With A-level results day just around the corner, thousands of students across Teesside and County Durham will soon find out whether they've secured a university place.
But for those who don't get the results they were hoping for, or who simply change their mind about where or what they want to study, Teesside University is encouraging students to consider clearing.
With a wide range of courses still available ahead of the new academic year, prospective students have plenty of options and time to find the right course for them.
The process - which runs from July to October - is open to those who miss out on their original offers, achieve different grades than expected, decide to change course, or reconsider their choice of university.
So, if you open your results on Thursday (August 13) and they are not quite what you expected, clearing could be a great option.
"If you open your results and they aren't quite what you were hoping for, don't panic," the university advises.
"Clearing is here to help you find a course to fit."
With A Level results day on the horizon, students are being urged to consider clearing if their grades aren't quite what they were expecting.
(Image: Provided)
Students considering clearing are advised to start by logging into their UCAS Hub and searching for available courses - something they can start doing now.
Once you have found a course that interests you, you can contact the university directly through its clearing hotline to discuss your options.
If offered a place, you can then add it as a clearing choice through UCAS.
University staff recommend having key information ready before making any calls, including a UCAS ID, GCSE results and college or sixth-form grades.
With many courses attracting strong interest, applicants are also being urged to research universities and courses in advance rather than making rushed decisions on results day.
Teesside University says there are still plenty of options available through clearing this year and is encouraging students to keep an open mind.
Among the hundreds of undergraduate courses currently available at Teesside are biomedical science, business management, civil engineering, criminology, law, nursing studies, physiotherapy and midwifery.
The university has also shared advice for students feeling anxious about results day.
Top tips include getting organised in advance, avoiding comparisons with others on social media, asking family and friends for support, and ensuring a good night's sleep before results are released.
If you do opt for clearing, it is worth having a good idea of what you want to say when speaking to a university to make sure any course and offer are the right fit for you.
(Image: Teesside University)
Results day can often feel overwhelming, particularly when social media is filled with celebrations and discussions about grades.
It's important to stay focused on yourself and avoid comparing your results.
If you secure a place through clearing, attention will quickly turn to practical arrangements including accommodation, student finance and enrolment.
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Teesside University says a limited number of spaces remain available in its on-campus accommodation, with rooms offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so be prepared to apply quickly when your course place is confirmed.
Students accepted through clearing are also reminded that they will need to update their student finance details if they originally planned to attend a different university.
This can be done online through the student finance portal, but anyone with questions or concerns can contact Student Finance England, which will have support available on and after results day.
As A Level results approach, the message from university advisers is simple: stay calm, be prepared and remember that clearing is on hand to help you find the right path.