Louise Robinson

What was it like applying through clearing?

Clearing was really fast paced. I'm on a Nursing course so had to undergo testing and interview prior to entry but the whole process from making my first phone call to receiving my offer took less than 3 days.

Had you heard of City before you entered clearing?

Not at all! I knew I wanted to train in London because of the diversity of placement experiences the capital is able to offer but I simply searched "Children's Nursing" and "London" on UCAS and went from there.

What made you choose City during clearing?

When I visited the Campus for the first time for my Selection Tests and Interview I loved the compact campus and the friendly relaxed atmosphere. I was apprehensive about returning to education but I was immediately reassured that City could support me.

I also loved that the teaching staff were really experienced in their clinical fields and coupled with City's great student feedback on teaching I felt confident this was a place I could thrive.

What were the most important resources for you in helping you to make a decision?

The City website is fantastic and easy to navigate and the City Students on the Clearing line were able to answer my remaining questions. Visiting the campus was really important for me too – you get a much better feel for a place through visiting.

Why did you enter clearing?

I did my A Levels in 2008 and had some previous study at HE Level. I had been considering a Nursing career for some time so I used Clearing to make a late application.

If you called our clearing hotline, how was your experience?

The City Clearing hotline is staffed by current students who are more than happy to chat about their experiences and share their knowledge. They were very efficient too – progressing me through to Interview with the Nursing School quickly.

How are you getting on at City now?

I love City! I've had my ups and downs – Nursing can be challenging and I'm returning to education after quite a break but I value City for its fantastic support. The Library and Academic Support teams have helped me develop academically, the lecturers have supported my personal development and every placement has seen me grow and change. Every student is allocated a Personal Tutor – mine has been my hero from day 1. No matter what hurdle I've faced he's kept me on track.

I've had fantastic opportunities through my Ambassador work and a National Leadership Programme and I really feel like I'm getting more than just my degree and registration from my experiences here. I will be gutted in May 2019 when City is no longer my home from home.

What is your favourite thing about studying at City?

I cannot choose one thing! The support services are perfection – no challenge is too big and you never face any problem alone! I'm actually anxious to have to face the real Nursing world without them!

The library is amazing – great resources both on and offline, a wonderful space to study with dedicated subject librarians always keen to help. They even run weekly Twitter competitions and extra workshops.

I also love our Unitemps branch – I've been able to pick up lots of supporting paid work around my studies which not only financially supports me but allows me to gel with a mix of students from across all subjects, gain experience and even create and deliver my own event.

What 3 top tips would you give to someone who is going through clearing?

Be organised. Note down any questions before you call, have your qualifications and diary to hand

Don't panic! It's quite fast paced but City wants to fill places just as much as you want to find a place.

Make good use of the University website – most questions can be answered on there and you can begin to get ahead with finding accommodation, sorting finance etc.