Morgan Sale

What degree had you originally applied for and where?

Nursing at various universities.

What is your degree, and where are you studying?

Aviation and Airport Management BA (Hons) at University College Birmingham

Why did you enter Clearing?

I was originally rejected for a degree in nursing from many universities. However, I found that it wasn’t really my passion and soon pulled my UCAS profile. 

What factors made you finally settle on the course you chose?

I had been interested in aviation and planes from a young age as my grandad was an aircraft engineer and I lived on army sites as a child. I didn’t realise this was a university course opportunity, so when I found out about it, I knew I had to apply and was offered an unconditional offer. 

Did you attend a Clearing open day and, if so, how was it?

I didn’t attend a Clearing open day, but I did ring up the university before my A-level results came out to express my interest and the helpful team told me how it works and what will happen. 

On the day of my A level results, I rang the university and told them my grades. They offered lots of congratulations and had a really positive attitude, which made the whole experience lovely. My Clearing experience was pain free.

Did you find a place to live easily?

I started as a January intake so was worried about finding a place to live, not being a typical academic year. But there are so many universities around Birmingham, meaning the accommodation options are plenty. I would definitely recommend starting off at University College Birmingham’s halls at The Maltings as it’s a great location. 

Have you enjoyed your course and time at uni?

I am. The best parts of my course are guest lectures from industry, from West Midlands Police showing us their drones to British Airways bosses talking to us about the future of technology at airports. The trips we get to go on are once-in-a-lifetime, such as a tour at the Airbus manufacturing plant in Hamburg and experiencing being on the end of the runway at Budapest Airport. 

In terms of support, the university was amazing when my dad was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, my module leaders and year tutors went above and beyond to make sure I was okay and everything at home was okay. They made it a safe space to talk about my feelings and the struggles I was facing. They even helped me to do my exams a day before scheduled so I could be with my family.

Said Onyemauwa 

What degree had you originally applied for and where?

I applied for Marketing at a university in Scotland as my firm choice.

What is your degree and where are you studying?

I'm in my first year studying for a BA (Hons) degree in Digital Marketing at University College Birmingham.

Why did you enter Clearing?

I had received an offer from my firm choice, my second choice being University College Birmingham. Because I was holding an offer from my firm choice, I had to decline them and apply for my second choice through Clearing.

What factors made you finally settle on the course you are studying?

I had a change of heart, to be honest, because studying general marketing suddenly seemed plain and boring. Also, the documentary 'The Social Dilemma' left me with a strong calling towards the digital side of marketing, hence why I chose this subject at University College Birmingham. 

What was your Clearing experience like?

My Clearing experience was pretty good. No long wait time, staff were friendly and helpful. It felt like applying directly with the uni was easier than going through UCAS.

Did you find a place to live easily?

I found a place near Queen Elizabeth Hospital relatively easy.

Are you enjoying your course and time at uni?

My first year's been good!