Why I chose an online course through university Clearing

This article was written by Visual Communication BA(Hons) (Online) student, Ella.

Hi all, my name is Ella and I am an Online Visual Communication student, who applied through Clearing at Falmouth University.

I study from home, in Bedfordshire, in my makeshift studio (e.g. my desk). Studying an online degree has taught me so many things, and really created this journey of adaptability and discipline. With the majority of my degree being solely online, I have to keep a strict diary and manage my time to support my overall goals. One of my favourite things about studying online is the flexibility. Within my first two years, I have managed to explore most of Europe, seeing beautiful places that inevitably lead to artistic inspiration. All while my degree follows along with me.

In a way, that is where my story of applying through Clearing starts. When I chose to apply I was actually abroad, in sunny Lanzarote. I had spent the majority of my A-Levels deciding and undeciding what I wanted to do, and eventually I had this dread of uncertainty about my future. I continued applying to universities, for courses I was never really sure about, and then results day had been and passed. When Falmouth University hit me in the face (not literally).

I learnt about studying online, how the course was structured and what the subject of Visual Communication actually entailed. I had already looked to study at Falmouth University, in all honesty, but it had been at the moment I was truly unsure of what I wanted to do. When I remembered the online
course, it was something that I was immediately excited about, like it had been waiting for me to realise the opportunity it held.

If I didn’t have the opportunity to apply through Clearing I honestly don’t know where I would be today. It allowed me time to decide where my path may lead and allowed me to study something I now love so dearly.

Two weeks after results day, I started my application through Clearing and the adventure began. The process was really easy and the Course Advisor was there for any information I needed. The whole process took place on a separate Falmouth Portal, where as each element of my application was reviewed, the admissions team fed back any further information they may have needed. I felt very supported and welcomed, to somewhere I didn't yet have a place at.

After two weeks, I was offered a place and I immediately began preparing for my studies. The Student Advisor Team were in constant contact and available for any queries or questions. All the welcome information was sent to me promptly, including tuition payments, how to enrol and the support services for accessibility. It was the start of a very exciting journey. Though when I was at school, studying online was not even a recognised option, it is something I am so glad I had the time to find.

Late admissions felt very daunting at first. What if I run out of time? What if there are no places? What if… What if… What if… but actually the university was prepared for clearing, the process is there to support those who are unsure or who need the opportunity for a second decision. Studying online is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I am able to work part-time, and save up to pay my tuition off each year, eventually leading to a debt-free degree. This isn’t always possible and is certainly something I am extremely grateful for, but it is also something that I believe again empowers the opportunities of online study.