My Clearing Journey to Coventry University

Introduction

My name is Rangeshh. I’m currently in my final year of Mechanical Engineering MEng/BEng (Hons) at Coventry University, but this is definitely not where I thought I’d be five years ago.

How it all started

Let’s rewind to when I was still in secondary school doing my A-levels. I’d spent weeks considering what I wanted to do after I finished school. Hours spent researching what careers, pathways and opportunities lie ahead, scrolling through websites, watching career videos, trying to piece together what my future might look like. I knew I had the mathematical skills, and, coupled with my flair for design technology through a youth engineering scholarship programme, I decided I wanted to study mechanical engineering. My fallback disciplines were aerospace or mechatronics, from my passion for aircraft and constant tinkering with household electronics.

Like many people my age, I boldly applied to some of the top universities in the country. Thankfully, after submitting my personal statement and confirming my choices on UCAS, I was given a conditional offer for my firm and insurance choices to study my chosen course. At this point, everything seemed to be in place.

Then came results day.

I anxiously woke up and refreshed the UCAS page, waiting for a “congratulations on your offer” message, but this wasn’t meant to be. I’d just missed the mark for the required grades needed for my offer locations. I was instantly shaken, knowing that the months of hard work put into revision suddenly felt uncertain. I chose to take a step back, gathered my thoughts and realised this wasn’t the end.

Discovering the Clearing process

I knew I still wanted to go to university, which is when I stumbled upon Clearing. I had never considered Clearing before, since I never thought I’d have to use it. The process, however, couldn’t have been simpler. With the help of my supportive parents, I picked up the phone and searched for universities offering the same course - I didn’t mind compromising on location or institution. That’s when I stumbled upon Coventry University. A prestigious university, among the Top 30 Best UK Universities at the time. They also received a high ranking in The Guardian’s Best UK universities for mechanical engineering – league table, which is when I knew this was where I wanted to study.

I went through UCAS to check my eligibility, from entry requirements to student finance. I instantly got on the phone and called the team, who were very friendly and understanding. They guided me through the entire process, from personal details to answering general questions to understand my interest in Coventry University and this course. I couldn’t have been more relieved to speak to the team; it put my mind right at ease.

After a provisional offer email, I made the changes via the UCAS hub and waited until the next morning to receive a confirmed place at Coventry University. I was thrilled to know that I was going to university. I began making changes to my initial plans, booked my accommodation and was even invited to attend a Clearing Open Day before settling back into the rest of my summer holidays. I also made sure to thank my old form tutors for their guidance, who reassured me that this was the right decision. Despite my initial apprehension, I found many others in my course who had also come through Clearing. This made me feel a lot less out of place, as we were able to bond over our experiences.

Reflecting back on the decision

From just wanting to obtain a bachelor's degree, to now completing a five-year integrated master’s degree with a year in placement, I’m still extremely proud of the choice I made on results day. It was one of the best decisions I’d made, given the friends, relationships and academic network I have established, without giving up on my goal to complete a degree in engineering. I’ve also grown to love Coventry as a city; it’s a vibrant, student-friendly place with many amazing things to explore and do on a day-to-day basis.

Advice for future students

One of the best pieces of advice I’d give any student, regardless of their stage in academia, is never to say no to an opportunity. Talk it out with friends, consult your family or other experts, because you’ll never know what a small decision or a ‘plan B’ could mean for you several years down the line. I would never have experienced the lessons I’ve learnt now if it hadn’t been for Coventry University.

So, if you do go through Clearing, don’t be disheartened, explore your options and think about what you want to gain to eventually open the doors you want at the end of the road.

Good luck with your results!