This is a guest blog written by Louise Gaff

Calling all parents, this one’s for you! This is a guest blog from our of BU student’s parents perspective, talking about her daughters experience with Clearing. Are you a parent looking to share your views? Get in touch! 

My daughter Ellen had completed her A-levels in Maths, Art and Psychology and had her future mentally mapped out as a Psychology student at University. She particularly enjoyed studying Psychology at College and knew this would be her chosen subject to attain a degree. Unfortunately, plans do not always run smoothly and much to Ellen’s disappointment she missed her required entry grades into her preferred University by a couple of points.

To say this was a stressful time was an understatement. She was offered a place with a foundation year with non-student accommodation several miles away from the campus. It was not an ideal situation. After a lot of careful weighing up, we decided to see what was available elsewhere through UCAS clearing. Ellen wanted to study at a coastal town and be within a couple of hours reach from home. We contacted BU as on paper it ‘fitted the bill’. We spoke to an advisor who clearly explained the system and gave us much needed reassurance at this challenging time. We reserved her a place on the course and were able to visit the campus and town the following day, and Ellen instantly liked the feel and community vibe at Bournemouth. We were very impressed with the advice and support we received, and one adviser took the time to guide us step by step to book accommodation carefully.

A year after, Ellen has completed her first year at BU. She is enjoying the course and loves living in Bournemouth town with the day and nightlife it has to offer – and the beach is stunning! My advice to other parents and students is to keep positive, and if you do not manage to secure a place at your first choice Uni it doesn’t have to be the end of the world! Ellen often says how happy she is with how things worked out for her so “thank you” BU.

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