Students across Medway will be finding out the results of their A-levels today. But while some will be celebrating, others may be disappointed and need to rethink their university plans.

For those who didn’t do as well as they hoped and were unable to secure their place at their chosen university, the clearing system helps students find late or alternative places.

Steve Holdcroft, head of admissions at the University of Kent, is reminding teens to keep calm and think of clearing as an opportunity, rather than second best.

Courses with places still available are listed on the UCAS website and students can apply to individual universities for one of these places.

Promptness and persistence are important. Many places on popular courses are snapped up quickly.

Most applications through clearing are now handled online but it is still possible to talk about an application – although phone lines get very busy so people need to keep trying.

Above all, applicants should not to feel rushed or pressured. They should take time to think carefully about offers and plan a visit to the university they are considering.

Many, such as Kent, will offer campus tours after results day. Kent will be holding tours of its Medway and Canterbury campuses on Saturday.

Hundreds of school and college leavers signed up for priority clearing at the University of Greenwich and Greenwich’s team of specialist clearing advisers have already been working with non A-level students received their summer examination grades earlier.

The university also offers a live chat services so course seekers can make instant contact with the Greenwich team of trained clearing advisers.

It is open all this week from 9am to 5pm and the hours have been extended for today.

Gemma Aggett, who is also from the university’s recruitment team, said: “Let’s Talk is extremely popular for people seeking instant advice.

“It’s ideal for anyone who is feeling stressed or nervous, or who prefers to liaise in text online rather than make a phone call.”

The university’s clearing hotline opened at 6am to handle hundreds of calls each hour.

Gemma added: “It has been a great start to Clearing. I am delighted that we have been able to offer places to many of our early callers.

"We are looking forward to helping even more students find the best degree courses to match their career ambitions as clearing continues over the next few days.”

Top tips from the University of Kent’s Steve Holdcroft

• Make your shortlist of universities/courses and apply as soon as possible.
• Be flexible so you have a greater chance of success in securing an offer.
• Don’t pick a subject just because you’ve got the required grades. Choose a course you think you’ll enjoy and do well in.
• Write down all the questions you want to ask before phoning and make a few notes after each call.
• If you don’t get through first time, keep trying.
• Try to visit the university you are considering.
• Don’t rush or feel pressured.

Visit www.gre.ac.uk/clearing or www.kent.ac.uk/clearing/ to find out more.