After facing setbacks on results day, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science student Tegan turned to Clearing to find a university place. Now in her third year, Tegan tells us about her time at the University of Cumbria and shares her top tips for applying to university through Clearing.
What degree are you studying at Cumbria and what year did you apply through Clearing?
I study BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science and I’m currently in my third year. I applied through Clearing in 2022.
Why did you apply through Clearing?
I unfortunately didn’t get the grades I’d hoped for on results day, so I chose to try Clearing to find a similar course suited to what I wanted to do.
Did you understand how Clearing worked before you went through the process? If so, what did you know about it?
I didn’t know a lot about Clearing before the process, only that it was an option, but thankfully it was easy to navigate, and I was able to find both a course and university well suited to my interests.
How was your Clearing experience at the University of Cumbria? How did you apply?
I applied by phoning the hotline and wound up speaking to one of the Biomedical Science lecturers! I unfortunately wasn’t going to be free for the open day the following weekend, but he was kind enough to offer to show me around. So, on results day, I drove over to the campus and had a look around. I decided there that Cumbria was the place for me.
Would you recommend applying through Clearing to others? Why?
I would definitely recommend Clearing, it’s a great way to scout out your options! You can apply for a bunch of courses, and you don’t have to accept straight away; there’s still a bit of time to think about it and consider which university is the best choice for you.
Do you have any advice for students applying to university through Clearing?
Make sure you look at different universities and different courses. If things don’t go your way on results day, try not to be too disheartened. Look into how Clearing works before results day to familiarise yourself with the process, and try not to get too stressed, the staff are there to help you!
What do you enjoy most about your course?
I particularly enjoy the case study elements of my course, especially in Clinical Biochemistry, being able to evaluate patient test results and correlate these to possible diagnoses and further necessary tests is so interesting.
What do you enjoy most about studying at the University of Cumbria?
I love the proximity to the Lake District. Me and my friends go walking most weekends, and Cumbria as a general place is super friendly. The university is relatively small, which I really like, as it gives it a warmer, more homely feel.
How is university life beyond your studies?
Beyond studying, university is really enjoyable. I am part of the running club at uni, and my friends and I love to go to the Lakes, or to sit in the beer gardens in the surrounding pubs when the sun finally comes out nearer summer.
I was also given the amazing opportunity to go to Uganda for a month between first and second year, with the charity Play Action International, and with the help of the Turing Scheme. A group of twenty of us built a playground and got to take part in some great activities along the way, like bungee jumping and safaris.
