A student wearing climbing equipment stands in front of a climbing wall. He is putting chalk on his hands.

Chris's Clearing story

After missing out on his first-choice university, Chris found where he truly belonged at UEA. This is his Clearing story.

I studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Mandarin Chinese at A Level. Originally, I was going to study Aerospace Engineering and I was really interested in how aircraft generate lift through their aerofoils. I wanted to understand how planes get into the sky, stay there and how all of that works.

I've always been interested in space as well. I also enjoy inventing things, creating things and making things work. That's what drew me to Engineering. My top choices were Bath and Loughborough.

I was actually in Hong Kong on results day. My family were all there with me and we were waiting for them together. I remember we were just about to head home when the results came through.

I realised I hadn't got the grades I needed.

Immediately, I started looking at what was available through Clearing on the UCAS website. My brother was already studying at UEA. He'd always said it was a great university, and I liked the idea that we'd get to spend a year there together. I was becoming interested in Nuclear Engineering as well and UEA is close to Sizewell Power Station, so that made it even more appealing.

When I looked at everything together – the course, the accommodation, my brother’s recommendation, the opportunities – it just felt like everything was pointing towards UEA.

Chris

A student sits on a bench holding a basketball. He is in a gym and a basketball net is behind him.

The Clearing adviser I spoke to was brilliant. They answered my questions, talked me through everything and made the whole process really straightforward.

When I looked at everything together – the course, the accommodation, my brother’s recommendation, the opportunities – it just felt like everything was pointing towards UEA. They sent over the details and I accepted the offer. The whole thing took about half an hour. Looking back, it really was the perfect choice and I'm really glad I made that decision.

Moving from Aerospace Engineering to a broader Engineering degree opened up more possibilities for me. UEA is flexible and it's allowed me to discover so much more. Here, I've been able to take modules outside my course. I've done Environmental Science alongside my Engineering degree.

Being a Student Ambassador has been brilliant as well. The university gives us loads of opportunities to work, represent UEA and do outreach work. Most importantly, it gives us opportunities to develop ourselves. CareerCentral (UEA's career service) has been a really big support for me. They help with CVs, interviews and careers advice. One of the people on the Placements team gave me a PowerPoint that explained exactly how to approach getting a placement. That was really helpful.

Search our Clearing courses

Select your subjects from the dropdown or show all courses in Clearing.

Refine your selection for home or international fee paying courses.

If you already have your results, call us on 01603 591515 to talk through your options.

If you have any questions about our courses, please email our Admissions team at admissions@uea.ac.uk.

Chris's Clearing story

Search our Clearing courses

University Clearing Guide

Register for Clearing updates

Find your Clearing course