Didn’t get your first choice? You’re not alone.
Let’s be real, results day can be a whole emotional drama. I remember that exact moment my UCAS page refreshed and it hit me: I didn’t get my first choice. Ouch. But fast-forward to today, I’m in my third year at the University of Bolton, living at Orlando Village, and genuinely loving it.
So, if you didn’t get your first choice uni either, take a deep breath. I’m here to tell you what actually helped, and how this ‘Plan B’ turned into something even better.
Didn’t get your first choice? What to do next 📞
First off, don’t spiral. There are so many people in the same boat. If your insurance uni doesn’t feel right, or you didn’t have one, Clearing is your next best friend.
That’s what I did. I made a list of universities I liked, with Bolton at the top (small classes, good vibes, and close to Manchester), and started calling. Within hours, I had options. The Bolton team was chill, kind, and even helped me look at available accommodation.
Spoiler: I got a room at Orlando Village within days, and it made the whole thing feel exciting again.
Clearing when you didn’t get your first choice uni
I won’t sugar-coat it, Clearing is intense. But not scary. The key? Be prepared. I had my grades, my top choices, and my phone ready the second UCAS confirmed my rejection.
Most unis give you 24 hours to accept a verbal offer, so don’t feel pressured to jump straight in. Take your time. Visit websites, check accommodation (like Gold rooms at OV), and trust your gut.
Considering a gap year instead?
I thought about it. Honestly. I didn’t want to rush into something just to prove a point. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to step back. Some of my friends worked, travelled, or reapplied the next year—and they’re thriving now.
But I realised Bolton had everything I was looking for: a hands-on course, student support, a buzzing town, and a student accommodation that actually felt like home.
Need advice? The Uni of Greater Manchester support team is unmatched.
One thing that made the transition so smooth was the support from the University of Bolton advisors. Whether it’s talking through course choices, mental health, or just helping you settle in, the staff genuinely care. I had one-to-one chats with Student Services and even got help setting up my payment plan.
Plus, Orlando Village staff are always around if you need anything—from a flat tour to help with maintenance or just a friendly face after a long lecture.
Final thoughts: It’s OK if things didn’t go to plan 💬
If you didn’t get your first choice, you are not a failure. You’re adaptable. You’re figuring it out. And honestly? That’s what uni is all about.
I didn’t get my first choice either. But I got something better: a course I love, people I vibe with, and a place at Orlando Village that really feels like home.
Need a room near uni that’s move-in ready, modern, and has the best community vibes?
Check out Orlando Village. We’re the official accommodation for the University of Bolton, and we’re ready when you are.
