Results Day! Just reading those words might make your stomach do a flip. Whether you’re feeling excited, nervous, or a mix of both, it’s completely normal to have strong emotions about the day. We’ve compiled a few tips here to help you through, no matter what your results are.

Coping Strategies for Results Day

Here are some practical strategies to help you manage your emotions and stay grounded.

1. Prepare Ahead of Time

Make sure you have all the necessary information about what to do after you get your results. Whether that’s knowing how to contact your chosen universities or understanding how clearing works, being prepared can alleviate some of the anxiety.

2. Stay Busy

Distraction can be a great way to keep your mind off impending results. Engage in activities you enjoy, whether that’s reading, playing sports, or hanging out with friends. Keeping busy can help reduce stress.

3. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or even just taking a walk in nature can help you stay calm and focused. Apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditations specifically for stress and anxiety.

4. Talk About It

Don’t bottle up your feelings. Talk to friends, family, or even teachers about your concerns. They can offer support and perhaps a different perspective that might make you feel better.

5. Plan for Different Outcomes

It’s always good to have a Plan B (and C). Think about what you’ll do if you don’t get the results you were hoping for. Knowing your options can make the actual day less daunting.

6. Limit Social Media

While it’s great to celebrate with friends, social media can also be a source of comparison and stress. On results day, limit your time online or avoid it altogether if you think it will make you feel worse.

If you didn’t get the results you wanted.

• Stay Calm: It’s natural to feel disappointed, but remember that there are always other paths to your goals.
• Explore Options: Look into clearing, resits, or alternative courses and universities. Sometimes, a setback can lead to an even better opportunity.
• Seek Advice: Talk to your teachers, career advisors, or university admissions teams for guidance.

Results Day is a significant milestone, but it doesn’t define you or your future. Whether your results are better than expected, or not what you hoped for, there are always options and next steps you can take.

Stay positive and try to stay calm as there are always other paths to your goals. Explore your options, investigate clearing, resits, or alternative courses and universities. Sometimes, a setback can lead to an even better opportunity and remember that this is just one chapter in your story.

Support From Off the Record

• Call our Support Line on 0800 980 7475, Monday to Friday 3-6pm
• Use our Text based counselling service
• Off the Record’s Online Counselling offers flexible regular online counselling support in a format that is convenient for you, where you are