My name is Elizabeth, I’m Ukrainian and I am currently studying International Business Management at the University of Surrey.
I was offered a place at Surrey through Clearing as I had missed my grades to go to my first choice university. Although at first I was upset and didn’t know what to do, I ended up having a swift and easy experience with Clearing at Surrey.


Why I chose Surrey
After getting my results, I started researching universities that offered my chosen course, business. Surrey quickly stood out. I already had a good awareness of Surrey, as it was one of my original five choices. The website was easy to navigate on the day, and I was impressed by the course structure, placement opportunities, and the vibrant campus life. I called the Clearing hotline, and the staff were supportive, reassuring, and efficient. Within a few hours, I had an offer to study at Surrey and soon received confirmation of my place. I had also been offered places at a few other universities, but I ultimately decided to choose Surrey.
Choosing Surrey through Clearing ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From my very first week, I felt welcomed and supported. Everything from the beautiful campus, friendly students and strong sense of community helped me settle in quickly.
The Surrey advantage
The main reason I chose Surrey over other universities that gave me an offer was the quality of education they offered. Surrey Business School appealed to me because of its wide range of connections, opportunities and experienced lecturers. I also liked the idea of living close to London as I’m not too far from home and I knew it would provide me with access to some job opportunities and networking events.
Additionally, I enjoy the competitive environment at Surrey, especially when it comes to sports. There are a lot of different societies you can join, offering a great opportunity to try out new activities and discover things you might enjoy. For example, I joined the Water Polo Club at the start of the year, and I’ve really enjoyed it. It’s been a fantastic way to stay active, meet new people, and challenge myself in a new sport.
The benefits of Clearing
Although I was initially uncertain, Clearing turned out to be a surprising opportunity that ultimately led me to a university I feel truly connected to. I found Clearing to be much less stressful than I had imagined. The process was efficient and the staff were incredibly supportive and helpful which helped me feel confident in my decision. It was a reminder that sometimes life’s unexpected turns lead to the best opportunities. If I hadn’t gone through Clearing, I may have never discovered how much Surrey was the right fit for me, both academically and socially.
Clearing gave me the chance to re-assess my options and ultimately find a place where I could thrive. I’m now excited about the future, and looking back, I’m grateful for the unexpected journey that brought me to Surrey.
So, if you guys are going through Clearing, don’t stress – the process is easier than it seems. It’s an opportunity to explore new options and find a place that suits you even better than you might have expected. Keep an open mind, and remember, sometimes the best opportunities come from life’s unexpected turns.
