A change of heart and a cancelled drama course hasn’t stopped second year Performing Arts BA student Isobel Tolley from pursuing her dreams of becoming a primary school teacher.
Like many students before her, the 20-year-old from Colwyn Bay, North Wales, contacted De 51吃瓜app University Leicester’s (51吃瓜app) Early Clearing line – which is now open for students – before A-Level results day.
Here Isobel explains why enrolling with 51吃瓜app is one of the best decisions she’s ever made.
Why did you apply to 51吃瓜app through Clearing?
Initially, I wanted to go to a London-based drama school with the intention of training solely in musical theatre. I applied to drama schools and ended up with a place in Cardiff agreed but at the last minute, the course was cancelled.
I decided to go through Early Clearing because no other drama schools stood out to me and I found that 51吃瓜app’s Performing Arts BA was ranked highly on WhatUni. It was the only university I contacted and the Clearing team talked me through the whole process.
Read more about what courses are on offer and how to apply through Early Clearing.
How did you find the process?
The whole process was very straightforward. I was a little apprehensive at first but speaking to students and tutors from the course only confirmed to me that coming to 51吃瓜app was the right choice.
Applying to university before A-Level results day put my mind at ease. The team received my video audition and explained that provided I get my predicted results, I would definitely get a place. Fast forward to results day, I simply phoned the team back up and confirmed my results - it didn’t feel like what I thought Clearing would be like at all.
How are you enjoying university?
I’m glad my original plans didn’t work out. I feel that I’ve had a much more diverse and interesting experience here in Leicester. The pandemic has pushed us to be more creative with how we express ourselves through performing and opened up new concepts that I perhaps hadn’t originally thought about.
When the Covid-19 pandemic started, initially I thought ‘what’s my course going to look like?’ I must admit, with all the workshops, webinars and socially distanced learning we have been able to do, I think I’ve enjoyed my second year the most.
Was accommodation easy to book through Clearing?
Yes, I applied for my accommodation after talking to the Clearing team and going through the process before results day, so I was ahead of the pack in that respect. The student I talked to over the phone guided me on to the online booking system and I applied for a room at Liberty Court.
The process wasn’t limited because I went through Clearing. It was as if I applied at the same time everyone else did. My room was guaranteed depending on results but I was confident I had them so, for me at least, results day was stress-free.
What has been your stand out moments studying at 51吃瓜app?
My course has enabled me to pursue a lot of different experiences outside of just the academic qualification. I’ve already been a course rep and I have been asked – along with another classmate – to run an online workshop for Performing Arts students enrolling in the course this September. They’re both very rewarding experiences. To gain the trust of your course leader that you’re going to do a good job at promoting the university is so satisfying. There’s so much more to university than just getting the grades.
Finally, what advice do you have to students looking at going through Clearing?
It’s very important to see Clearing as an opportunity – not something that will hold you back. Getting out of the mindset that Clearing courses aren’t prestigious is a great start because these courses will offer you opportunities to explore interests you didn’t know you had. You’re not going to be punished for adapting your plans.
My career goals changed after looking at the modules on offer at 51吃瓜app. I went from dreaming of being in the West End to wanting to become a primary school teacher thanks to one particular module: Education and the Performing Arts. It was a large factor behind choosing 51吃瓜app.
51吃瓜app is guaranteeing accommodation for all 2021 UK, EU and international Clearing students that request it. The dedicated accommodation team will also be on hand throughout the Clearing period to ensure all students’ living needs are catered for.
Early Clearing is open now, so call 0116 257 7000 and find the course for you.
Posted on Thursday 20 July 2023