08/08/2026
Next up is Dave Wallace:
Sometimes, the decision you make through Clearing can change the entire course of your university experience.
After reaching a crossroads in his rowing career, Dave made the last-minute decision to join ULBC through Clearing to study Finance in London. Three years later, he had won Henley Royal Regatta, completed an undefeated season in the Championship 4+, and built friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s his story:
“No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.” - Seneca
I will never forget the Sunday night of Henley Royal Regatta in 2024, everyone around me was celebrating after winning. I had been knocked out on the Wednesday. That night I promised myself that one day I would be the one celebrating. The following year, thanks to ULBC, this dream came true. I started rowing at Henley Rowing Club all the way back in 2016. My first ever 2k ergo was 11 minutes. After years of waking up every day at 5am to go jogging in the rain before school, I managed to row in the Fawley Challenge Cup and race for GB at the Coupe regatta. I knew I wasn’t done with the sport but was stuck about where to go next. I decided last minute to join ULBC and went through clearing to study finance in London. I have had the best 4 years of my life, and all the friendships and experiences that I value are becajuse of this decision. I achieved a lot in my first two years with UL and will never forget the lessons I learnt not just about rowing but about life too. After losing my seat in the top boat just before Henley two years in a row, I decided that the 2025 season would be the one where I was willing to crawl over broken glass to become the standard of athlete that was capable of winning Henley. A secret to life is that you become what you think about and I firmly believe that if you show up every day and refuse to give up, you will achieve more than you could ever hope for. Although I achieved my ultimate goal of winning Henley and had an undefeated season in the 4+, I would rather have lost every race with UL than won with another club.”