With results day coming up on 14 August, you might be starting to think about your options – or maybe you’ve decided that the course you applied for, or the university you chose, is no longer right for you. You might think there’s nothing you can do until you get your results, but we’ve got some ideas for you! You can download our free Clearing guide to get hints and tips that will make sure you are well-prepared for Clearing once you have received those results.
Things you can do while you're waiting to apply:
1. Find the right course for you
University is a big investment, not only in financial terms but in time, too. You need to make sure that the course you pick is something you’ll enjoy doing for three or more years, and that it could lead to a career that you’ll find fulfilling! So, whether you’re looking at courses for the first time or if you’ve had a change of heart, it’s important to go for what you want.
Take a look at which courses we have in Clearing to find the right one for you. Each course page has a detailed breakdown of the modules you’ll study, so you’ll know straight away if you’ll be focusing on what interests you and will make you more employable.
Find a course in Clearing
See what courses are currently available through Clearing.
2. Find the right university for you
Yes, your course is important, but it’s just as important to study at a reputable institution recognised for your subject area to ensure you get the best teaching and support.
Experience a day in the life as a BCU student through immersive 360-degree tours of our campuses to see if it's the right fit for you.
3. Work out your UCAS points
If you’re looking at a new course, or thinking of studying your course at a different university, it’s worth looking up how many UCAS points you’ll need to be accepted, and that you meet the entry requirements. We’ve got a handy UCAS points calculator so you can work out roughly whether you’ll have enough!
Why not go off your mock results, or the grades you think you might be awarded, and give yourself a margin either way if you do worse or better than you anticipate? You’ll then have a list of potential options depending on your final points!
4. Find out more about Clearing
So, you’ve worked out what course you want to apply to, and decided on your university – hopefully BCU, of course – and have a rough idea of your UCAS points. The last thing to do is get clued up on Clearing so you’re ahead of the game on results day, meaning you can secure your dream course at the right uni before breakfast time. Good luck!
5. Prepare for your new uni life
Sign up to our free Get Ready For Uni Hub to get exclusive access to a hub full of tips, advice, and resources to help you feel confident and ready for university life.
Here's what you can expect:
- Insider advice from current students – Get real tips from those who’ve been in your shoes, covering everything from moving away from home to making new friends.
- Course preparation tips – Get subject-specific advice to help you hit the ground running in your studies.
- Freshers’ Week and social life tips – Find out how to make the most of your first weeks at BCU and how to make friends from day one.
- Practical guides and checklists – Make sure you have all the uni essentials ticked off and got your budgeting habits perfected.
- Wellbeing and study skills – Learn how to manage your time, stay motivated, and balance university life.
Finally... don't stress!
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain or anxious while you wait for Results Day. But remember, you’re not alone. Thousands of students go through Clearing every year, and there’s still plenty of time to explore your options and make the right decision for you.