Clearing: A world at your feet

The decisions you've made are not set in stone. If things change, there's still time for Plan B

Way back in the mists of time, you sent in your UCAS application and embarked on a journey into the world of Higher Education. But what if you now want to change direction? Whether your exams didn't go as planned or you've developed different ambitions, the coming weeks present a window of opportunity to make that change.

This may sound scary. For months you have been working towards Plan A and now, at the last minute, you're going to switch to Plan B - and you don't even have a Plan B yet. Don't worry: you're not alone. Every year thousands of students go through Clearing and emerge, unscathed, on the other side, thankful for the changes they made.

This is a very stressful time but it's important to keep things in perspective: when you're sipping cocktails at Freshers' week or getting to grips with your reading list, you'll wonder what all the fuss was about. And remember you're an expert at stress: you've just been through one of the most intensive and stress-inducing education systems in the world.

So take a deep breath and get to work. It may seem impossible to make such major decisions about your future in such a short period of time but it's actually very easy once you're clear about what you want from a university or college education. Be honest with yourself: where do you want to be in five year's time? Will this course set you on the right track? Does the course match your interests and strengths? A three-year degree can seem like a lifetime if you're not excited and motivated by your subject.

Talk to parents, friends and teachers for advice and reassurance but don't let yourself be pushed into something you don't want to do. "Your family and friends should act as a sounding board to help you arrive at your own decisions," says David Maxwell, admissions officer at Coventry University. "They can't tell what you what to do."

Don't be afraid of disappointing people if your choices don't match their expectations: this is your life. Handling difficult situations, explaining your reasons and taking responsibility for your own decisions - it's all part of growing up.

It's important not to let financial concerns dictate your choices. "Don't just pick a course just because it has a bursary attached to it," cautions Susan McGrath of Manchester Metropolitan University. "Your degree is not just the next three years: it can influence the next 30 to 40 years of your career so pick the right course for you."

If you are changing university at the last minute, you will need to make new accommodation arrangements. Ask the university or college for assistance: they may still be able to find you a place in halls (this is usually the best option) or recommend private letting agencies. Don't be rushed into accepting the first flat you see: you need to make sure the place is safe, clean, affordable and reasonably close to the main campus.

Remember, your decisions are not set in stone. Most institutions allow you to switch courses within the first term and you can move digs if something better comes along. As you're finding out, life is very flexible and prone to its fair share of ups and downs: enjoy the ride!

Take control - adopt a positive attitude

Although you probably spend about half your life on your mobile, chatting to your mates requires an entirely different phone manner to the sorts of calls you'll have to make as you move to university or college. There's a raft of sorting, organising and arranging jobs - which may include securing your place in halls, registering with a club or society, or finding a new course through Clearing. The latter, in particular, demands a focused, mature attitude. Here's how NOT to do it:

Student: "I missed my grades. I'm a failure. What can you offer me for 220 points? I'll take anything."

Admissions tutor: "What subject were you hoping to study?"

S: "French. But I'll take anything, anything!"

AT "Our French programme is 240 points. But perhaps we could work something out. Why do you want to study French?"

S: "Mum said it would be good for our holidays in Dordogne."

AT "Er, but why do you want to study French?"

S: "Dunno."

AT: "What are your career plans?"

S: "City trader. Maybe a football commentator. Or a Big Brother contestant."

AT: "I see. Why do you want to study here particularly?"

S: "Mum said you'd take anybody. And I liked the picture of the girls sunbathing on the front of your prospectus."

AT: "What do you think of the course structure?"

S: "Dunno. I just looked at the pictures in the prospectus."

AT: "Tell me about what your A-Levels. What was your favourite text? And why?"

[Time passes. There is the sound of quiet sobbing in the background. A woman comes on the line.]

Mother: "This is Dan's mother. He's a little overwrought. What do you need to know?"

AT: "I really need to speak to Dan directly."

M: "He's having a nervous breakdown in the corner."

AT: "I'm sorry. But I'm not sure we're the right place for him..."

Mature students make a growing impression

Gone are the days when colleges and universities were predominantly filled with young people. Most report growing numbers of mature students, a trend that Anthony McClaran, chief executive of UCAS, says teaching staff welcome "They speak about the motivation that mature students bring with them, often having had to overcome difficult personal circumstances to pursue their academic goals," he says. "They also point to the positive effect they can have on younger students and the willingness of mature students to participate actively in seminars and group learning."

While some mature students enter HE with traditional qualifications, many institutions welcome other qualifications, including Open University credits, Access course credits and professional qualifications. It's also worth remembering that you don't have to study full-time. Indeed, mature students form the vast majority of part-time students.

"As a single parent of three children, I knew I wanted a career within the health service, but had worries about whether I could commit to the hours," says Anna Wilson, who recently graduated with a BSc (Hons) in radiotherapy. She had other concerns too. "Could I afford childcare? Would I be able to cope with the demands of university?"

Like many mature students, she was initially helped by a careers adviser at her local college who helped her decide on a course that would suit her strengths, interests and family life. Also, like many mature students, she discovered she qualified for a means-tested bursary, which included an older student allowance and an allowance for her children.

Once at college or university, you'll find systems to help you deal with any difficulties that arise. You'll also find a large number of other older students to provide peer support and friendship. Some institutions, including the University of Bath, even have a mature students group, so you'll never be alone, and slways be supported. Kate Hilpern