The University of Worcester is braced for a potentially record-breaking Clearing Day, as pupils across the country prepare to receive their exam results.
The University received more than 1,000 calls to its Clearing hotline last year, with students hoping to secure a place on a course.
For many students, like Omaima Oimdina, Clearing is a chance to make sure the course and university they choose are the right fit for them
Omaima has just completed a four-year Business Management degree, including a placement year in industry, after joining the University of Worcester through Clearing.
“I had offers to study at a number of universities, including one in the Russell Group and one in London and a few which were quite high up the league tables,” she said. “But I sat for a moment, and I started thinking about what was actually important to me.”
Rather than focussing on rankings or reputation alone, Omaima began considering the kind of university experience she wanted.
“I still felt like I had the right to choose,” she said. “I wanted somewhere I could see myself being happy and successful.”
Omaima was looking for a university with a supportive campus environment, access to green spaces, and the opportunity to benefit from smaller class sizes.
“I’m a nature person and I liked the idea of a smaller city with a strong campus community,” she said. “I also wanted something different from life in Birmingham. I wanted to step outside my comfort zone and experience something new.”
Omaima added: “Clearing gave me the chance to choose the place that genuinely felt right for me, and Worcester stood out from the first phone call.”
Omaima was one of many students who secured a place through Clearing and had spoken to several universities on Results Day.
“When I called Worcester, it felt completely different. The person I spoke to was so kind and took the time to talk everything through with me,” she said. “We spoke about my interests, the different degree options available, and what I wanted from university life. I was given the space to think rather than being rushed into a decision.”
Support was a major factor in Omaima’s decision.
“Before I arrived, I had lots of questions and worries about moving to a new city,” she said. “Every time I contacted the University it was always ‘let’s look into it’, or ‘let’s find a solution’. I felt supported before I’d even arrived.”
“The small classes at Worcester meant I could ask questions, get to know my lecturers, and really make the most of my degree,” she added. “I know my lecturers personally, I know the staff and I have never felt like just a number here.”
During her time at Worcester, Omaima achieved a First-Class degree, completed a year-long HR placement within the NHS, and took advantage of a wide range of opportunities alongside her studies.
Now preparing for the next stage of her career, she said she is sad to leave the university she chose through Clearing.
“The support I experienced during Clearing stayed with me throughout my entire university journey,” she said. “I honestly can’t begin to explain how good my experience has been here. Looking back now, I know I made the right choice and I’m 100 percent certain I wouldn’t have had this experience anywhere else.”
Rachael Ashton, Deputy Head of Admissions at the University of Worcester, said: “Like Omaima, a lot of our clearing applicants may not be feeling sure about what to do next and perhaps feeling anxious about making that decision that’s right for them.”
“We’re here to help every step of the way,” she added. “Our admissions team are here to advise you and go through your options. Even if it hasn’t worked out with your first choice, we’re here to chat it through to find the best option and get you on your way to becoming a successful Worcester student.”