier.”

This was a life saver for Clara as, not only did she have one less thing to worry about, she didn't need to worry about getting cold over the winter.

“Thank goodness the bills were built into the price, which meant I could use the heater whenever I wanted. I come from a hot country, so I needed the warmth. The British weather is not for me!

"I also felt safe in student accommodation. There was 24-hour security and maintenance team who were so helpful. And I had constant Wi-Fi, so I didn’t have to worry at all.”

Student support

Once Clara had moved to Canterbury, it was time to start her course. A late start, but there was a support system waiting to help both her and her brother to ensure they settled in smoothly.

“Because I arrived so late, I missed quite a lot. But all of my teachers were so helpful. I didn’t have a PAT (personal academic tutor) initially but Richard, my lecturer, took me under his wing. He’d send me weekly emails to make sure that I was ok and would give me weekly reviews because I had a lot to catch up on.

"Then I met my PAT in my second year, Julian, who is the Course Director and another lecturer, and #my second father.

"He was always on hand to help, even through the Christmas holidays when I was back home in Angola. I wouldn’t have been able to finish my course without Richard’s and Julian’s support throughout the three years.”

Canterbury – a vivid student community

Clara appreciated the amount of support that was given to her at CCCU, but in addition, the location itself was a huge highlight of her university experience. And it was totally different from her previous experience in the USA when she decided to drop out of university after just the first term.

“I just didn’t enjoy being at university in the US. It was huge. There was no community. I just felt like a number. All I did was study. I never made any friends, and I just felt so lost on such a big campus.

"So, coming to Canterbury was such a difference. Everywhere you go, something is happening. It’s so close to London and it’s such a vivid, vibrant student city. It’s also very small, so you really get that sense of community, and you can walk everywhere.

"Even though I started later than a lot of other students, I made more friends in my first term at CCCU than I ever did in my previous university. I’m so grateful that I ended up in Canterbury."

Clara’s advice for future students

Clara’s journey has certainly been full of experience and excitement. We asked her what advice she’d give to students who were considering Clearing and student accommodation.

“Don’t think of Clearing as a negative experience. For me, Clearing was wonderful. It was an opportunity for me to really think about what I wanted to do before I committed to studying in Europe, and I’m so thankful that I ended up in Canterbury.

"It gave me time to clear my head after leaving the USA. I knew I didn’t want to wait another year to start, but I had that time to re-evaluate what I wanted out of a degree. So, Clearing for me was a saviour because I was able to change my course and gain that university experience that I was lacking.

"My experience sheds light on the fact that Clearing doesn’t have to be a bad experience.

"And for accommodation, I have three pieces of advice:

"Firstly, have an open mind. You’re going to meet so many different people who live differently to you, so have an open mind to who you’ll make friends with.

"Secondly, be patient. Starting uni and moving in with people you don’t know can be hectic but be patient. Everything will eventually fall into place.

"Lastly, have fun. Canterbury is a beautiful city. There’s so much opportunity to be a part of a wonderful community, so integrate yourself and enjoy!”

 

A huge thank you to Clara for sharing her story with us. We wish her all the best with her future now that she is officially a CCCU Alumni!

Find out more about Clearing and our accommodation guarantee on our website. If you have any questions, or you’d like to get in touch about Clearing, then chat to us on 01227 926 000.