I had discovered AUB through a visiting tutor and loved the sound of an arts-only university and minimal lectures a term, but was not sure if university was right for me. I was adamant for so long during college that I was not going to university, so I missed the UCAS deadline.
The deciding factor in the end was the thought of being in full-time work. I could not work full-time yet, as I had been working since I was 15. It was only during a trip to France over the summer that I discovered what Clearing was and realised that AUB had openings.
I discovered which courses were open for Clearing through AUB’s website; it was so easy to apply and find out which course was right for me. Throughout my France trip, I made pros and cons of going to university. The pros outweighed the cons – I decided I couldn’t go straight into full-time work and I wanted a photography education. The BA (Hons) Commercial Photography course spoke to me, so on Results Day, I claimed my results and logged onto the college computers. I submitted my results and a personal statement I had created only the week before and they accepted me immediately!
Now… accommodation and funding. The day after Results Day, I went onto the AUB website to find out some information about last-minute accommodation. I found it quite easy once I found the portal for booking accommodation. The portal was straightforward and the booking system was easy. There were even contact numbers and emails to go to for more information, which was extremely helpful!
I knew from my college tutorials about how to search for student finance, but I did not know how to apply for it. I had to figure that out for myself. I had to stumble my way through the student finance website and try and submit for last-minute finance. It was not easy, but I got it done and submitted.
I started university on 1 October, by which time my student finance had not been accepted. We had to get into contact with them to speed up the process. Apart from that, everything ran smoothly and my university life has never been better!
My course has the most supportive staff and technicians. I have met some of the most amazing people at AUB and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I often think about what would be different if I had stuck with my original decision of not going to university or if I had never discovered Clearing in France.
One of the first places I found when I moved to university, where I truly felt at home, was in the Performing Arts Society. I think joining a society that brings you joy and becomes your found family is so important, especially for someone like myself – I had come four hours from home and was by myself for the first time. Going to Freshers Fair and all the events was one of the best things I did at the beginning of my university experience, meeting the societies and the Students' Union.
Some advice I would give my 2024 self: make the most of your first year accommodation. You may not get on with everyone, but you have everything you need in one building! Get your student finance sorted immediately, people underestimate how long it takes them to process an application. You do not want to be starting your first week of university with no student finance, but don’t worry if it hasn’t been sorted – AUB are very helpful when it comes to sorting it out. Visit the beach as many times in first year as you can; if you move outside central Bournemouth in second year, you may not visit as often and you will miss it. Also visit the surrounding area. Dorset is GORGEOUS (here are some good places all accessible by train/bus: Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Poole, Hengistbury Head, Sandbanks, Burley, Swanage and Weymouth). Finally, it’s okay to feel as if university isn’t what it lives up to be. That’s normal. Talk to the people around you. First year is hard, second year gets easier. Do not give up.
