Nicholas
Harris

How did you enter into Clearing?

I didn’t decide that I wanted to go to university until July. I already had my A-Level results so I called up before results day and made my application over the phone.

Why did you choose to apply to NTU?

I studied at Nottingham College on Chaucer Street, I liked the feel around NTU and had walked through and looked around. I was also impressed by Nottingham Business School and the open day.

Can you tell us what you experienced during the Clearing process?

I attended the summer open day and from that identified a selection of courses and then picked my course as the preferred option. Staff were very helpful, it was by far the best open day I have attended. Application was simple, I called up and said I was interested in doing Business, they took some details, I emailed some further evidence of what I have done since leaving school and was offered a place.

How have you settled into your course and NTU?

I absolutely love it. There are all sorts you can get involved in and it’s also important to remember that everyone is in the same boat when they arrive so you’re guaranteed to find some activities, and people, you like.

What do you like most about the course, and do you think you’ve made the right decision?

I like the practicality of the course and the relevance to real world scenarios. However, during my time here, I have become more interested in specific aspects and I may switch to a course which focuses more on these. Nottingham Business School courses are tailored with this in mind. All the Business and Management courses study the same first year, so at the end of the first year you can apply to move to one of the others for the remainder of your degree.

What do you think about the course staff, how do they support your learning and University experience?

As a course rep I have had a lot of contact with course leadership, they’re always happy to help. Technical support is always easy to access, and you receive quick responses. Your academic tutor is a massive part of your first year, they tend to be your first port of call, use them, don’t be afraid to ask questions or get support.

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?

There are loads of students and there’s always something going on. The great thing about Nottingham is that everything is nearby, you don’t have to travel across the city to see friends. Nottingham is a true university town, you won’t get a university experience like it in Leeds, Newcastle etc.

In a nutshell, why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study in that area?

Yes, if you want to study a wide-ranging business course, with the option to specialise down the line, this course is perfect for you. If you want to study in a modern, forward thinking university, NTU is perfect for you.

What advice would you give someone thinking about going through Clearing?

Clearing isn’t stressful, my experience was simply making a phone call in August and providing the relevant information. My advice would be to think about everything involved. Firstly, make sure the course content is right for you, then you need to think about the facilities, accommodation and transport links (both in the city, and getting to/from Notts if you return home). Looking at all this means you know exactly what you’re signing up for.

What are you most looking forward to in the two/three years at NTU?

I may go on placement, or study abroad but I haven’t decided yet. I’m looking forward to getting into some more in-depth content next year and getting back to seeing my mates.

Our guide to Clearing will answer your questions about the Clearing process, how you’ll know if you are eligible, and how to choose the right university for you.