A TEAM of trained advisers will be on hand today at Southampton’s Solent University to offer advice and support when students receive their A-level results.

Students, many of whom entered university via the clearing route, will be at the end of a phone, on twitter, facebook, email and livechat to support and advise thousands of college students, as they receive their A-level and BTEC results.

Rebecca Hollington, Solent’s recruitment events and prospects manager, who heads up the University’s Clearing hub, has the following advice: “We know how nerve-wracking results day can be; but if you’re not sure what to do with your results, don’t panic! Clearing teams are there to help you through the process to finding the right course and university.

“We welcome the opportunity to discuss the career opportunities our courses provide for those who haven’t decided to go to university yet, as well as those still seeking places; it’s not too late to find the right course for you.”

Experts will also be on hand to help ease anxiety around finances and highlight the continuing benefits of having a university degree.

To those students still worried about the cost of a university education Rebecca said: “Don’t be put off going to university for financial reasons.

"Remember, there are no up-front fees to be paid. Money loaned through student finance does not have to be paid back until a graduate is earning at least £21,000.

She continues: “Most universities, including Solent, also offer a range of scholarships which don’t have to be paid back.”

Daily Echo:

Many of the students who will be manning the Clearing hotline came through the Clearing process themselves. Katie Guillespie, 19, from Gloucestershire has just finished her first year on the BA (Hons) Geography with Environmental Studies degree.

She decided to train up as a Clearing operator after her own experience in Clearing. “I didn’t get into my first choice and my insurance place offered me a course I didn’t want to do so I decided to look around and see what was out there.

"I liked Southampton so I phoned Solent who were able to offer me a place.

“The person on the phone was really nice and helpful and I decided to become a Clearing operator because I know a lot about the process first hand.

"I also know how the person on the other end of the phone will be feeling.”

Katie’s top tip on results day is: “If you get different results than expected there are still choices out there and you can go even do a slightly different course which you may love just as much. I have no regrets coming to Solent. I think I would have preferred to come here over any of my other options.”