It’s the night before A-level results day. Your stomach’s in knots, your brain won’t switch off, and sleep feels impossible. Sound familiar? You're not alone – results day nerves are completely normal.
To help calm your mind, get some rest, and feel more prepared no matter what happens tomorrow, here are six reassuring things you can do tonight.
1) Make sure you’ve made the right decision
Worried you might’ve picked the wrong course or university? You’re not alone. Even before getting results, it’s normal to second-guess your choices. The good news? Clearing gives you a fresh chance to switch courses or unis if things don’t feel right.
Why not check out our courses to see if a different subject interests you?
2) Get ready for uni
Looking forward to the exciting day of moving to uni might help to relax you the night before results day. A lot like counting sheep, thinking of all the things you'll get to do when you start your university journey might help you drift off to sleep.
Luckily, we have the perfect relaxing activity that will help you prepare for uni and take your mind off results day! Sign up to listen to our Get Ready For Uni podcast to hear from first-year students Libby and Ethan. They share their advice on making friends, managing your money and much more.
3) Experience the day in the life of a BCU student
Still wondering what life at BCU is like? Experience it now with our virtual tour – take 360-degree campus tours, watch student life videos, and imagine yourself here. It's fun and a great distraction!
4) Talk to someone
Bottling things up can make results day anxiety worse. Whether it’s your parents, a friend, or even your pet – just saying how you feel can ease the pressure. Chances are, your friends are feeling the same. Send a message, share your worries, or even just hang out to take your mind off things.
Find a course in Clearing
See what courses are currently available through Clearing.
5) Make a plan B – just in case
Sometimes things don’t go quite to plan, but there are always options. No one likes to go into results day thinking about Clearing, but it’s a great option if you didn’t quite get the grades for your firm choice university, or if you've changed your mind.
To get all the information you might need on results day, read our summary of what Clearing is all about.
6) Try out some mindfulness techniques
Simple techniques such as focusing on your breathing, getting outdoors or doing some exercise can really help you stay calm if you're feeling anxious about your results.
Our student vloggers, Caitlin, Harvey and Soumya, share the ways they practise mindfulness to stay calm and collected during stressful times.
