Student Natanya explains how Clearing process put her at ease in choosing Chester

The Clearing system is used by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and UK universities at the end of the academic year to fill courses with available space. Increasingly, students are using Clearing to explore their options and find the course and university that are right for them.

One such student is Natanya Ratnaraj, who had obtained the right grades for the universities she originally applied for, but decided against her original course plan and sought a different destination through Clearing.

Natanya explained: “Before going into Clearing, I was quite confused about it, I was nervous, I wasn't 100% sure what to do.

"On results day, once I had gone into Clearing, everything was simple. I had the offer from multiple universities and then I had to narrow it down to which university I wanted to go to. I looked into course modules, examination style, distance from my home and things like societies and sports clubs.

“All of these factors combined is what led me to choose Chester. I dialled the number and they just talk you through everything step by step – it was quite calm. Once I understood I have got a place, I felt relieved. The process of Clearing is really straightforward here in Chester.”

Natanya, who has now completed her first year as a Psychology student, added she was grateful to have regular meetings with her personal academic tutor, and highlighted the friendly atmosphere and tight-knit community at both the University and the city of Chester.

The University of Chester’s Clearing hotline is 01244 567470. During the Clearing period, the phone lines are open from Monday-Thursday at 9am-5.30pm, and on Fridays from 9am-4.30pm. Extended opening hours are on:

• Thursday, August 13: 8am-6pm
• Friday, August 14: 8am-6pm
• Saturday, August 15: 9am-5pm
• Sunday, August 16: 10am-4pm
• Saturday, August 22: 9am-5pm

Find out more about Clearing at the University of Chester.