After taking a break from education to raise her family, Sarah applied to Cumbria through Clearing to pursue her lifelong ambition of becoming a nurse. Inspired by the exceptional nursing care she has witnessed in recent years, she joined the first cohort of nursing students at our Barrow campus in September 2025. Having a university campus in her hometown made the opportunity even more appealing, allowing her to achieve her dream close to home.
What degree are you studying at Cumbria and what year did you apply through Clearing? Why did you choose to study your course – what or who inspired you?
I am studying BSc (Hons) Nursing/Registered Nurse: Adult Nursing. I am currently coming to the end of my first year, with another two to go. I applied for this course through Clearing in August 2025 and started just a few weeks later in September 2025.
I have wanted to be a nurse from a very young age. But because the nearest university was quite a distance away and I had my first child at a young age, I kept putting off applying for courses. Over the last few years, I have had various encounters with nurses in all sorts of settings, and it was a combination of these encounters that made me realise how much of a difference it can make to a person’s experience when they are cared for by a nurse who shows respect, empathy and understanding.
Could you tell us more about how you came to apply through Clearing? Why did you choose the University of Cumbria?
Having a new campus open in my hometown of Barrow gave me the push I needed to stop putting my application off any longer. I chose the University of Cumbria because I had previously been a student here and was confident in the level of support and high-quality education it offers. My earlier experience showed me that the staff are committed to student success, and that the teaching is both rigorous and engaging, which made returning an easy decision.
How was your Clearing experience at the University of Cumbria? How did you apply?
My Clearing experience was very quick. I applied online by completing the application form, and I had a response within a week or two to say I had an interview, which was via video call. Following this, I had confirmation that I had been accepted onto the course and was given a start date. I had a few emails and telephone calls with the Admissions team, who were all amazing and helped with any queries I had.
Do you have any advice for students applying to university through Clearing?
The only advice I would give to anyone thinking of applying through Clearing is to have the courage to do it! If it is something you really want to do, then fill in the form or make the phone call.
What has been your favourite experience at the University of Cumbria so far?
A highlight of my time at the University of Cumbria has been the friendliness and support shown by both staff and fellow students. This welcoming environment helped me settle in quickly, encouraged collaboration, and made the campus feel like a community rather than just a place of study.
How have you found your placement(s)? Where was your placement, and what was it like?
I am currently nearing the end of my second placement. My first one was in a ward within a local hospital, and my second is in a GP surgery. These placements have not only helped me to apply what I have been learning in the classroom in the real world, but they have also allowed me to gain knowledge from some amazing nurses and many other medical professionals. I am slowly gaining more confidence with things like taking observations, cleaning and dressing wounds, and giving patients their subcutaneous or intramuscular injections.
How have you found studying at Cumbria as a mature student?
As a mature student, it was quite daunting going back into education after such a long time, but everyone at the Barrow campus, where I study, as well as the Lancaster campus, where I have attended Simulated Practice Learning sessions, have been amazing.
What’s been the most difficult obstacle you’ve overcome in your student journey?
The main thing I have struggled with has been balancing my assignments and self-study with being mum to my four children aged 6, 8,17 and 24.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
The mixture of classroom and online lectures, combined with practical lessons and placements, makes it a good balance to ensure students can gain knowledge and skills from a mixture of approaches. I feel lucky that we have a smaller cohort; it has enabled us to build a close relationship with each other.
In November, we were lucky enough to attend an event in Birmingham called ‘Nursing Live’, which had expert speakers who provided information about not just careers in nursing, but also self-care.
How have your tutors supported you during your studies?
My tutors have supported me by ensuring each module is explained using both academic evidence and personal experiences, which makes the information more relatable to real-life situations.
I feel they are all also very approachable, which makes discussing any issues extremely easy. If they cannot provide the help we need, they can signpost us to the most appropriate person within the university.
What do you enjoy the most about student life at your campus/in the area?
Being able to study in my hometown has meant I can still spend time with my family whilst continuing with my studies without long travel times. Barrow is surrounded by beaches and has many beautiful places to visit within a short distance.
What would be your top tips for people thinking of doing the same course as you?
My top tip for anyone about to start the course would be to have a look at Head Start to University on the University of Cumbria’s website. This suite of online self-study courses offers guidance on a variety of topics to support the transition to university, whether you’re starting straight out of college or after having time away from education.
Find your place in Clearing
Applying to the University of Cumbria through Clearing is a great way to discover new opportunities and find the perfect course for you. Visit our Clearing Hub for more information about our courses, the application process, and your next steps.