'I cried, then got on the internet'

Liz Coomber, a psychology student at Southampton Institute found that Clearing was a 'very scary experience'. For her, it was the second time around and she was desperate to secure a place

The first time I didn't even consider Clearing. I had Ds in English literature and general studies plus an E in AS psychology, and had not received any offers. I decided my only option was re-sits and transferred to Mid-Kent College of Further and Higher Education, where I took A-level psychology and sociology in one year.

I collected my results with high hopes. I needed two Bs to do psychology at Portsmouth – which was what I had been predicted. But I had an E and a U. I was in shock and wanted to cry. My personal tutor called me to her office to ask how I was feeling and was very helpful. On her advice, I rang Portsmouth. When I learned that I had been rejected, she encouraged me to think positively and try Clearing at once.

I next rang home and spoke to my dad. He said, "Come straight home and let us give you a big hug. Then we'll sort something out." When I got home, I did cry. Then I got on the internet and started looking for vacancies. I rang six places, some of which were quite blunt because I had not got their minimum points. Others were kind and said they knew I would get a place eventually but would have to wait for the moment.

One place with vacancies was Southampton Institute, which had rejected me on my UCAS application. I had been to their open day and liked it, so I got in touch with my tutor and asked whether there was any point in trying again. She was willing to write a letter saying that my coursework had been B standard and that the exam had let me down. She looked up the number of the psychology department and told me to ring.

I spoke to a member of staff. He wasn't involved in selection but was very kind and said he would make enquiries and let me know as soon as possible. My college posted the letter and I just had to wait. I really wanted to go there but in the meantime I made lots of phone calls and went to Clearing open days. Both my parents are teachers, so were free to come with me. I couldn't have coped without their support. It was a nerve-wracking time, wondering where I was going to spend the next three years. Eventually I was accepted and given a place in hall.

I love the course and would like to go on to an MSc in child or clinical psychology.