A mature student who was inspired to apply to university through Clearing has explained how the decision to study again was an opportunity to make a lifestyle change, gain independence and step out of her comfort zone.
Atlanta Paraskeva, now 24, from Gloucestershire, was aged 21 and on holiday in Copenhagen when she made a last-minute application to Cardiff Metropolitan University’s BA (Hons) Textile Design degree through Clearing – after rediscovering a love for art during a trip to the city.
Potential students can apply for courses through Clearing during a specific timeframe each year (5 July – 20 October 2025) if they receive higher or lower grades than expected, if they’ve changed their mind on their current course or if they missed the UCAS application date.
Atlanta said: “When I left college at 18, I didn’t really have a clue what I wanted to do next. All my friends were going straight to university, so I decided to do a list of pros and cons and realised that university wasn’t for me at that time.
“I had volunteered and worked with children while growing up, so when I spotted a job as an apprentice early years practitioner, I decided to go for that instead.”
After qualifying in the childcare profession, Atlanta worked at a nursery throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. She is now pleased she made the decision to wait and go to university a few years later so her university experience wasn’t “in the midst of lockdown.”
Joining the childcare profession and working throughout the pandemic meant it was a very different experience with all of the restrictions in place,” Atlanta continues: “It wasn’t what childcare could be like and tainted the experience for me. With such long hours, I felt like I was working all the time – I realised this wasn’t the life I wanted at such a young age.”
Commenting on the decision to apply to Cardiff Met through Clearing during a holiday with her mum in 2021, Atlanta said: “I had always loved making things and did a foundation course in art after sitting my A-Levels. But it was only during a trip to Copenhagen and seeing other people who loved art and hearing their experiences first-hand that I really found my passion again.
“Going to university has been more about becoming independent rather than just getting a job or a career for me. I looked at other universities but only applied to Cardiff Met as it felt like the right fit.”
Atlanta has just graduated with a first-class degree in BA (Hons) Textile Design. With a love for pattern design, she now plans to start looking for print based jobs in London or Manchester.
Lisa Bowen, Head of Admissions at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “Coming to university after time out from studying or opting for a career change is a big decision to make, but we always remind students that they have options. It’s far better to explore a new path than to stay on one that doesn’t feel right. University is a once-in-a -lifetime experience – and there’s always room for change.”
Atlanta added: “I have really loved the course at Cardiff Met, there was a lot of freedom and support and the opportunity to experience all areas of design. I have also made some great friends.
“Going to university has allowed me to throw all my worries to the wayside. Thoughts such as, ‘Am I good enough?’ or ‘I’m not an artist’ and pushed me out of my comfort zone. You never know what the future holds – so I think you just have to be spontaneous with stuff in life.”
Further advice on Clearing and how to apply is available on the Cardiff Metropolitan University website.