Hannah Yeoman

Rosie from Congleton in Cheshire wasn’t sure about whether she wanted to go to university but changed her mind at the last minute and applied to Northumbria University through Clearing. 

As a carer for both her parents, who are deaf, moving so far from home was a daunting prospect, but after talking to the Clearing team at Northumbria University, Rosie made the move north and is now happily studying Business Management.

Rosie receives additional support and guidance from the University to ensure she can still be there when her parents need her. She explained: “Moving so far away from home felt like a big risk, but Northumbria has made sure I have all the right support in place. I met with someone from the Welfare and Inclusion team who outlined the different support I was entitled to. This included the Carers Bursary which allows me to travel home to help my parents and covers the daily necessities so I don’t need to worry about going into debt.”

Rosie’s best friend attended Northumbria and between her words of encouragement and doing independent research, she was sold on enrolling at the University. She said: “I was nervous about deciding to get a degree as it is a big life decision, but the support available from finance and wellbeing, as well as career advice, has certainly helped the transition. I couldn't praise Northumbria enough for the extra support they offer to students.

“Northumbria has a diverse campus, which is one of my favourite things about studying here. I come from a household where both my parents are deaf and the Welfare and Inclusion team introduced me to other students who have shared similar upbringings. It’s great to have this network of friends and to be surrounded by people from all backgrounds and life experiences.”

Northumbria University has a plethora of sports and societies for students to get involved in outside of their studies. Rosie discovered Lacrosse in her second year of university and now plays as part of the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) league where she competes every Wednesday against institutions across the country.

Rosie continued: “I wish I had thrown myself into sports and societies as soon as I started my degree as it has totally opened up my experience. Playing a sport is a great way to socialise and meet people whom you bond with as teammates.

“Next year I will be the Social Media and Charity Ambassador for Lacrosse at Northumbria which is an incredible opportunity and learning experience. I will manage the team's social media channels, organise fundraisers and sponsorship, and meet prospective students at open days to catch talent early and grow the club. It’s another string to my bow when it comes to building up my CV and I’ll have a lot of fun in the process.”

Having spoken to a number of universities, Rosie landed on the Northumbria University Clearing hotline. “I nervously rang Northumbria to find out what they could offer me,” she said. “Moving three and a half hours away from home was intimidating but I’m so glad I took that risk by making the call. I was comforted by the level of support I had read about on their website, so when I was made an offer, I was confident accepting it.” 

Northumbria University has a limited number of places available for high quality students through Clearing this Summer. For more information, visit Northumbria University’s Clearing Hub or call the Clearing Hotline on 0800 085 1085.