A-LEVEL results day is done and the dust is settling.

For students who have received their marks, it’s an exciting time ahead with a huge number of options available to them. This weekend, it’s time to start planning the next chapter, whether that’s getting ready for university, focusing on career options, or investing in a great gap year. The world really is your oyster. Here are a few of the post-results day options available to you.

Get organised for university

Freshers’ week will be here before you know, so now is the time to get organised. When researching your different student bank accounts options, it’s tempting to opt for accounts offering freebies, but never underestimate the value of a free student rail card. It will save you a lot of cash when visiting home and your mates who will now be based all over the UK.

Make sure your accommodation is sorted. If you’re going fully independent with a self-catering option, it’s time to start investing in a few pots and pans. Don’t forget you’ll need bedding too.

Using Clearing

If things didn’t go 100 per cent to plan, there are still universities offering brilliant courses. For the latest options go on to UCAS course search and start your research. If you have never visited, it’s worth travelling to a Clearing open day or arranging a campus tour.

Don’t be afraid to hustle. Universities will always advertise their standard grade offer, so if you have missed it by one or two grades but think you have what it takes, don’t be afraid to call them this weekend.

Staying local

The University of Brighton and University of Chichester still have places available in Clearing, however Sussex is completely full. If you fancy commuting to university to save money, these are both brilliant universities and worth considering. Brighton Metropolitan College also offers career-focused, university-level courses, so keep an open mind and take a look, especially if you’re not 100 per cent certain that three years at uni is what you want.

Working while you study

There are around 1,000 roles in the UK right now which are on a degree apprenticeship. You can obtain a full bachelor’s degree through this route. The courses are designed in partnership with employers, with part-time study taking place at a university or college. The availability of these courses is limited, but numbers are expanding and becoming more popular. The bonus is that your uni education will be paid for but you will be working hard alongside learning and submitting essays.

Deciding if you want to retake an exam or two

If you want to take another shot at your A-levels, you need to get advice from your teacher. You can’t re-sit your exams until next summer and may have to study independently if it’s not something your school and college can support you with. It’s a big commitment, so have a think about whether it is really necessary and whether there are other options or qualifications you could work towards.

Deferring your university place

If you need some time out from education, contact your university and see if they will let you defer a year. Not all courses and universities can offer this option, but if you’re feeling really unsure, it’s worth making the call now rather than dropping out in October.

Taking a gap year

Gap years are a great opportunity to travel and get some breathing space away from study. But a gap year can be so much more than that. Use it to get some decent work experience under your belt, save up some cash for uni, explore new hobbies and interests, build new life skills from volunteering and meet new people out of your usual circle who may end up introducing you to something you’re really interested in.

Apprenticeships

The scope and variety of available apprenticeships is getting bigger and better every year. It’s a real job, with real training, meaning you can earn while you learn and gain a nationally recognised qualification. Applying for an apprenticeship is just like applying for any other job so you need to treat it in just the same way. Apprenticeships can start at any time of the year, so you don’t get one specific time to apply or start, like with school and uni. Check the apprenticeship job vacancy for the application deadline and expected start date, so you don’t miss out. You’ll find apprenticeships starting throughout the year and new opportunities available every week.

Hannah Morrish works at The Student Room, the world’s largest online student community based in Brighton. She is a qualified psychotherapist, and every year she and her team advise more than three million 14 - 24 year olds.