Students eagerly anticipating their A Level results have been urged not to panic if they don't get into their chosen university - by people who have been through the experience themselves.
For the students choosing to pursue higher education, A Level results day is the end of one chapter and the beginning of the next as they look to pack up and go to university.
But for those who missed out on the grades they needed, the dreaded prospect of clearing looms.
Experts have warned applicants may need to be quick off the mark to land places this year, with competition expected to be tough.
But, several students who have been through the experience themselves have insisted the process is nothing to fear.
Try not to panic
Hannah Foley, a drama student at the UEA, went through clearing after missing out on her first choice university.
She said: "Initially everything felt disastrous - but one I got over that I found the process to be more straightforward than I'd expected.
"The first thing is try not to panic - there are so many brilliant universities out there and it is completely okay if you've changed your mind or things haven't quite gone to plan."
Speak to a trusted teacher
Aleksandra Bator had her heart set on going to a university in London but ended up in Leeds, where she struggled to settle.
After her first year, she decided to go back through clearing and ended up at the UEA.
She said: "Things may not go to plan, but that does not mean they will not work out.
"It may be really hard but try speaking to a trusted teacher who knows you and could guide you through making the right decision on a day full of emotion.
"Visit the university, see whether you could see yourself there, don't just go for one because it is your only offer if you do not like it."
Keep an open mind
Georgina Oakley, who studied biological sciences at UEA, applied through clearing following a gap year abroad.
She said: "The best advice I could give is to keep an open mind to new opportunities.
"I spoke to staff over the phone and attended an open day and they were very helpful."
Be prepared and do your research
Mudatheer Mandan, who studies psychology at the UEA, said the key is to be prepared for every eventuality and do research before heading into the process.
He said: "I had a general idea that I was going to enter into clearing a week or so before results day, so made sure I was prepared beforehand with a list of all the potential universities I might apply to.
"It is never bad to prepare too much. Make sure you have a list of the universities you want to apply to and their clearing list.
"If it looks like there are no places, you can still call up a university but it is probably worth spending your time more on universities that you know have places for your course.
"Then once it's all over, treat yourself, you deserve it after working so hard."
Have a list of pros and cons
Rosina Poller, from Staffordshire, ended up at the UEA after missing out on her first choice and changing her mind on her insurance.
She said she found clearing an "intimidating prospect" but that it turned out to be much easier than she feared.
She said: "Try and prepare before results day if you think there is a chance you'll need to go through clearing - it really helps to take the stress away.
"Have a list of each university, the main pros and cons, and the clearing entry requirements with you when you pick your results."
You can follow A Level results day 2023 on the EDP website for live results, reactions and photos.
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