Last-minute Clearing decision leads to successful start at Kingston University for law student

A Kingston University student who, at one point, decided she did not want to go to university says making a last-minute Clearing application to study law and criminal justice has been one of the best decisions she has made.

After completing her A-levels, Maisey Davey, 19 from Surrey, had originally applied to study criminology, but later decided to take some time away from education to work out what she really wanted to do.

After researching various career paths, Maisey’s interest in law began to grow. She looked to gain experience in a local law firm and soon realised that a degree or apprenticeship would be a critical step towards helping her pursue a career in the legal profession.

With her interest in law becoming clearer, Maisey decided she did not want to wait another year to begin her studies and so she applied to study Law and Criminal Justice LLB (Hons) at Kingston University through Clearing and received an offer the following day.

She said: “I applied for Clearing impulsively a few days before my course actually started. I got in the next day - I couldn’t believe how quick it was. I’m pretty certain I attended the first lecture the following week!”

From a last-minute decision to loving university life

Despite making her application just days before the start of her course, Maisey quickly settled into university life and says her decision to study law and criminal justice at Kingston has been one of the best she has made.

The course combines the study of law with the criminal justice system, giving students the opportunity to develop their legal knowledge alongside practical and professional skills. 

Alongside her course, Maisey is also developing skills for her future through the University’s pioneering Future Skills programme, which supports students in building the knowledge, confidence and attributes they need for the world of work.

But it’s not just the skills she has developed that have made her first year memorable. For Maisey some of the highlights have been the friendships and connections she has made.

She said: “It’s been the best decision. I’ve made the absolute best friends and connections, and have really enjoyed my first year here.”

Her experience has also completely changed her perception of university. Having not originally planned to go into higher education, Maisey says she still finds it hard to believe she is now a university student.

“It is still a surreal feeling when I say I’m at university. Part of that reason is because throughout A-levels I was so determined I didn’t want to go.”

A reminder that it’s never too late

Now preparing to begin her second year, Maisey hopes her experience will reassure other students who may be uncertain about university or worried that applying through Clearing means they have left it too late.

Having made her own decision just days before her course began, she believes students should not be put off if their university journey does not go according to their original plan. 

Maisey also wants to reassure anyone worried about committing to a three-year degree.

“I can’t wait for year two, and I’d say to anyone who is worried that three years is too long, don’t be - it goes so quickly.”

What began as an impulsive Clearing application has given Maisey the chance to study law without waiting another year - and, more unexpectedly, changed her mind about university altogether.

Her story is a reminder that there is no single route into university, and that Clearing can provide an opportunity to rethink your plans and find the course that is right for you.

• Find out more about studying Law and Criminal Justice LLB (Hons) at Kingston University.
• Find out more about Kingston University's sector-leading Future Skills programme.
• Kingston University's Clearing hotline is open on Thursday 13 August from 8am to 7pm, Friday 14 August from 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 15 August from 10am to 4pm, and Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 4.30pm until the start of term, excluding Bank Holiday on Monday 29 August.
• Potential students should call 0800 0483 334 (or +44 20 8328 1149 from outside the UK) to speak to the University's friendly and knowledgeable hotline operators who will be able to provide information on courses available and guide callers through their options. 
• Calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK. International call costs may vary and callers should check with their network provider.
• Students should have their UCAS identification, if they have one, to hand and full details of qualifications, including subjects, grades, dates obtained and exam boards before calling the hotline.
• Find out more about our Clearing Advice Day on Saturday 15 August.