Why Clearing was the right move for Essex student Flo

Changing her course and going through Clearing has proved to be the right decision for University of Essex student Flo Blower.

Now, she wants to reassure other students who are about to go through the Clearing process that they have nothing to fear.

Flo, from Rayleigh in Essex, said: “I chose to go through Clearing after changing my mind about the course I wanted to study. On returning from a gap year, I felt that I had chosen a course just for the sake of it and didn’t feel enough passion for the subject.”

Flo felt more of an affinity with Occupational Therapy (OT) as she has had some positive personal experiences of OTs while dealing with her condition Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which means she suffers from having loose joints, tiredness and joint pain.

She has also seen first-hand how supportive OTs have been to her grandad, who had to have one of his legs amputated after a motorbike accident.

“I am so glad I changed to Occupational Therapy at Essex. Going through Clearing was such a smooth process and there was so much help available from the university if I needed it. I would advise anyone going into Clearing to not worry.

“If you feel that it is going to be a good move for you, do it! I have had so much fun so far. I know that after I graduate, I will be qualified to get a job that I feel enthusiastic about.”

She chose the University of Essex because she could commute from her home, loved the campus in Colchester and was impressed with the University’s great rankings.

“It is a very diverse place as well, and it feels like there is everything you need on or really close to campus,” she added.