Hi, my name is Laura and I’m an English Literature and Media & Communication graduate.

I chose to study my course because I loved the idea of doing a combined degree. The combined degree worked out great for me because I was able to continue studying English, a subject I knew I was good at, whilst also experiencing something completely different within Media.

I came to Hope through Clearing, and I’d say my journey was a little different to the average experience. I’d already started attending another university but decided that I didn’t like the experience I was having, and I knew it wasn’t for me quite early on in the school year. At that point, I felt very much like just a number in a large university, and felt pretty confused that I wasn’t having a good time. I then gave Hope a call to see if I could still apply through Clearing.

Initially, the thought of transferring universities was quite scary. In order to apply to Hope via Clearing, I had to let go of my current university place, so there was a period where things felt really uncertain. But as soon as I gave the Hope Clearing line a call, I knew that I had made the right decision and my mind was instantly put at ease. The whole process from then on was pretty smooth and within a few weeks, I was attending the university.

Hope was extremely helpful throughout the whole process. They were there to talk me through transitioning universities and answered any questions I had, which really helped put my doubts at ease. From my initial application, right the way through to attending my first lecture, I felt really supported by all levels of staff within the uni.

For me, I think the realisation that I made the right choice was a combination of little things like the Clearing process, the feeling of the campus and meeting my lecturers. But, I think I really knew I’d made the right decision when I made friends in my lectures and joined the Musical Theatre Society, because it felt like I had found my community within Hope. Once I found my people, I knew I could see myself at Hope for 3 years.

A piece of advice for someone going through Clearing? It may seem quite scary at first because everything feels uncertain, but once you take the first step things start to fall into place. Ask as many questions as you need through the process, so you feel like you have enough information. But more than anything, coming to university should be an exciting and new period in your life, so try to enjoy the process as much as you can.

Thanks for reading 🙂