The Ultimate Guide To Surviving Results Day 2020

OMG! It's #resultsday on Thursday! Here's how I am planning to get through it:

1. Get plenty of sleep (or at least try to)

If there's one thing most people can agree on, it's that the night before results day is never pleasant. Having previously had to grit my teeth through both a GCSE and an A-Level results day, I am all too familiar with pre-results-day insomnia. I'd suggest getting active the day before, to wear yourself out, as this should help you sleep a little better. You could also try and do something calming before bed - maybe light a candle, read a book, do some yoga, or whatever else you find relaxing.

2. Take someone with you!

Don't go alone! We all get nervous and nerves make us do strange things. Bringing your mum or dad with you can help to calm you, and they can act as the voice of reason if things don't go to plan. If like many people, you're viewing your results online, do it with a family member or friend nearby, or perhaps have them on the phone.

3. Scout's motto: Be prepared

Life for those lucky few with unconditional offers is a lot less stressful, but for most of us, our offers are conditional. Sometimes, students are one or perhaps two grades or credits away from the conditions of their offer and on Thursday, this could be any one of us. Make sure you have the telephone numbers for your firm and insurance universities to hand, so you can give them a call and see if they will still take you on. Lots of universities are quite flexible and would prefer to take on someone with a keen interest in their course as opposed to someone who suddenly decided to go for it through clearing.

4. Make sure you're clued up on clearing and adjustment

Anything can happen on results day. It is crucial to make sure you're in the know about all your options. If you surpass expectations, you may be able to move to a better course or university through adjustment. However, if things don't go to plan, clearing can help you find a space at university for September. Head to the UCAS website and find out more about adjustment and clearing. Believe it or not, there have been dental hygiene spaces in clearing for at least the past two years!

5. Remember, this is not the be-all and end-all

If things haven't gone so well, do not panic. I repeat, DO NOT PANIC. Back in 2014, things went... well... pretty abysmally for me. I didn't meet my firm or my insurance offers. Unfortunately, in typical Ellie style, I proceed to panic and I took the first option that was thrown at me through #clearing. A few months later, I dropped out of that university (with a nice lump of student debt and nothing to show for it). It depends on how things go for you, but always take your time and don't rush into things. Looking back, I should have forgone clearing and signed up for some resits. Try to think through what you would do in this instance before results day comes around. Maybe you would want to take a gap years and do something completely different? Talk through your plan with relatives or friends and then, if things go "pete tong", stick with that plan!

6. Be considerate of others

Be aware that others around you may be receiving bad news. If you're attending school or college to pick up your results, avoid huge displays, like screaming and jumping up and down, at least until you're out of sight. Try not to ask other students what results they've achieved. Allow them to tell you only if they wish. Similarly, try not to throw your results in their face if you have done really well.

7. Celebrate!

Finally, if everything goes to plan, make the most of it. You have done amazingly well and you're on to the next chapter, so make sure to celebrate and enjoy the last of your summer break! Well done!

I hope you have found this guide useful. Please feel free to send me a message, and if you wish, subscribe at the bottom of this page to be notified of future posts.

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Remember, #healthiswealth !

Lots of love,