TODAY the wait is over for thousands of A-level students across Hampshire.

For many it's a time to celebrate their results.

But for others who have not done as well as expected it can be a time to rethink your options.

These can include speaking to your first choice university to see if they will still accept you or thinking about retaking your exams.

Alternatively you could take a gap year and gain some work experience before deciding what to do next.

However if your heart is set on a university place, then clearing is for you.

This is the name given to the service from the University College Admissions Service (UCAS) that each year helps about 35,000 students find remaining vacancies on higher education courses.

Clearing starts from today and runs until September 17.

You are eligible if you have not withdrawn from the UCAS scheme, you hold no offers, your offers have not been confirmed because you have not achieved the required grades, you declined your offers or you have applied after June 30 (June 12 for Route B art and design courses).

If you are eligible for clearing UCAS will send out a clearing passport that will allow you to shop around for courses.

You can apply for any course that has available places by contacting the universities and colleges direct.

If a university or college is happy that you meet the requirements and offers you a place, they will ask for your clearing passport.

Once received the institution will notify UCAS who will send you a confirmation letter confirming that you have a place.