Sophie Bowen-Evans, 21, whose parents originally came from Tenby, didn’t have university in her plans when she finished sixth form in 2021. She had a one-way ticket to travel the world after finishing her A-levels.

However, fast forward three years and Sophie is about to finish her second year at Cardiff Metropolitan University where she is studying BA (Hons) International Tourism Management – having applied through Clearing.

“I went to a grammar school where there was a lot of pressure on university, and hardly any encouragement to do something different,” Sophie said. “Even my teachers at school had agreed that university life wouldn’t suit me, so it was something I never even considered. As soon as I finished college, I saved some money and my plan had been to travel.  

“I was backpacking when I changed my mind about going to university. You meet so many people from different cultures and backgrounds while you are away, and it really opens your eyes. It was through this and speaking to other people that I found myself reflecting on what I would like to do longer term – at this point, I had no plans for the future.” 

Clearing is another method of application through UCAS, which starts in early July and runs through to the end of September. It allows students who have not yet applied through UCAS, perhaps didn’t get the grades they expected or have changed their mind and decided to go to university at a later date, to still be able to apply.   

“I went backpacking the January after finishing at school and it was after around six months of travelling that I decided I wanted to apply to university. I applied in the July, so later than most sixth form students, but before A level results day, and the whole process was really quick and easy.”  

Sophie, who is originally from Marlow, Buckinghamshire, had found a love for travel and seeing the world from a young age – having travelled for six months at the age of 10 with her parents and siblings. However, with Sophie’s parents originally being from Tenby, Wales has always been a place close to her heart.  

“Cardiff Met felt like the right choice for me for lots of reasons. My parents are originally from Tenby, so I had spent lots of time in South Wales growing up. Cardiff is a great city and the tourism course at Cardiff Met offered everything I wanted.”  

To other students sitting on the fence about whether to go to university, Sophie had the following advice: “What do you have to lose? Throw yourself in at the deep end. Even if you give it a try and you don’t like it, that’s ok. But you may discover that you do like it, it opens your eyes and new experiences come along the way. You will never do anything like university again, so give it a go.” 

Further advice on Clearing and how to apply is available on the Cardiff Metropolitan University website.