Offers through clearing but could retaking be a better option?

So currently I received lower grades than I originally wanted. That being french, physics, maths with A, D, C . My whole plan was that I expected to get a B in maths and then I would take a year off to retake and also get some cash and then hopefully get a B in physics, then being able to go to a higher university for Mechanical engineering beng with a year in industry but now that kind of put a stop to my plans.
Now through clearing i got an offer from the University of Leicester for that same course and also a foundation year offer for mechanical engineering from City university. I'm kind of stumped whether to retake physics and maybe maths at the same time or if I should just bite the bullet and accept the university of leicester when I wanted to go to one that was more higher in the subject ranking such as Liverpool or sheffield etc. I also kind of wanted to make some money during the year I retake because I'm a bit broke right now and the maintenance loan i get will be below the expected rent needed in Leicester.
Have any of you had a predicament like this? would appreciate some comments.

So currently I received lower grades than I originally wanted. That being french, physics, maths with A, D, C . My whole plan was that I expected to get a B in maths and then I would take a year off to retake and also get some cash and then hopefully get a B in physics, then being able to go to a higher university for Mechanical engineering beng with a year in industry but now that kind of put a stop to my plans.
Now through clearing i got an offer from the University of Leicester for that same course and also a foundation year offer for mechanical engineering from City university. I'm kind of stumped whether to retake physics and maybe maths at the same time or if I should just bite the bullet and accept the university of leicester when I wanted to go to one that was more higher in the subject ranking such as Liverpool or sheffield etc. I also kind of wanted to make some money during the year I retake because I'm a bit broke right now and the maintenance loan i get will be below the expected rent needed in Leicester.
Have any of you had a predicament like this? would appreciate some comments.

Hey @Safxcu 👋
Firstly, congratulations! Whilst your exam results are lower than you would have liked, you should still be really proud of yourself for the great results you have achieved.
It's great to hear that you received an offer to study at the University of Leicester, however if this is not a university that you particularly want to go, I would probably go with your original decision to retake physics (and perhaps maths if you think that you should) and work to earn some money that can go towards university. This will also give you some more time to solidify which university you would like to go to as your firm choice, and gives you time to attend open days to get a better picture of what it would be like to be a student at the universities you have mentioned.
It's best to not rush into a decision if you are not 100% sure. It's important to choose the university that is right for you!
I hope you come to some sort of conclusion soon, and we are happy to provide you with any advice and/or support you require going forward.
Lauren
WrexhamUniReps

Hi @Safxcu
Sorry to hear that you didn't get the grades you were hoping for. I think, ultimately, the question is will you be happy with going to Leicester or City? If so, then perhaps it may be worth taking these offers if you do not think your slightly lower A level grades will hold you back when you have graduated. Personally, because you were already planning on taking a year out, I would maybe consider resitting both the grades you aren't happy with so you can apply for the courses/unis you originally wanted. I understand doing 2 A levels will make it harder to earn money in that year but, with 1 fewer than you did this year, it won't be impossible to have a part-time job alongside (particularly as you will be relearning and practicing content rather than learning new content). Unfortunately, this has to be a decision you come to a conclusion on based on your own preferences. Whatever you decide, I am sure it will work out great in the end. Good luck!