Dealing with results day stress: a guide for students and parents

Results day can be one of the most nerve-wracking days of your life. At the University of East London, we understand the pressures and want to help you navigate this challenging time with confidence and clarity.

Preparing for results day: practical steps

Before results day arrives, taking a few proactive steps can significantly reduce stress:

• Create a plan for different scenarios (whether you exceed expectations, meet them, or if your results are lower than anticipated). Having a clear understanding of your alternatives beforehand will reduce panic and enable you to make swift, informed decisions.
• Gather important contact information in advance. Keep the phone numbers for university admissions offices, Clearing helplines, and your school's guidance counsellors readily available. This will save valuable time on the day itself.
• Prepare your personal documents. Ensure you have your student ID, UCAS login details, and any other relevant paperwork organised and easily accessible.
• Set realistic expectations. Remember that results are just one measure of your capabilities and do not define your inherent worth or potential. Many successful individuals have forged non-linear paths to achieve their goals.
• Sign up to Priority Clearing to speed things up when you want to get in touch.

Managing stress on results day

When the day arrives, implement these stress-management strategies:

• Start with a calm morning routine. Wake up at a reasonable time, eat a proper breakfast, and do whatever you normally do. Avoid checking social media first thing, as this can increase anxiety.
• Consider having a support person with you when you collect or view your results. This could be a parent, friend, or mentor who can provide emotional support and help you think clearly about next steps.
• Take time to process your results before making any major decisions. Whether the news is better or worse than expected, give yourself space to absorb the information before acting.
• Focus on facts rather than emotions when evaluating your options. While it's natural to feel disappointed if results aren't what you hoped, try to approach decision-making rationally.

Parents and guardians: How to help 

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in managing results day stress:

• Stay calm and supportive, regardless of the outcomes. Your reaction will significantly influence how others process their results. Avoid expressing disappointment or making comparisons with other students.
• Listen actively to any concerns and feelings without immediately jumping to solutions. Sometimes they need to process emotions before they're ready to consider the practical next steps.
• Research alternative options together. Help explore different pathways without making them feel like these are "backup" or "lesser" options. Many successful careers begin through non-traditional routes.
• Focus on strengths and achievements beyond academic results. Help keep perspective about overall capabilities and potential.
• Encourage independence in decision-making while offering guidance and support. This is an important opportunity for young people to take ownership of their futures.

Resources and support at UEL

The University of East London is committed to supporting students through every stage of their educational journey.

Our admissions team understands that students come from diverse backgrounds and take various paths to higher education. We value potential and determination as much as grades.

If you're considering UEL through Clearing or as an alternative option, we offer:

• Comprehensive student support services include academic guidance, mental health resources, and career mentoring. Our student support team is experienced in helping students navigate challenging transitions.
• Flexible learning options and foundation programmes are designed to help students succeed regardless of their starting point. We believe in meeting students where they are and helping them reach their potential.
• A diverse and inclusive community where students from all backgrounds can thrive. Our multicultural environment celebrates different experiences and perspectives.
• Strong industry connections and career support services that help students translate their education into meaningful career opportunities.