"During the UCAS Clearing process, I was able to contact the programme leader of the Early Primary Education course directly and discussed the opportunities available. I felt supported through making such an important decision – it’s completely changed the career path I have chosen and no doubt the rest of my life."

And this support has continued throughout Charlotte’s degree, with hard-working lecturers always on hand to offer their expertise.

 “It’s no surprise that Northumbria is the only institution that has achieved an ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted for teacher training for 12 years in a row,” she added, “Each lecturer works tirelessly to support students when preparing for placements like these and assignments. Their depth of knowledge and passion for the field of education makes me feel inspired to go out into schools and use the skills we have been taught in the lectures, workshops and seminars.”

On the Early Primary Education course, there’s plenty of opportunity for Charlotte to take this inspiration into local schools and gain practical experience in her chosen career.  Northumbria also provides a wide range of resources which help ensure that students, like Charlotte, are able to complete their placements to the highest possible standard.

“Throughout the course, we have had the opportunity to gain practical experience by going out into primary schools and day nurseries to teach from Early Years to Key Stage 2. As well books to support our assignment writing and wider reading, we are able to choose from a huge selection of children's literature, story sacks, resource packs, big books and teachers manuals to borrow to support our teaching.”

Overall, Charlotte has no regrets about making the life-changing decision to come to Northumbria.

“I have had an extremely positive experience at Northumbria University and have memories which will stay with me for years to come.”

“Applying through clearing was a simple process and took a matter of minutes. It seemed like a stressful prospect at first but receiving the confirmation phone call to say that my place at Northumbria University had been secured was a huge relief,” she said.

In addition to securing a place on her desired course, Elinor also managed to reserve city centre accommodation.  “I was asked about my student housing preferences, following which I was able to secure my place at Manor Bank accommodation.”

Meeting peers from across the UK who were also adapting to university life made her feel settled and excited to start the course.

“I found Northumbria very welcoming from the very outset; I felt just like every other student, not that it should matter, but no one knew I had applied through clearing.

 “One of the best things is the diversity of subjects on offer. Geography is very broad in the first year of studies and we cover a range of topics and study in different locations. Through this the staff determine your strengths within the subject.

“Northumbria has brilliant facilities with something for everyone, no matter what your passion and the study trips that are offered to us during the course of the three years is an exciting part of the programme that I'm really looking forward to.”

Elinor added: “I would advise anyone to study here, Newcastle is a great student city; there is everything you could want and more.” 

Chris said: “It took around 20 minutes to get through to the helpline, then all I had to do was give them my UCAS number and they sorted the rest. I received a phone call confirming my place the next day!”

From hands-on, laboratory-based problem-solving activities, through to field trips offering a thorough background understanding of the industry in practice, Chris couldn’t be happier with his choice.

Whilst it was the 4-5* course rating that originally caught his eye, Chris also liked the sound Newcastle as a city and everything that Northumbria had to offer as a new way of life.

Of his time at Northumbria to date, Chris comments: “The lecturers are really supportive and helpful. You can absolutely rely on them for support and they are always contactable. They also encourage you to undertake a placement year in a working environment and my lecturer is currently helping me research and make arrangements ready for third year, which is an exciting prospect.”

For students considering their next move Chris said: “Whilst fate led me to Northumbria, I had a gut feeling that it was the right institution for me and I’d definitely recommend it to others as a first choice option. The advice I would give to anyone looking to study here is get your head down, hand work in early, but also be sure to make time for your mates and socialising, Newcastle is a great city with much to offer – I haven’t looked back once during my time here.”

He said: “It was a relatively easy and calm process on what can be a very stressful day. Everyone I spoke to was relaxed, friendly and informative, which I was grateful for. Induction week was fantastic. I was brought up to speed on the library, IT systems, health and safety requirements and the breakdown of my course teaching plan.”

Predicted to achieve first class honours, Robert felt like a part of the Northumbria community from the moment he moved in. After making his way to Northumbria the day after results announcements to see the facilities and check out his accommodation, he knew he had made the right choice.

Robert added: “Despite the sometimes negative connotations of clearing, I have enjoyed every second of my time to date and am proud to be a Northumbria University student.

“There is a sense of belonging here – from the friendly sporting rivalries with Newcastle to the homely feel of the campuses, you feel like you’re a part of a wider network than simply your course.”

The increased time spent in labs compared to other Chemistry degrees offers students a higher chance of employability due to their superior experience in a professional environment. With this under his belt Robert plans to continue his studies at Northumbria, transferring to do a Masters in Applied Chemistry.

Away from the laboratories, Northumbria has a vast number of societies and clubs, including Sports Central’s Team Northumbria which encourages sport as a way of life on campus. Participating in squash regularly and co-founding the very first Chemistry Society has given Robert the chance to indulge in extracurricular activities with like-minded individuals. 

His plans had to change after he achieved lower grades than expected on results day. However, following lengthy discussions it became evident that he actually had an extra 30 UCAS points thanks to the fast-track triple science programme offered by his school.

