Clearing 2022: It gave me the chance to help support others suffering bereavement & trauma

Tue 23 August, 2022

A mature student has spoken about her Clearing experience after she successfully applied to study a healthcare degree at the University of Bedfordshire.

Having now received their A Level, T Level and BTEC results, lots of prospective students will be using Clearing to find a university and course that suits their needs and career plans. However, Clearing isn’t just for those who are only just receiving the results of their exams.

Health and Social Care student, Connie, came to study with Bedfordshire’s Faculty of Health and Social Sciences as a mature learner after making a snap decision to pursue higher education. Having considered studying a degree for a while, she discovered that the University had a Milton Keynes campus close to where she lived, so she picked up the phone and called the Clearing hotline to secure a place in time for the start of term.

Read Connie’s Q&A to find out about her Clearing journey and experience of studying at the University of Bedfordshire…

My name is Connie Solomon. I am 47 years old and I’m studying Health and Social Care.

For personal reasons – as a ‘Survivor of Bereavement by Suicide’ I wanted to help and support others in my community who have been through the same challenge as me. I'm also a support coach for people who experience mild trauma so wanted to develop my skills in this area.

I wanted to study Health and Social Care and I had been thinking about it for a few months, but I wasn't sure how I would manage as a single parent and with a full-time job. However, eventually I decided to give it a try and contacted the University of Bedfordshire’s Clearing team. I discovered that the University had a campus in Milton Keynes which was no brainer for me in terms of location – the rest is history!

I felt nervous as I wasn't sure if it was too late for the course I wanted to study, seeing that I contacted them just before term started. But the team was very helpful, they reassured me there was still time to apply – so I got interviewed and all my worries disappeared. I felt so relieved and happy I contacted them.

Yes, very happy, it was so easy to talk to the admissions team.

If they have doubts, not to worry. A conversation with the Clearing team will eliminate any doubt.

You are just one call away from your dream career - so pick up the phone!

The University of Bedfordshire’s Clearing hotline is open 24/7 throughout August to discuss courses, funding, accommodation, student support and any other queries about life on campus.

Give the Clearing Hotline a call today on 0300 3300 073 or apply online: www.beds.ac.uk/clearing