Melanie, 24, from Wigan, applied for courses at several places during her A Levels. When she visited the universities shortly before getting her results, she started to have second thoughts.
Applying to university
I remember thinking that I would be disappointed if I didn't get into my first two choices. They were the only ones that were campus universities and outside of a main town centre.
The way my sight problem affects me is that I am very photophobic and some days travelling on public transport is very hard and painful for me. I had been having a lot of trouble with my sight during my exams and had found travelling around a lot more difficult. This made me feel very strongly that a campus university where the lecture halls, launderette, bank, library, gym, shop, clubs and canteen are all on my doorstep would be the less stressful option for me. I did not want to have to travel a long way or across town every day.
Getting A Level results
On the day of her A Level results, Melanie was disappointed that she hadn't received the grades to get into any of the universities she preferred:
"I found out that I had actually got the grades to get into a large university in the heart of a busy city. My heart sank as this no longer suited what had become very important requirements. At the time I applied mobility was not such a problem, so I was leaving my options open. Looking back, perhaps I should have taken more care and chosen all campus universities just in case.
My mum, who always backs me in my decisions, started to realise that I was going off the idea of university completely. But she'd read that there can still be good quality university places available, because people turn down their first choices. It doesn't mean that the universities or courses are inferior - but to get a place, you do have to go through the clearing system.
Mum asked me if I had thought about declining the offer and trying to go through clearing to get a place at a campus university instead. I hadn't really considered this as an option. But I found out that when you decline an offer, you get sent a form and can then apply to a different university. I felt so much better and optimistic!
Finding a place through clearing
Melanie and her mum immediately got to work researching possible places:
"When I found a college that looked like it would suit me, I rang them up and asked if could visit to discuss the possibility of me studying there. They were helpful and suggested I came down to look around.
We met with the disability adviser. They could tell that my main worry was where I would be living, so they showed me a small annexe connected to the university with a private bathroom. I thought that was a good compromise. I loved the feel of the university, it was not as far away from home as the one I had first got into and everyone was really friendly.
"That was now two years ago. I am now in my second year studying Politics! I am a minute's walk from the entrance to the university and not too far away from the seaside, which also suits me because I am getting out and about and love taking part in sailing at the weekends!
"Don't worry if you don't get your grades - you will probably get a place through clearing and will end up having lots of fun at university!"