Levi immediately contacted Northumbria and arranged to speak to the course leader who offered him advice and guidance on the next steps to secure a place with the University through clearing.  On completion of his first year of study he feels positive that the clearing process has led him to a better outcome.

Levi said: “At first I hadn’t even considered that doing triple science two years early at school would have any impact on getting into Northumbria, but when speaking to the head of architecture he highlighted that without it I wouldn’t have been successful in getting a place.

“I think when you’re at school you forget how much of a difference these small things can make, which is why I would urge anyone who is presented with similar opportunities to grab them with both hands – it can be the ultimate deciding factor further down the line.

“From speaking to friends at other institutions, it’s clear that Northumbria is a lot more down to earth than the commonly-desired ‘red brick’ universities.

“For me the best thing is being creative every single day, surrounded by forward thinking individuals who share my passion for learning,” he said. “There’s no limit to what you can do and you set the pace – we are encouraged to be as innovative as we like. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere ensures students feel completely at ease from day one.

“Perhaps most importantly, the architecture studios and workshops are worlds ahead of a lot of other universities which only reinforces my love of the course.”

For students who may be about to go through clearing Levi has some advice: “Work hard to get the grades you want and need, don’t take risks that could affect your future and don’t let any pre-misconceptions cloud your judgement.

“Keep an open mind and speak to as many people as you can to find out information early on; no research is too much research – just because it shares the same course title and entry requirements, it’s never the same. Forums and videos set up by previous students helped me out a lot because they push you to contact anyone you can and ask a few questions, that’s all it takes.”

Ben said: “If I’m honest my first choice was another university but I missed out by one point. In saying that, if I knew what I know today it would have been Northumbria all the way! It is probably one of the best decisions I have made to date. It’s a fantastic university, an amazing city and my course lecturers are second to none.

“Even during the clearing process I was bracing myself for ‘problems’ like so many of my friends at other universities were having, but it was totally plain sailing. I was even given my first choice in accommodation and was able to see it beforehand so it was a great feeling to know I’d be staying somewhere nice for the first year!

“During induction week I was slightly nervous but the induction at Sports Central was amazing and I met some great students and staff so I was quickly put at ease and enjoyed the week.”

Ben added: “There are a few things that stand out for me here at Northumbria, obviously the course which is great, but also the opportunities that comes with studying here. I’ve had the opportunity to work at the Students’ Union and took part in an education awareness project where we went out to local secondary schools and talked about life at university and the courses we’re on, but overall I would say the lecturers on my course have really made my time here amazing.”

Overall, Benjamin has no regrets about coming to Northumbria: “I have had an extremely positive experience at Northumbria University and have memories which will stay with me for years to come,” he says.  

Securing her place studying locally at Northumbria meant that a Masters degree in Medicine remained on the cards.

“I would suggest to all students leaving education to research carefully all of the universities that offer your courses – I wasn’t aware that Northumbria even offered Biomedical Science until the clearing process was already upon me,” she said.

Having spent time studying at other UK institutions as part of a summer school, Lauren finds the relaxed teaching atmosphere and regular one-on-one tutor engagement to be a vital part of the Northumbria culture.

“I’d had my heart set elsewhere originally so was apprehensive about going through clearing,” she said.  “It was an emotional time and often you don’t think to plan for it as an eventuality. I didn’t know much about it but all it took was a couple of clicks of the mouse.

“I like feeling part of the Northumbria community and although the course is big you get to know a lot of people very quickly as it is very close knit.”

Averaging a first-class degree standard grade in her first year of study has set Lauren on course for career success and she is currently planning to take up a year-long placement in industry.

The Forensics and Criminology modules within the Biomedical Science course have also offered Lauren further insights into areas she may not have previously considered.

“I always intended to do a post-grad in Medicine but because Biomedical Science offers so many different aspects, including themes on Criminology and Forensics, I’m more driven to get straight into working life.

“It surprised me how much I love the lab side of the course as I didn’t enjoy Biology when I was in school, but the approachability of the staff assures you that help is always at hand.”

Since starting at Northumbria Lauren has recommended the university to a number of her friends who have confirmed places for the upcoming academic year.

She added: “Now that I’ve attended Northumbria I’m so glad I didn’t get into my first choice.”

Describing the ease of the Clearing process, Helena said: “Looking for accommodation was a lot easier than I imagined. It was a simple process of applying online and what impressed me the most was I was able to request to live with my friends!

“It was an extremely easy, stress free and organised process, as was student finance. I called them straight away and they changed the university over immediately and I then received another letter in the post with the updated details a few days later.”

She added: “The staff were very welcoming which made me feel at ease and the students at Northumbria were very easy to get along with. I have fitted in very easily and made lots of friends.

“Northumbria is an excellent university it offers a range of courses to suit you, the staff are very experienced and are there to help you achieve a career at the end.

“I have learnt a lot in my first year. Adjusting to university lifestyle is massive and the staff are there to support you on that journey – not just academically.

“I would say the best quality of the University is the friendliness, as well as its courses! The facilities are amazing and I wouldn't go anywhere else. Newcastle is a great city which is a bonus.”