My name is Charlotte Cliffe, I am 36 and from Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire. I am a second year BSc Adult Nursing student on the Aylesbury campus.

I had not anticipated on applying to the University through Clearing. My plan was to apply through UCAS for September 2021 intake after completing an access to nursing course which I was studying via distanced learning. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, my access course was completed sooner than expected and therefore I was able to apply for September 2020 intake through Clearing.

I started the process in August 2020 and soon after making the application I was offered an interview. I attended an online interview with Linda Dean and was delighted to be offered a place to study Adult Nursing at the University’s new Aylesbury campus. The whole process was straightforward and I was kept informed by the University every step of the way.

The Covid-19 pandemic really highlighted the work that nurses do on the frontline during times of crisis, and I am extremely proud to say I am a student nurse. If it had not been for the pandemic, I would not have been where I am today – over halfway through my first year as a student nurse. Despite some of the challenges we have all faced, such as getting to grips with online learning, we are fortunate to have a great support from both the University and lecturers.

I left school at 16 and had various jobs before starting a family at the age of 26. It has only been in recent years that I started to think about becoming a nurse. I worried I may be too old to go back into education, but I can honestly say it’s the best decision I have made. It’s never too late to learn! I am currently on placement at Wycombe General Hospital on a surgical ward. I originally wanted to go into palliative care, but I am thoroughly enjoying working with post-operative patients, and I am keeping an open mind as to which path to pursue after graduation.

The University of Bedfordshire’s Clearing operators are here to discuss courses, funding, accommodation and any queries about the studying experience. They’re here to help, so give them a call!