Results day can be tense but there's no need to fret if you don't get the right grades

For many students A-level results day is tense, to say the least. It's the day when plans for the future are secured. For others, it's the day they're thrown into the air, either by exceeding or by missing the grades they were aiming for.

Things change from minute to minute during Clearing, so be ready to call again

So you've got lower A-level grades than you expected and your chosen university won't take you? Don't panic - there are plenty of places still available. Here's how to find them. 

Where do you want to study? Read our complete guide to all the colleges and universities in Britain. 

What to study - find out here with our exhaustive guide to the major courses.

Working in a part-time job while studying for your degree can help pay for your social life

What with their student loans barely covering the high cost of living these days, more and more students are taking part-time work to beat debt.

A passion for classical themes encouraged Lewis to pursue a degree in English literature at the University of Roehampton

When Oliver Lewis opened his English literature A-level paper he found himself facing a passage from Thomas Hardy's Jude the Obscure, in which a farmer's daughter throws "a piece of flesh, the characteristic part of a barrow-pig" at Jude to attract his attention. It was enough to throw Lewis too.

Ruth King changed direction from computer science to archaeology

Ruth King is currently in the second year of a Masters in computer science at the University of Warwick. A single phone call landed her a place through Adjustment, but her story began much earlier in an academic career that had already prepared her to adapt to changing circumstances.

There are both practical and psychological aspects to preparing for university

Over the next few weeks, teenagers and families across the country will be celebrating good A-level results, or commiserating with each other and worrying about the future, so it's important to have your act together now.

UCAS will help you find Clearing vacancies

Tips and hints for students needing to go through Clearing 

Amber Clabburn, left, Amika Ezer-Christie, centre, and Sadie Hawkins

What are your options after college or sixth form? Three students chose three very different paths after completing their A-Levels.

Before a night out on the town, withdraw your spending money then leave your card at home

When your first student loan payment arrives in your new student bank account it can feel like you've just won the lottery...

Money is an international preoccupation - and never more so than in the midst of a recession. For new students, it's never been more crucial to stay on top of finances.

New student finance rules have had students worrying about their loans and loan terms

The new fees structure for students at state-funded universities has been debated ad infinitum since it was announced back in October 2010 - it's a complicated system, and there's still a great deal of general confusion.

Smartphones are expensive to replace, so it’s often a good idea to take up the insurance offered by your phone company

Not many people think about insurance - but with theft an ever-present danger in big, unfamiliar cities, tech-loving students need to consider their options.

Parents can provide a useful double check on contracts and financial deals

For parents, the day that their offspring leave for university is a proud one. But it's pride tinged with anxiety as your young adult steps out from the safety of the family home.

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Before a night out on the town, withdraw your spending money then leave your card at home

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Amber Clabburn, left, Amika Ezer-Christie, centre, and Sadie Hawkins

Results day: what's next?

After getting your results you may have to change your plan of action - you could go to university, head off on a gap year to warmer climes, or become an apprentice

Results day can be tense but there's no need to fret if you don't get the right grades

Clearing guide: Get the most out of your results

When your grades are not what you expected, talk through your options with a professional for advice on what to do next

New student finance rules have had students worrying about their loans and loan terms

Student finance: The debt debate

University tuition fees are on the rise – but what impact will this have on new students?

Working in a part-time job while studying for your degree can help pay for your social life

Student finance: A little work goes a long way

Getting a job at university can make all the difference, just don't forget to study

Smartphones are expensive to replace, so it’s often a good idea to take up the insurance offered by your phone company

Student finance: Make sure you're covered

You'll miss that smartphone or laptop if they're gone – so it pays to get them insured

Student finance: Prepare yourself to really enjoy Uni

Learn to manage your finances before leaving home and you’ll find it much easier to balance your studies and social life

Ruth King changed direction from computer science to archaeology

Adjustment case study: 'Go to the best place you can'

When Ruth King got better than expected grades, she went through Adjustment to make the most of them

Things change from minute to minute during Clearing, so be ready to call again

Clearing guide: If at first you don't succeed – try again

Getting a place through Clearing isn't as stressful as it sounds – as long as you are willing to keep ringing round

A passion for classical themes encouraged Lewis to pursue a degree in English literature at the University of Roehampton

Clearing case study: 'I feel grateful and lucky'

Oliver Lewis had to reassess his options, yet still found a place on a degree he loves

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