Preparing for A-Level Results Day with advice from Nottingham Trent University

To help ease any nerves, Nottingham Trent University (NTU), one of the UK’s largest universities, has shared advice on how to approach the big day with confidence and minimal stress.

Many students will be delighted and amazed that they achieved higher grades than they expected – for some it might even mean considering the prospect of University for the first time. For others, things may have changed since you first applied – maybe you’ve gone off the course, the city or maybe you didn’t quite get the grades you were aiming for.

Whatever your situation, Clearing in an opportunity to help get you on the right path – and there’s still time to apply for courses beginning this September.

Clearing is the system that matches students with available places at universities and colleges, with over 50,000 applicants using it each year. It’s worth researching your options in advance so you’re ready to act as soon as results are released.

Preparation is key for the day itself. Make sure you have everything you need nearby — your results, a pen and paper, and information about courses you’re interested in. Universities will usually need to speak directly with the student, but having someone supportive with you can be reassuring. Take notes during any calls and ask for confirmation via email so you can review offers carefully before making decisions.

It’s also a good idea to explore university websites ahead of time. Look into which courses are available through Clearing, entry requirements, and how to get in touch on results day — whether online or by phone. Get a feel for different campuses too; many universities offer virtual tours and student insights. At NTU, prospective students can even chat with current students about courses and life in Nottingham. Keep a record of your preferred options and sign up for Clearing alerts where available.

Finances are another important factor to think about. Consider how you will fund your studies, what steps are involved in securing a student loan, and how living costs vary depending on location. NTU has also created a helpful video outlining university costs and funding options.

Most importantly, try to stay calm. Take a moment to breathe — with preparation in place, there’s no need to panic. This is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter, full of opportunities you may not have previously considered.

Nottingham Trent University has Clearing places available for courses starting this September. To get ahead and receive personalised support and advice, students can sign up to NTU Priority.

NTU is rated number one in the UK for course quality in the Uni Compare 2027 rankings and is the third highest ranked university overall.

The university has been named UK ‘University of the Year’ five times in six years and is consistently one of the top performing modern universities in the UK.

For more information, call NTU’s Clearing hotline on 0115 848 6000 or visit ntu.ac.uk/clearing.