📌 Welcome to the Parents, Carers, Agents and Teachers Thread

You’re watching them prepare for their future, but you want to feel prepared to help them too!
Here’s some of our advice for anyone who’s supporting a student through Clearing this year...

👇👇 Share any other info, advice or guidance you’ve found below. Let’s help each other out!

To everyone receiving their SQA results yesterday – congratulations on getting to this stage! 🎉 We know how much hard work goes into your studies, and no matter how you’re feeling right now – proud, nervous, relieved – you've achieved something big.

We’re seeing some great conversations on TSR, and ambassadors jumping in to help.

If you’re thinking about applying to a university in England, Wales or Northern Ireland – or just want to chat through your options – we’re here to help with friendly advice and information about courses, accommodation, or Clearing.
Drop your questions below or explore with us and other students. You're not on your own – we're here for you every step of the way.

Want to feel ready for Results Day? We’ve got you.

Clearing doesn’t need to be stressful – and the more you know, the more confident you'll feel about your next steps.

Join our online event today, Thursday the 7 August at 5pm to get clear, helpful advice about:

✅ What Clearing is and how it works
✅ What to expect on Results Day
✅ How to be prepared – just in case
✅ Who’s on hand to help and when

It’s a relaxed, friendly session where you can ask questions and hear directly from the people supporting students through the process.

📅 Sign up to our event here Which is taking place on the 7th of August.

Even if you’re not planning on using Clearing, it’s always good to know your options.

💬 Know someone else who’d find this helpful? Share the link with them too.

Let’s get you ready to take the next step 👣

Results Day is coming and, as usual, there are lots of questions flying around about Clearing. There are also a lot of MYTHS about Clearing, too.
We thought we’d share some common myths and misconceptions and bust them for you! Here are some we’ve heard over the years:

❌ I think I’ve performed better in my exams than I expected. But I have to stick to my firm choice, right?
✅ Well done! You are allowed to switch your choice through Clearing if you have higher grades than were predicted. Go get ‘em!

❌ I’m in Clearing. This must mean I’ve fallen behind...
✅ Absolutely NOT! If you’re in Clearing because things didn’t go to plan, that’s okay and totally normal. That’s a big reason why Clearing exists – to give you options and help you take back control. Remember – lots of people get into university through Clearing. It’s a positive thing.

❌ I have done more research and changed my mind on where I want to go, but that’s not what Clearing is for, is it?
✅ Yes it is! You are allowed to change your mind on which university you study at and which course you apply for – and Clearing gives you the opportunity to do that.

❌ There won’t be any accommodation left. Where will I live?
✅ Every year we do our best to ensure an accommodation guarantee for students applying through Clearing. In fact, many universities will do this if they can, so no need to worry.

❌ I got rejected by a university, so I can’t apply to the same place through Clearing, can I?
✅ Actually, yes! If a university is offering a course in Clearing that you meet the entry requirements for, you can apply. It won't matter if you have been rejected from that uni before. The people processing your new application won’t know that, or ask about it.

❌ If I’m offered a place through Clearing, I won’t have much time to think about it.
✅ Yes, you will. Universities will give you some time to think about an offer, so you can take a breath and make a calm decision. This also gives you time to find out more about the subject, the campus, student societies and more.

❌ What if I’m upset on the phone to the hotline?
✅ That’s fine. Everyone answering the phones understands how stressful Clearing can be and you have our full permission to cry through the entire phone call. We’ll take some deep breaths with you and we’ll walk you through it all. Don’t worry!

You’re watching them prepare for their future, but you want to feel prepared to help them, too!

Here’s some of our advice for anyone who’s supporting a student through Clearing this year...

👇👇 Share any other info, advice or guidance you’ve found below. Let’s help each other out!

For your information to share:
Once you’ve found a course in Clearing that interests you and you’ve checked that you meet the entry requirements, get ready to make your application. Don’t rush your decision. Take your time, and if you can, ask others around you for support. If you're supporting an International student, apply here

Remember, Clearing is an opportunity:
✅ You can use it to change your mind about a course or the university you’d originally chosen.
✅ You can apply through Clearing after taking a gap year or time out of education.
✅ You can use it to find alternative courses if you haven’t met the required grades for your first choice.

Ready to explore your options? Universities will have their Clearing course lists available to browse and apply for now.

Need support on how to apply?
This will vary depending on the university and if you’re holding an offer or not. We can offer Clearing application support via our webpages or you can comment below, and we’ll get back to you.

⭐ Here are some words of wisdom from current student Aarya, who has been through Clearing:
“The main thing to remember is that even though, on the day, it might feel like everything has gone wrong, Clearing is an opportunity to take a path that you’ve not considered before.

It’s entirely possible that you’ll end up loving a different course, a different university. If you’re worried about Clearing, don’t worry – you’ve got this.”

We want to hear about your Results Day!
Comment below and let us know how it's all going – did you change your mind and land a dream course in Clearing? Or did you get your grades and have your first choice secured? Let’s share!

Do you have any words of encouragement or advice for students receiving their final results today? Share them below, too!

Are you supporting a person through clearing? Are they weighing up their options? Many universities still have places available on a variety of courses, so you have time to decide your next step.

“Two years ago, I went through Clearing for the first time. I rushed into a decision that wasn’t the best and I regretted it for a year. Then I went through Clearing again the following year and I definitely didn’t rush into making a decision. That helped a lot in getting me to the right place.” – Ashley. Microbiology student at UoN.

🤔 Considering starting university this September? 🤔

Courses remain available at several universities. At Nottingham, we have many exciting courses with places available through Clearing. Check out our available courses. So, there is still time for you to make your decision. Once you have chosen a course you like and confirmed that you meet the entry requirements, call us on 0330 041 5590 or submit your application via the online application form (accessible 24 hours).

