You’ve worked hard to get here and earned a well-deserved break. Enjoy the freedom of your extra-long summer, then take some time to explore your options and prepare for Results Day.
Exams are done, the sun’s out (hopefully) and you have all the time in the world to do exactly what you want. After months of revision, coursework and exams, you've earned it. The summer is yours for the taking. Enjoy it.
The hardest part is deciding what to do first. You could head to a festival, enjoy your first holiday with your mates, catch up with friends or get a summer job to earn some extra cash. Maybe you’ll do a bit of everything. For now, the timetable’s gone and you’re in charge.
Looking ahead to Results Day
As August gets closer, your thoughts will naturally turn to what’s next. If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you navigate the coming weeks. It’s a good idea to have someone with you on Results Day so that you can talk through your options. It can be a parent or guardian, friends or teachers. In the meantime, taking a few simple steps now can help you feel more confident for Results Day and the opportunities that lie ahead.
If Greenwich is your first choice, now’s a good time to check your offer and familiarise yourself with what happens on Results Day. Knowing what to expect will prepare you for the next stage of your journey.
Still not sure about your next step? You could use the summer to explore your options. Think about what subjects you enjoy the most, look into careers that interest you and research universities that you like the look of.
It doesn’t matter if you haven’t applied to university yet. If you find a course that you’re interested in and it has spaces, you can apply through UCAS Clearing. Clearing isn’t just for students who miss out on their original choices. People also use it because their grades were better than they expected, to make a late application to university, change their plans or because they’ve discovered a course that’s a better fit.
Have a plan A and a plan B
Many students find a back-up plan makes them more relaxed in the run-up to Results Day. If you already hold an offer at a university, having a plan B doesn’t mean you’re expecting things to go wrong. Knowing your options puts you in a stronger position to make the right choice, whatever your results are.
Here are some ways to put your plan B into action. Start by writing a list of what is important to you and what you’re looking for in a university. This will help you focus your search. Visit a university campus that you haven’t seen yet and reach out to universities to find out more about the course or courses you’re interested in. All these things will help you on Results Day.
From 2 July 2026 onwards, universities list their courses with spaces on UCAS. Once you have your shortlist, make sure you save their Clearing information. If your plans change on Results Day, you'll already know where to turn.
University Clearing: what you need to know
Every year, thousands of students use Clearing to find the right course and university for them. A common myth is that only students who didn’t get the exam results they expected use Clearing. There are many reasons people go through Clearing. Often, people have changed their mind about where or what they want to study.
How to prepare for Clearing? Understanding how Clearing works before Results Day can help you feel calmer and ready to act if your plans change. You can contact different universities before you get your exam results, and they’ll be able to answer any Clearing questions you have.
Here at the University of Greenwich, we know Results Day can seem daunting and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our Priority Clearing service gives you access to information, guidance and support before the day arrives, helping you feel prepared and confident about your next steps.
Whether Greenwich is already your first choice or you're still exploring your options, we're here to help. Our pre-Clearing events give you the opportunity to ask questions and get Clearing tips and advice from our friendly team.