If you had asked me during my gap year where I thought I would end up at university, Surrey probably would not have been my answer, not because I had anything against it, but because I had a completely different plan in mind.
Like a lot of students, I had built a picture of exactly how things were supposed to go. I applied to universities I really wanted to attend, convinced myself everything would fall into place and then missed out by a single grade. At the time, it felt devastating because when you spend months imagining one path, having it suddenly change can feel completely disorientating.
I will be honest, Clearing is not exactly relaxing. Between checking UCAS far more often than any human reasonably should, trying to stay outwardly calm while quietly panicking and answering well-meaning questions from family, it can feel intense. What made the experience different for me was how supportive Surrey was throughout the process. I expected something rushed and impersonal, but instead I spoke to people who were reassuring, patient and genuinely helpful, which made a stressful situation feel much more manageable.
Accommodation
One of my biggest concerns was accommodation. Getting a university place through Clearing already feels like a major hurdle, so realising accommodation was not guaranteed added another layer of pressure. Because rooms were allocated on a first come, first served basis, I remember constantly checking my emails and convincing myself that refreshing the page every five minutes was somehow productive. Thankfully, I secured a room in Daphne Jackson for my first year, and looking back, that became one of the best parts of my university experience. It was where I met some brilliant people, built friendships that lasted beyond first year and discovered that sharing a kitchen with strangers teaches you a surprising amount about patience.
Transitioning into life at uni
Starting university brings a strange mix of excitement and uncertainty that nobody can fully prepare you for. One moment you are at home where everything feels familiar, then suddenly you are trying to work out whether your clothes can all go in the same wash while standing in a supermarket questioning whether branded pasta sauce is financially irresponsible. Learning to cook, clean and manage life independently felt overwhelming at first, especially when I realised nobody was going to magically restock the fridge. Still, those challenges gradually became normal, and the things that once felt intimidating became part of everyday life. Looking back, those lessons were some of the most valuable parts of university because they gave me independence and confidence beyond my degree.
My advice
If I could give advice to anyone going through Clearing, it would be to stay as calm as possible, even though I know that is easier said than done. Check UCAS carefully, make sure the course you want is available and be realistic about whether you meet the entry requirements. Write down every important detail during conversations because stress has an impressive ability to make basic information disappear from your memory. It is also important to think honestly about your own circumstances. I had other Clearing options, but many were much further from home. Coming from a lower socio-economic background, financial considerations were not something I could ignore, and students should feel comfortable factoring those realities into their decisions.
Looking back
Looking back now, choosing Surrey through Clearing was one of the best unexpected decisions I have made. It was not the route I planned, but it gave me three amazing years, brilliant friendships and experiences that shaped me in ways I never anticipated. Sometimes the plans that fall apart make room for something even better. Hi Richard I have just sent my clearing blog over, apologies for sending over after the 20th, I have been very busy with exams and assignments this week.