You’ve submitted your UCAS application, now what? Waiting to hear back from universities can be nerve-wracking. Here’s what you can typically expect from the application timeline.

📨 Step one: Submitting your application
This part is up to you. Once you’ve chosen your courses and written your personal statement, you can submit your application through UCAS whenever you want. Applications open in September, and the main deadline is Wednesday, 14 January 2026. Remember: some courses, such as medicine and veterinary science, have an earlier deadline of Wednesday 15 October 2025.

🧠 Step two: Processing your application
Once UCAS sends your application to universities, it’s reviewed by admissions staff and academic tutors. Most universities will aim to respond within a few weeks, but this can vary depending on the course and time of year. During busy periods, it might take longer, especially if interviews are part of the process.

🎤 Step three: Interviews (if required)
Some courses include interviews as part of the selection process. If you’re invited to one, it’s a good sign — it means your application has impressed the admissions team. Interviews may add a little time to the process, but they’re also a great opportunity for you to show your enthusiasm for the course and to ask your own questions.

🎓 Step four: Offers
Unis start making offers daily once applications open. You might hear back within days, or it could take a few weeks. UCAS sets deadlines for universities to respond:

🧭 What happens next?
Once you receive your offers, you’ll have time to attend offer-holder/Experience Day events, explore your options, and make your final decision. At the University of Nottingham, we also give you access to our student portal ‘NottinghamHub’, where you can track your application and get updates.

Waiting can be tough, but knowing the timeline helps. We’re always here if you have any specific questions about the application process at the University of Nottingham.

Drop your questions below. Maybe you have some of your own tips on how to take your mind off waiting? 👇

#UoN Official Rep - Lauren

Starting university is exciting, but making friends can feel daunting. Whether you're worried about fitting in or just unsure where to start, you're not alone. Christina Aaliyah’s honest video on friendships at university offers some great advice and reassurance for anyone feeling nervous about meeting new people.

🏫 University can feel lonely

Christina opens up about feeling lost in the crowd during her first year. With so many people around, it’s easy to assume everyone else has found their group, but that’s not always true. Loneliness is more common than you think, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

👥 Build multiple friend groups

A top tip is to avoid relying on just one group of friends. Instead, try to build connections in different areas of uni life, like your flat-mates, course-mates, society friends, and even people from part-time jobs. That way, if one group doesn’t work out, you’ve still got others to lean on.

🕺 It’s never too late to join in

Christina encourages students to join societies. It’s a great way to meet people with shared interests, and you’ll often find others who are also looking to make new friends.

😟 Don’t compare yourself to others

It’s easy to scroll through social media and feel like everyone else has a perfect uni life. But Christina reminds us that perception isn’t reality. Just because someone looks like they’ve got it together, it doesn’t mean they’re not struggling too.

🧠 Be kind to yourself

Social anxiety and pressure to fit in can make things harder. Christina talks about how putting pressure on yourself to make friends quickly can lead to stress and disappointment. Instead, focus on being open, kind, and patient — friendships take time.

💬 You’re not alone

The most important message? You’re not the only one feeling this way. Christina reassures viewers that it’s okay to feel lonely sometimes, and that things do get better. Reaching out, joining in and staying positive can make a big difference.
Want to hear more? Watch Christina’s full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW196fGpGcI

Hello everyone, As we move into interview season for Medicine 2026 entry, we know many of you — whether you are parents, career advisers supporting applicants, or international agents guiding students from overseas — may appreciate some clarity on what the Nottingham interview involves and the current timeline.

🩺 What the interview is designed to assess
Nottingham’s Medicine interview is not another academic test. Students who reach this stage have already shown strong academic potential.

Instead, the interview focuses on the qualities needed in future doctors, including:

The aim is to understand the applicant as a whole person, not to catch them out.
📘 How students are supported before their interview
Every applicant receives:

This preparation is particularly helpful for students applying from outside the UK or those unfamiliar with interview expectations.

📅 Key dates for 2026 entry
To keep everyone informed, here is the current timeline:

If a student you support hasn’t received an invitation yet, please don’t worry — they are being released in batches.

🌍 For international applicants
The process is designed to be fair and accessible for students applying from overseas. Clear communication, reflective thinking and real-life examples matter far more than perfect English or specialist medical knowledge.

🤝 How you can support applicants
Whether you’re a parent, adviser or agent, you can make a real difference by encouraging students to: ✔ Talk through real experiences instead of memorising scripted answers ✔ Reflect on what they learned from situations involving teamwork or challenge ✔ Practise speaking clearly and confidently ✔ Look after their wellbeing, rest, and balance during preparation

💬 We’re here to help
If you have any questions about the process, timelines or preparation, feel free to ask in this thread. We’re happy to support you and the students you work with.

Winter Graduation has just taken place at universities across the UK, including #UoN and for many parents, teachers and agents, it’s a helpful reminder of what the full student journey ultimately leads to.

For those supporting students applying for 2026 entry, graduation can feel a long way off — but it’s also a clear moment where the value of a UK degree becomes visible.

When graduates look back, the things they say mattered most to them include: • A real sense of achievement after completing a challenging academic programme • Stronger career prospects, helped by placements, project work, and industry links built during their degree • Increased independence and confidence, both academically and personally • Supportive networks and friendships that continue well beyond university.

These moments often reassure families and advisers that the investment of time, effort and money has led to meaningful outcomes — academically, professionally and personally.

If you're helping a student with their 2026 application, what questions do you get most often about the long-term value of a UK degree? We are happy to help with information or reassurance where needed.