A Guide to Clearing: How to Secure Your Place at University
If you’re exam results weren’t quite what you expected, don’t panic. Clearing is your opportunity to take control, explore your options, and land a place at a great university. No matter what challenges you’ve faced to get to this point, our guide to clearing in the UK will provide you with all you need to know to make an informed decision about your future.
What is Clearing and Who Can Use It?
Clearing is the official UCAS process that matches university places with students who are still looking for a course. It runs annually from July to October, though many students secure their place within days of receiving their A-Level or equivalent results.
You can use Clearing if you:
- Didn’t attain the grades you needed for your firm or insurance choices.
- Applied late to university (after 30th June).
- Decided you would like to study a different course, or in a different place.
- Didn’t receive any offers during the main UCAS application period.
Clearing offers a structured and transparent process that means you are not gambling with your future. You’ll be following a secure route that is recognised by all UK universities. For reference, over 70,000 students have found their place through clearing since it launched.
Why Clearing Can Change Your Life
Clearing can be the gateway to university for those that didn’t perform as well as they could during their exams. It can provide you with the same chances as everyone else to meet your future best friends, join societies, and simply benefit from the experience of attending university.
It can also be a unique opportunity for you to pivot into a new subject or destination you didn’t know you wanted until after receiving your results. Perhaps you initially applied to study Politics, but really want to do Costume Design instead? Well, with clearing it’s all possible.
As we touched upon, the process doesn’t usually take too long. This means that you’ll also still have plenty of time to research and book your student accommodation before September.
Step by Step: How to Navigate Clearing Effectively
1. Be Ready
Being prepared is your best friend. This means that you should be aware of your UCAS login details, have a list of courses and locations you’d like to study in to hand, your grades (once you have them), and a personal statement that you can send to universities.
There’s no guarantee you’ll need to go through clearing, but it helps to be prepared for anything on results day.
2. Research is Key
Starting from early June, universities will start to list their clearing vacancies through their websites and the UCAS search tool. Even if you’re still waiting on your results, you can make a shortlist of courses.
Make sure to note which courses have flexible entry requirements, and if they value any work experience alongside your academic achievements.
3. Making the Call
Once you’ve got your results in hand, you can call universities directly to secure your place. This is the moment to make a lasting impression. Be friendly, confident, and show enthusiasm for the course you’re applying to. Mention any relevant skills or experience and note why you would be a good fit for the course.
4. Ask the Right Questions
It’s not imperative to ask questions, but it can help your cause if you have a few smart ones ready:
- How is the course assessed? (exams, coursework, practical projects)
- Are there any placement or study abroad opportunities?
- How many hours a week are in person lectures?
- Are there any options to study specific modules from Year 2 onwards?
Asking just one of these questions can help you stand out and give you more clarity about the course you’re signing up to.
5. Get Offers in Writing
If you receive a verbal offer while on the phone, make sure to ask for written confirmation. This can be through email, UCAS Track, or a letter. It ensures your offer is confirmed and that you have a clear view of what was promised.
Advanced Tips for Standing Out in Clearing
- Be decisive, because some courses can disappear in hours.
- Show enthusiasm for the course you want to study.
- Mention transferable skills you may have picked up.
- Stay calm under pressure as admissions teams value professionalism.
- Use your network of teachers or contacts to help you understand which universities are open to negotiation on entry requirements.
If you’re still unsure which University is right for you, explore our range of student properties across the UK to help you decide.
Common Myths About Clearing
Myth: Clearing is only for students who failed their exams.
Fact: Plenty of decorated students use clearing to change courses after rethinking their plans.
Myth: Only low ranked universities take part in clearing.
Fact: Many well respected institutions post vacancies every year, occasionally in some highly competitive subjects.
Myth: You have to accept the first clearing offer you receive.
Fact: You can actually explore multiple options before deciding once and for all.
How to Manage the Stress of Clearing
Having to deal with results day, phone calls, and life affirming decisions can mean that clearing is a rather intense experience. There are ways to keep calm though:
- Have a quiet space to make calls and take any notes.
- Keep snacks and water nearby to stay organised.
- Take short breaks between calls to clear your head.
- Stay in control of your own decision, don’t let others influence you.
Final Checklist Before You Accept an Offer
- Make sure the course content matches your interests and career goals.
- Check accommodation availability in your chosen city.
- Ensure the location works for your lifestyle and how often you plan to visit home.
- Understand the course tuition fees and what level of funding you can access.
- Read the small print on any terms and conditions.
It’s Your Next Step
Clearing should be viewed as more than a safety net. It can be a second chance to choose the right path for you. There’s a place waiting for you at a university you may not have even considered yet, and that’s an exciting opportunity!
Good luck if you’re going for it, because this is the beginning of one of the most memorable times of your life.
Check out our student blog page for more local tips, and helpful guides for students.