Clearing success story: University of Leicester

Wht's your name?

Sam Knight

What are you studying and where? 

I’m currently in my first year of studying an integrated Master of Mechanical Engineering (MEng) at the University of Leicester.

What degree had you originally applied for and where? 

I’d originally applied for an integrated Master of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield as my first choice, and the same course at the University of Lancaster for my second choice.

Why did you apply through Clearing? 

I applied through Clearing because I hadn’t quite achieved the grades required to be accepted onto either my first or second choice on results day, and I still wanted to attend University.

What factors made you settle on the course and university you chose? 

A big part of my decision making was talking to students that attended the university, and if possible, did the same or similar course, and talk to them about their experiences of the university, what they like about it, what they don’t, that sort of thing. Another big thing that helped my decision is how friendly the staff and lecturers were from the university. If they were nice and seemed genuinely passionate in their respective area, that was a massive plus for me, as chances are they would be far better to learn under!

Did you attend a Clearing Open Day if so, how was it? 

I did attend a Clearing Open Day, I found it incredibly reassuring and helpful! I went to an open day at Leicester the day after Clearing, after accepting my offer. I found this very helpful and positive as it really helped to reassure me that I’d made the right choice and gave me a chance to look around both the university and the accommodation, both of which I’d never seen in person before.  

Did you easily find somewhere to live? 

I found a place to live very easily, putting in my accommodation application at the end of the open day I went to. As I applied for university-managed accommodation, all first years are guaranteed a place if applied for before the 1st of September. I got my first choice for a room, which really put me at ease for the whole process of going to a new university and the stress of being rejected from my first and second choice unis.

Have you enjoyed your course and time at university? 

I’ve really enjoyed my time at university and my course so far! It’s been an exciting challenge doing a subject I’ve never studied in-depth before, and I’ve really enjoyed and thrived from the difficulty that comes from that. I’ve also really enjoyed the freedom and responsibility that comes from living on my own and being fully in charge of myself! The university has also been great in supporting me through my first year, helping me with whatever issues I may have had.

Do you have any tips for students considering Clearing this year?

I'd say one of my biggest tips for students is to be open and genuinely think about and consider different options, be that universities or subjects, even if you hadn’t considered them previously, or even thought about them! You never know what you can find during Clearing, and if you shut yourself off from the idea of exploring them, you might miss a cool sounding course you hadn’t come across. I’d say my other big tip for students is don’t panic! Clearing is there for a reason, don’t be afraid to use it and call as many people as possible to give yourself the best chance of getting somewhere that you want. The people answering the Clearing phones understand what situation you’re going through and want to help you get where you want to be! You will get a place in a university if that’s what you want, with the sheer number of places available on Clearing you will find something that interests you for certain.

Check out the University of Leicester's Clearing profile and see if you can find the right course for you.