After realising her original course choice was not quite the right fit, International Business BA Honours student Nikol Todorova turned to Clearing and discovered a new path at the University of Westminster. In this interview, she shares how the process was far less daunting than she expected, how Westminster has helped her grow in confidence and why she encourages prospective students to keep an open mind about the opportunities Clearing can offer.
How was the Clearing process for you?
I always knew I wanted to study at the University of Westminster, but between submitting my UCAS application and Results Day, I realised there was a course that was a much better fit for me. The time between applying and starting university gave me the chance to think more about what I really wanted to study and where I saw my future.
Because of that, I decided to explore Clearing. The process was much easier than I expected and the admissions team was extremely supportive. They answered my questions, explained my options clearly and made me feel confident that I was making the right decision.
What advice would you give to students going through Clearing?
Stay calm and keep an open mind! A lot of people in our generation believe that Clearing is only for those who have missed their grades, but that isn’t true. It can also be for students who have changed their minds or realised they wanted to study a different course.
If you are even considering applying through Clearing, I would encourage you to go for it. It can be as simple as a five-minute phone call that could completely change your future, just like it did for me. Make sure you have your information ready, ask questions and remember that the team on the other side of the phone is there to support you and help you find the option that is best suited to you.
Taking that step and exploring Clearing is something you are unlikely to regret but not taking the opportunity could leave you wondering what might have happened. Sometimes one conversation can open a door to an experience you never expected.
Why did you choose to come to university in general and why the University of Westminster?
After moving to the UK and spending six years here, I felt that university was the next important step in my journey. Westminster always appealed to me because it provides a diverse environment.
Coming from my own experience of adapting to a new country, I value being surrounded by people with different backgrounds and perspectives. I knew Westminster’s diversity would allow me to learn from the people around me as much as from my course. Being based in London was also a major factor. I wanted to study in a city that offers so many opportunities and where I could be exposed to different industries, cultures and experiences.
What do you wish you had known about the Clearing process before you went through it?
I wish I’d known that I didn’t need to have everything figured out before Results Day. I put a lot of pressure on myself to have a perfect plan, but the Clearing process showed me that you can still take time to ask questions, explore your options and make a decision that feels right for you. The biggest surprise was how much control I had throughout the process. I expected it to feel stressful and rushed, but instead I realised that Clearing isn’t about settling for any university, it’s about finding the right fit.
How has your experience been so far at the University of Westminster?
It has been a really positive journey so far. As someone who has always been quite shy and reserved, I never expected to get involved in as many opportunities as I have. What stands out to me most is how supported I have felt in everything I’ve wanted to pursue during my time here.
I’ve had the opportunity to become a Social Media Ambassador, attend a summer school abroad, take part in field trips and I’m now preparing for a year-long exchange. Each of these experiences has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me become more confident, both personally and professionally.
What have been your favourite moments since you started at Westminster?
My favourite moments have been the connections I’ve made along the way. I’ve had the chance to meet incredible individuals from different backgrounds, from course leaders and fellow students to exchange students and members of the Bulgarian Society. These connections have allowed me to learn from others, connect with different cultures and feel closer to both the wider world and my own heritage.
Looking back, every experience I have been involved in has been a favourite moment in its own way, because each one has introduced me to new people, perspectives and opportunities.
Why did you want to study this course?
I chose to study International Business BA Honours because I wanted to understand how businesses operate in a global environment and how different areas of business connect with each other. Having grown up between different cultures, I have always been interested in how people, markets and organisations interact across countries.
One of the main reasons I was attracted to this course was the variety it offered, from marketing to banking. This has allowed me to develop a better understanding of how businesses function across the world.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hopes for the future are to continue learning, developing and using the knowledge I gain to create a positive impact. I would like to continue my education, whether that means pursuing another undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree, as I believe learning is a lifelong journey and there is always more to discover.
Another important goal of mine is to use the skills, experiences and knowledge I have gained at the University to support and give back to the Bulgarian community.
The University has just opened Zone29, its new home for careers and enterprise. How are you hoping to use these facilities to support your university experience?
I’m hoping to use the new Zone29 building as a space that supports both my studies and my wider university experience. Having a dedicated environment where students can work, collaborate and connect with others is really valuable, especially when working on group projects, preparing for assessments or focusing between lectures. What excites me most is the opportunity it creates for students to engage more with university life. I see Zone29 as a catalyst for further connections, creating a space where students can collaborate, share ideas and build relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
Find out more about Clearing at the University of Westminster.
Learn more about Business and Management courses.
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