THOUSANDS of students will be clamouring to get into the right university, but careers advisors say don't make any rash decisions.

If you are among those with disappointing results who are going through clearing - trying to find the best course with the grades you have - it's important not to panic.

Brenda Stephenson, development manager with Connexions County Durham, which offers impartial advice to young people, said: "If you've been looking forward to attending your chosen university or college for months, finding out that you can't be accepted can come as a terrible shock.

"You might feel quite distraught at first. But don't despair, whatever sort of exam grades you've got, you still have a wide choice of things to do, and there's no reason why you can't go on to your dream career."

Clearing forms will automatically be sent out if students entered through the Ucas system.

Contacting the universities in person is one way of finding if you can get a place.

Said Brenda: "An admissions tutor may be able to tell you over the phone if they will be able to offer you a place or not, or they may want to see you.

"Be ready to answer questions about yourself and why you're interested in the course, and also to arrange interviews and visits at very short notice."

There are also a number of alternatives available if students cannot find a course for this academic year.

They include taking a year out and doing re-sits, undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship, earning some cash, doing some voluntary work or working abroad.