HUNDREDS of students across the region will learn tomorrow what they have achieved in their A Levels.

After months of revising, pupils will be ripping open their envelopes and popping open the Champagne as they prepare for a new life at university.

But for those who do not get the grades needed for their first choice, there is light at the end of the tunnel, said Helen Fleming, University of Cumbria’s director of marketing and recruitment.

“At this stressful time of year it is the perfect time for students to think about planning for the best, but being prepared if things don’t go to plan,” she said.

She offered up four pointers for concerned pupils and said thousands of students got into university each year through clearing.

“Firstly and most importantly – don’t panic,” she said. “Just remember that there are a lot of options open to you, and you need to take the time to think rationally about what you want to do. It’s a big decision.”

Secondly, Mrs Fleming said phoning a first choice university, even if the required grades are not achieved, is important.

“This depends on how many other people have got their grades, so check this out first.”

Thirdly, she advisies that students should be happy with their insurance choice.

“If you miss your first choice university you are obliged to go to your insurance choice unless you ask to be released.

“Many students haven’t considered this as a real option – so think about what you might do if you go to your insurance, where you would live and what plans you might have to change.”

And lastly, Mrs Fleming urged students to check the UCAS website for vacancies and call any universities of interest: “Some courses will fill on a first come first served basis so you need to be organised.”

A seven-minute advice video for students who do not meet the conditions of their first-choice university offer is available at www.cumbria.ac.uk/clearing.

The University of Cumbria's Clearing hotline, 0808 002 4024, will be open from 7am to 7pm on August 15 and 16 and 9am to 5pm on August 17 to August 19.

UCAS’ hotline, which opens tomorrow for ten days, can be reached on 0808 100 8000.

* Visit www.thewestmorlandgazette for all the region’s A Level results tomorrow and pick up next week’s paper for a special supplement of photos and results.