I changed my mind on results day and clearing made it possible

I started my university dreams with a clear plan, to study biology in a city with plenty of green spaces that felt like home. When I was applying to university, two places really stood out to me: the University of Edinburgh and the University of Sheffield. After visiting both on offer-holder days, I made Edinburgh my firm choice because of the grade requirements. 

Between sending my Ucas application and results day, though, I learnt a lot more about myself and my interests. My love for the biology of human systems was growing and I started questioning whether biology was still the right course for me. I'd originally chosen it because it was broad and would let me explore different areas, but after another six months of studying I realised it was human health and development that I really enjoyed and I wanted to specialise.

On results day, I walked into the school hall already knowing I'd been accepted by my firm choice, so I felt surprisingly relaxed. When I got my results, my chemistry and biology teachers came over to congratulate me but that's when it hit me, I strangely didn’t feel like celebrating.

It felt like a really difficult decision because I was choosing to walk away from something that had once been my dream. Part of me wondered whether I should just stick with my original plan because changing direction felt scary after months of preparing for it.

Instead, I went home, sat with my thoughts for a while and made the decision to release myself into clearing before I'd even applied to Sheffield. Looking back, that was probably quite a bold thing to do, but it gave me the push I needed. There was no going back.

As my chemistry teacher always used to say, you have to follow your heart, and I knew mine was taking me to Sheffield.

I used the university's online clearing system to submit my details and request a change from biological sciences to biomedical science. Then I waited for the phone to ring.

I remember feeling really nervous when I answered. It almost felt like opening my results all over again. The student ambassador I spoke to was so friendly that within a few minutes I was reminded of everything I'd loved about Sheffield when I'd visited. He talked me through the process, checked my results, answered all my questions and then congratulated me on my place at the University of Sheffield.

The whole process was much simpler and much calmer than I'd expected on what was already quite a stressful day.

Before all of this, I'd assumed clearing was only for people who hadn't got into the university they wanted. I didn't really let myself think about it until just before results day and, by then, the online pre-application had already closed. If I'd known more about how it worked, I probably would have explored it sooner.

That's why I always like talking about my experience when I'm giving campus tours as a student ambassador. I want prospective students to know that clearing isn't just a backup option. Sometimes it's simply the route that helps you make the right decision.

Now I've completed my first year at Sheffield, I know I made the right choice. I've just had my exam results back, which I'm really pleased with, and I'm hoping to do a year in industry going forwards. The support available for placements was one of the things that attracted me to Sheffield and now it's something I'm really excited about.

Working as a student ambassador has been one of the best parts of my first year because it's opened so many doors. I've also learned to snowboard in France and next year I'll be on the pole and aerial society committee.

Looking back now, I don't wonder whether I made the right decision. Choosing to go through clearing meant I could study the course that genuinely matched my interests, at a university that felt like home. Sometimes your plans change and that's not something to be afraid of.