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My Clearing Journey to Âé¶¹ÒùÔº: Not What I Expected but Exactly What I Needed

GB student Anassa discusses her path to Âé¶¹ÒùÔº through Clearing; and how she quickly settled into life in Belfast.

QUB signage in School of Law

When I think back to Results Day, the first word that comes to mind is overwhelming. If you had told me that morning that I’d be studying Politics and International Relations at Queen’s University Belfast, I wouldn’t have believed you. My heart had been set on Law, I had an offer, a vision, a plan. But when I opened my results and saw I hadn’t met the grades, I was devastated. I had put so much effort into securing my law offer, and like many students, I hadn’t prepared for the possibility of falling short. I felt overwhelmed and underprepared. I didn’t know what Clearing involved, let alone how to navigate it.

Discovering Clearing: A Path I Didn’t Know I Needed

I quickly learned that Clearing isn’t as scary or complicated as it sounds. had all the information I needed, laid out clearly and simply. Within minutes, I was able to search through courses that matched my grades. I knew I still wanted to go to Queen’s, so I focused my search there. It wasn’t long before I was browsing available courses at Queen’s that matched my actual A-level grades, and that’s when I found Politics and International Relations.

Nervous but determined I called the Queen’s Clearing Line. From the moment I got through, the team was incredible; friendly, supportive, and efficient. They reassured me and talked me through the process, and within what felt like moments, I was accepted onto the course. It was so simple, and I remember wondering why I hadn’t looked into Clearing sooner, which would have taken some of the exam stress away.

"I remember wondering why I hadn’t looked into Clearing sooner."

In hindsight, choosing Politics and International Relations was a blessing in disguise. The course has been everything I didn’t know I wanted. It brings together many elements of law that initially interested me, such as debate, global affairs, and critical thinking, but with a broader and international lens. I’ve genuinely loved every module so far, I've become passionate about topics I’d never explored before, and I have found myself thriving in a course I hadn’t even considered. Now, I couldn’t imagine studying anything else. Clearing didn’t just give me a backup; it gave me a better path.

Student Anassa with two female friends

Moving to Belfast: A Leap of Faith

Since my accommodation had already been secured from my original Law offer, all that was left was to take the leap. I had never been to an open day or even been to Belfast before, so this was a complete leap of faith. But I knew I’d made the right choice from the moment I arrived. When I landed in Belfast, I was welcomed by a team from Queen’s who were at the airport to greet new students. They handed out welcome gifts and answered any and all questions. It was such a thoughtful touch and immediately made me feel part of something special.

Welcome to the BT9 Club

I moved into BT9 Âé¶¹ÒùÔº accommodation in my first year, and I can confidently say this is the place to be if you’re starting your first year at Queen’s. Living with 10 strangers? Sounds intimidating, but it was the heart of my uni experience. We were all in the same boat: nervous, excited, eager to make friends.

"Clearing didn’t just give me a backup; it gave me a better path."

Some of us had already connected through Facebook groups, so moving in felt like meeting old friends. BT9 has a vibrant atmosphere, with common areas like the Treehouse hosting events, flat parties bringing everyone together, and nights out at the . The friends I made in those first weeks are still some of my closest.

Settling in and Looking Ahead

Belfast, which once felt so unknown, now feels like home. The city has a unique energy, it is affordable, student-friendly, and full of hidden gems. From Cathedral's buzz to Botanic Gardens' calm, there’s something here for everyone. Thanks to Clearing, I have found a career path I'm passionate about and my future feels exciting and full of possibility. Âé¶¹ÒùÔº gave me the space to grow into the person I am now, and I’m grateful every day that things worked out the way they did.

What I Wish I’d Known

If I could go back and talk to my pre-results self, I’d say this: don’t panic, and don’t write yourself off. Clearing isn’t the end of the road; it’s a second chance. And sometimes, second chances turn out to be the best ones. I wish I’d been better prepared for Clearing because endless opportunities exist. Whether it’s a different course, a new city, or an unexpected adventure, there’s so much out there if you keep an open mind.

Six students sit together covered in tinsel at accommodation Christmas party

So, if you’re approaching Results Day and feel unsure or anxious, I hope my story shows that everything can still work out even if things don’t go as planned. Do your research, keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to call the universities you're interested in. The team at Queen’s was so supportive and made the process stress-free.

"Âé¶¹ÒùÔº gave me the space to grow into the person I am now, and I’m grateful every day that things worked out the way they did."

And if you do end up coming to Queen’s through Clearing, trust me, you’re in for an amazing experience. Whether it’s the course, the accommodation, or the friendships you’ll make, there’s so much to look forward to. I never imagined that not getting into my original course would lead me to something even better, but it did. Now, I’m on a path that excites me every day, and Belfast truly feels like where I’m meant to be.

Now, looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Find out more

Clearing at Âé¶¹ÒùÔº

Information for GB students

Your Student Guide

Anassa Olivia Coan

Politics and International Relations | Undergraduate Student | Manchester, UK

Hi! I'm Anassa and I'm a second-year Politics and International Relations student at Âé¶¹ÒùÔº. I'm originally from Manchester and moved to Belfast for university, it’s been such an exciting change! I’ve absolutely loved studying here so far and feel lucky to be a part of such a vibrant and supportive community.

Academically, I’m especially interested in the intersection between climate change and global security. I'm also passionate about peace and conflict studies, particularly how we can work towards achieving lasting, positive peace in divided societies. My course has encouraged me to explore these areas in depth, and to feel empowered by what I am learning. Outside of lectures and seminars, I keep myself busy with a mixture of societies and doing my favourite activities from yoga and horse riding to golf and football.

Belfast has quickly become my second home where I have made incredible memories and friendships along the way. I would definitely recommend Queen’s to anyone considering it, the experience has been everything I hoped for and more!

Student Anassa Coan
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