The low-down of everything you need to know ahead of August 17th.
A-Level Results Day 2023 is fast approaching. If you’re a UK student, Thursday 17th August will be the day that you are handed your results and find out if you have been accepted to your chosen university.
With university applications increasing at a record scale, it’s crucial that you’re prepared. Here are our top tips and advice for the big day.
self care is key
It’s valid to feel anxiety about how your day will go down – but your mind will thank you for practising some self-care ahead of receiving your results. We love to:
1. Digital detox
Staying off social media the night before Results Day could really help you to switch off the stress. Put the phone away for the evening and spend time with friends or family IRL.
2. Sleep well
You may be a night owl, but you definitely don’t want to be facing Results Day in a sleep-deprived state. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep to feel as fresh as possible.
3. Exercise
Working out is one of the best ways to tackle stress – sweat out your frustration and ride that endorphin wave.
4. treat yourself
Indulge in something that you love – whether that be your favourite meal, a face mask and bubble bath, or a new pair of shoes. You deserve it.
5. accept that what will be, will be
You’ve tried your hardest, and that is absolutely good enough. Whatever your results, keep trying your hardest and you will have a bright future ahead. While it’s hard not to compare yourself to others, this is just one part of your journey and success can be achieved in so many different ways.
For more tips, read Vita Student’s guide to prioritising your wellness here.
when you can get your results
At 8am, you should be able to collect your results from your school, unless other arrangements have been made.
UCAS will already have been informed by your firm and insurance choice universities about whether you’ve been accepted. You will be able to find out their decisions on Track that morning. So check your phone is charged and that you have your UCAS login details ready.
what your results in track mean
There are a number of different outcomes that can happen upon receiving your results. Here’s what they mean:
Unconditional offer: You have been accepted into your university of choice. Congratulations! Accept your offer and then the hard work is done – your university will contact you shortly about the next steps.
Unconditional changed course offer: Your university of choice will accept you on the condition that you take an alternative course they have proposed. Perhaps they really liked you but thought you would be better suited for a different course. Make sure you read up on the course before accepting the offer to ensure it is right for you.
You have to go through Clearing: This means that unfortunately you weren’t offered a place at your firm or insurance choice universities, and this may be because you didn’t meet the required grades. However, you still have lots of options as Clearing allows you to find another university to study your chosen course at.
didn’t get the results you wanted?
It’s okay. The best thing to do in this situation is to explore your options, go through the Clearing process and try not to compare yourself to others. Many people will be going through Clearing and it doesn’t define your worth.
You can use the Clearing search tool on UCAS to find other universities, but you will need to contact them to secure a spot on their course. They may ask you a few questions about yourself before making your decision – they will most likely want to find out why you want to attend the university and study that course.
More than 30,000 students went through Clearing in 2022, so it’s important that you get started on this process quickly so that you don’t miss out. Try to have an idea of backup universities and student accommodations in case things don’t go to plan on Results Day and you go through Clearing.
after securing your uni place
Congratulations – you’re going to university! You’re going to have a blast.
Once your university spot has been secured, the next step is finding a place to live. Your accommodation can really make or break your experience at university and there’s a lot to consider. For example – shared or studio accommodation? Well, it’s really a question of if you are willing to put up with dirty dishes.
If you want a space that inspires you, as well as having regular in-house events, check out some of our amazing rooms in all of the UK’s biggest cities.
Again, places for student accommodation go quickly, so research where you would like to live and book your room as soon as you can.
If you’re going through Clearing and looking for student accommodation in your new city, our hotline will be open on Results Day from 8am-8pm. Don’t be shy – give us a call on 020 3890 1239.
Whatever happens on your Results Day this year, we wish you all the best of luck in your next chapter!
