Clearing 2024: Missing out on first choice university turned out to be a blessing for Charlotte

For Charlotte Gallo not quite getting the grades she needed to her first choice university turned out to be a blessing in disguise. 

The 19-year-old year old student had originally hoped to study Medicine at Keele but instead accepted a place on the University of Leicester’s Psychology degree course through Clearing and has never looked back.

“I decided to change course for something that I would find less stressful and enjoy more, instead of retake A-levels or reapply,” she said. 

“I knew I enjoyed Psychology and the course at Leicester had modules that really appealed to me including Clinical Neuroscience. It also offered the chance to do a placement year, study abroad or even transfer to Medicine.” 

Charlotte says that as well as the course being the right fit for her, another overwhelming factor was the speedy response she got, even talking to one of her potential lecturers over the phone.

She said: “They were very quick to reply to me and very organised with emails so it really helped to guide me through the stressful process. Talking to a lecturer on the course put me at ease and really made me feel welcome. It instantly made me feel better after being disappointed with my grades.”

“I really enjoyed it and I got to talk to a lot of students on my course who spoke about how happy they were and were really encouraging. It definitely helped me feel like I’d made the right choice.”

The University of Leicester guarantees accommodation for all students, including those entering through Clearing before September 1 and this was also a huge relief to Charlotte.

“I didn’t feel pressured to choose quickly and there was such a large choice available. The accommodation team helped me a lot at the open day, so I had picked it by the end of the day.” 

“My peers, the staff and accommodation team really helped me to enjoy my first year of university. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do the course especially as my tutors have helped me whenever I have asked them. Since joining the University of Leicester I’ve had so many opportunities which have really helped me to grow as a person.”

All courses available via Clearing are on the website. The website also includes information about our events, a guide to applying, answers to frequently asked questions, information about our accommodation, information for parents and more.

Applicants who have their grades can call 0116 373 6000 where staff can chat through the options. The telephone line is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Those waiting for results, can call between 7am and 9pm on results day (Thursday 15 August). On Friday 16 August lines are open 8am to 6pm.

The University offers guaranteed University-managed accommodation if applicants apply by Friday 1 September.