Navigating results day when you're neurodivergent

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Results day can feel overwhelming when you're neurodivergent. With some preparation and support, you can take control of the process. Take a look at our tips below.
Gemma Spencer in a white shirt and black glasses
Gemma Spencer
Lecturer, Adult Nursing BSc (Hons)

Jump to:

  1. What might feel challenging?
  2. Prepare before results day
  3. On results day
  4. Apply through Clearing
  5. Support at university
  6. Talk to us

What might feel challenging?

You might find that results day brings:

  • Sensory overload in busy or noisy environments.
  • Unexpected outcomes that are hard to process.
  • Executive functioning challenges, like organising documents or making phone calls.
  • Anxiety around social interactions or making decisions.

There are things that you can do to help.

Prepare before results day

If you're worried about your results, you should research your options. This can include resitting your A Levels or applying to university through Clearing. You can read our guide on what to do if you fail your A Levels.

You should talk about these different options with a tutor, friend or family member. They may be able to provide helpful advice.

Most students who don't get the results they want will apply to university through Clearing.

Clearing is when universities accept students with lower grades. This is because they haven't filled all the spaces on a course.

If you think you might apply through Clearing, here are some things you can do to prepare:

  • Research Clearing.
  • Create a checklist of what you'll need.
  • List the courses you're interested in.
  • Register your interest in Clearing with different universities.
  • Role-play phone calls or write a script with key information.

Here's what a Clearing phone call might go like:

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You can register your interest in Clearing from 5 July at our University. That means we'll give you a call back on results day. This can help with anxiety, as you don't have to call us.

Still worried? Read some of our Clearing student stories:

On results day

It's important to stay calm on results day. Choose a comfortable space to open your results:

  • Find a quiet, low-stimulation environment.
  • Take calming items such as headphones or fidget tools.
  • Take your time to process your results.

Remember, you don't have to take action right away. Give yourself some time to think before you decide what to do next.

Apply through Clearing

If you do decide to apply through Clearing, here's what to do:

  • Research the courses you're interested in.
  • Have your grades, UCAS ID and personal details ready.
  • Have your script with you (if you have made one).

Clearing opens early on results day, so you can contact us as soon as you receive your results. Courses are filled on a first come, first served basis.

There are lots of ways to contact us in Clearing, so you can choose what's best for you:

You will normally receive an offer straight away if you meet the entry requirements. However, some courses may require an interview, audition or further checks. The person making the offer will explain this.

You can ask for adjustments during phone calls. We understand that Clearing can feel overwhelming and we are here to support you. If you need extra time to process or clarify any information, please just let us know.

If you have already registered your interest in Clearing, you don't need to contact us. We'll call you back on results day.

Support at university

We offer lots of support for neurodivergent students at university. We encourage you to disclose your needs during your application. This will help us to provide the support you need.

We can make reasonable adjustments to help you achieve at university. This could include accessible software, more time in exams and your own mentor.

You may be entitled to financial support, like the Disabled Student's Allowance. This is a payment from the government to the University to cover additional costs. This can include specialist equipment, BSL interpreters and more.

You may be applicable for one of our scholarships and bursaries as well. These can pay part of your course fees or help with everyday costs.

There are lots of students at university who have benefitted from support. Take a look at some of our student stories:

Talk to us

If you're still worried about university, you can speak to our inclusive support team. They'll be able to advise on the support that is available.