Going to the worst university ever, but doing a course i like...

Should i be happy?

I got BBC in my alevels (Biology, Chemistry and Maths),i had applied in clearing to QM (who until today said i was on their waiting list). I called them today and they told me i was unsuccessful . The only other university i could find in clearing at such a late stage was..University of East London. I don't know what to do, I've already had a gap year and can't afford another one. I feel stupid now for pinning all my hopes in QM. I've never heard of UEL until today.

The course i'm doing is Biochemistry, i'm very likely to do a masters degree after my undergrad. In fact, i'm particularly interested in doing a masters to become a genetic counselor (very specific i know, but it seems genuinely interesting and i'm already in love with the course). Should i just put up with 3 years at UEL??? Or maybe risk doing a second year transfer? My gcse's were decent (3A*4A's 3B's) but does that even matter?

I'm still in shock.

perpetuated by the 'must go directly to uni' mentality that seems to have been fostered in the UK.

I agree with what you are saying but I think it is hard for students like OP who have already had one gap year and can't afford a second; the job market is quite tough at the moment, so another year out might be hard to fill productively.

I'm in the same position.

Failed my A levels and can't find a job to pay my rent (lived alone since 16) so am having to move onto a mates sofa for a month and a half even if I DO take the clearing place I've been offered.

If I hadn't got it I would be homeless and moneyless without friends helping me so I do understand the situation. Given this, however, I'm aware it's perfectly doable. Not everything will be handed to us and sometimes we have to take risks.

I hope it works out for you - it sounds like a very difficult position to be in. Do you think you will take the place?

Also, I would bet by 'can't afford one' the OP means can't afford to bugger off traveling etc.

Should i be happy?

I got BBC in my alevels (Biology, Chemistry and Maths),i had applied in clearing to QM (who until today said i was on their waiting list). I called them today and they told me i was unsuccessful . The only other university i could find in clearing at such a late stage was..University of East London. I don't know what to do, I've already had a gap year and can't afford another one. I feel stupid now for pinning all my hopes in QM. I've never heard of UEL until today.

The course i'm doing is Biochemistry, i'm very likely to do a masters degree after my undergrad. In fact, i'm particularly interested in doing a masters to become a genetic counselor (very specific i know, but it seems genuinely interesting and i'm already in love with the course). Should i just put up with 3 years at UEL??? Or maybe risk doing a second year transfer? My gcse's were decent (3A*4A's 3B's) but does that even matter?

I'm still in shock.

There's no point in doing a course you like at 'the worst university ever' - that means poor teaching, poor course structure etc. Maybe you could attempt to transfer, though that's very risky business, especially if it involves going to a uni you don't want to go to in the first year

also don't think that everything will be OK because you want to do a masters, you can't really plan for a masters degree at this stage, you might not feel like it at the end of your degree, you might not do well enough, you might not be able to get funding, etc.

Obviosuly you don't want to do another gap year, but it's still an option, because it's basically that or go to 'the worst university ever.'

What a good way to make UEL students feel good...

I'm going to Coventry and I don't like the uni itself but I love the course. It's right up my alley.

But I think it'll be fine for you, it's no worry actually if you're going to enjoy the course.