With A-level results day tomorrow, a senior Kingston University admissions expert is urging aspiring undergraduates to make sure they are ready to swing into action to secure a degree place.

The University's Student Recruitment and Admissions Director, Clare Beckett, said planning ahead was crucial in the run up to results day. It would mean applicants, particularly those who might have had a change of heart about what they wanted to study or weren't sure whether they would quite get the grades they were anticipating, would be able to make the most of opportunities still on offer.

Beckett said: "On A-level results day itself, applicants should make sure they're ready to phone the Clearing hotline early as the University anticipates lines will get busy very quickly.

"It's also important to bear in mind that some courses may already be full, so having alternatives in mind before making the call is definitely something we'd encourage."

Kingston University is gearing up to receive thousands of calls from applicants eager to snap up one of the remaining spots on its degree courses when its Clearing phone lines open at 8.00am on A-level results day.

Beckett advises anyone considering calling its hotline to do their research and keep an open mind about which degree programme they might want to pursue.

"I'd recommend all potential callers do as much as possible to find out more about courses that might appeal to them before receiving their results and try to focus on a few different options. Resources like the University website are full of useful information to support that research," she said.

Kingston University will have a dedicated team of more than 120 hotline operators on the other end of the phone lines. The hotline team, which includes course leaders, lecturers and current students – some of whom have been through Clearing themselves – will guide applicants through the process step by step, providing plenty of reassurance and answering questions about everything from accommodation to campus life.

The team is expecting to speak to applicants in a variety of different situations. Some will be returning from a gap year, others will be coming back to education as a mature student, while some may have narrowly missed out on their expected grades or have had second thoughts about the subject they want to study.

"Clearing increasingly is a type of shop window for people who have changed their minds, who might want to stay closer to home or move away to get a different life experience while they study," Beckett said.

"If potential applicants' circumstances have changed, Clearing can be an invaluable opportunity to see what degree programmes are out there that could be a good fit," she added.

To get the most out of their calls, Beckett advises potential applicants to have their UCAS identification, if they have one, to hand, along with full details of qualifications, including subjects, grades, dates they were obtained and exam boards. They should also note down any questions they might want to ask the hotline operator.

Her key advice for callers is to keep calm and focus on getting the best outcome possible.

"Anyone finding they haven't quite got the grades they were expecting, shouldn't panic. There are always options available – it's just a case of each caller being open to working through what's on offer and considering what's best for them," she said.

Beckett also emphasised that a phone conversation with an admissions tutor was an opportunity to make a real impression. She advised: "Once applicants are put through to one of the University's admissions tutors, they should treat the conversation like a job interview and show them their potential.

"They should be prepared to talk about the qualifications and grades they've received, why they're interested in the particular course and discuss any relevant work experience they've done."

"Clearing is also a great opportunity to learn more about your prospective new course and university, so come armed with questions. It shows enthusiasm for the course and that applicants are passionate about taking the next step in their education," she added.

• Kingston University's Clearing hotline is open between 8am and 7pm on Thursday, 17 August; from 8.30am to 6pm on Friday 18 August; and from 10am to 4pm Saturday 20 August.
• Potential students should call 0800 0483 334, or +44 20 8328 1149 from outside the UK, to speak to the University's friendly hotline operators. 
• Calls are free from landlines and mobiles in the UK. International call costs may vary and callers should check with their network providers.
• Students should have their UCAS identification, if they have one, to hand along with full details of qualifications, including subjects, grades, dates they were obtained and exam boards before calling the hotline.
• Students are also urged to book a place to attend the University's special Clearing Open day, taking place on campus on Friday 18 August.
• A drop-in Clearing hub is also taking place on Saturday 19 August from 10am – 2pm at the University's Town House building at Penrhyn Road campus, where potential applicants can speak with academics, ask any questions and attend a scheduled tour of each of the University's four campuses.