Clearing can be a headache. From confusing acronyms to a seemingly never-ending parade of deadlines, dates, and cut-offs, it’s enough to scramble your brain.
But it doesn’t have to. We’ve pulled together everything you need to know. (With handy links aplenty.)
Clearing is a system that matches university applicants without a secure offer with universities that have unfilled places on a range of courses. It’s that simple.
Recent years have seen record numbers of students snag their uni spot through clearing—493,940 students in 2023 alone.
But it’s more than just academic matchmaking, and there’s much to consider. Read on for all the information you need. (Maybe bookmark this page, too.)
It can be a frightening prospect, especially if your heart was set on one of your firm choices, but it’s more common than you might think.
Many (many) students secure their uni place through clearing, for a variety of reasons, including last-minute decisions about attending uni, changed preferences, and even getting better results than expected and wanting to secure a place at a more prestigious uni.
And that’s without mentioning international students—many of whom initially apply for a UK uni, but don’t get their desired grades.
There are versions of clearing in several other countries too. But what is university clearing in the UK and how does it work?
Countries offering university education across the world will have their own versions of the university clearing process, but what is clearing to a British student or international student hoping to study in the UK?
Clearing is a set period (usually between July and October). During clearing, universities post their remaining places on their undergraduate courses online, allowing students to find one that meets their needs, grades, and preferences.
FYI: Just because there are places on a course, doesn’t mean that the university (or the course itself) is ‘bad’. There are countless hundreds of reasons for students to secure a uni place through clearing.
It could be their circumstances have changed, they decided on a different university, or they may have achieved better results than expected and used UCAS Adjustment.
Thousands of places become available every year on a range of courses from English to Law and beyond. It’s an opportunity for those who may have had a change of heart about continuing their studies, the course they want to pursue or for those who haven’t met the conditions of their offers.
Wondering how to apply for clearing and if you’ll even need to in the first place?
You’ll be using clearing if:
From here, your status on UCAS will mention clearing, either stating that ‘clearing has started’ or that ‘you are in clearing’.
Then you can browse available places on the UCAS website, list down those that interest you, and then give them a call to discuss the course and if they can offer you a place.
It’s a much less daunting prospect that you might think, and universities have dedicated teams on-hand to walk you through every stage of the process.
Once you’re sure about a university, you can add that choice to your UCAS, which means you have accepted that offer.
Preparing for clearing requires organisation and patience. There are many moving parts to student clearing, so it’s wise to be fully prepared. (Your anxiety levels will thank you.)
For example, you may be asking “when is clearing?” or "is clearing first come first served?" – and we’ll cover that shortly.
Applying for clearing is a simpler process than you might think, but it still requires patience and planning.
FYI: It’s possible to start your planning before results day. Set aside some time to browse universities that offer similar courses to the one you’ve got your heart set on. It’ll narrow down your choices, making the application process much smoother.
But how do you apply through clearing? And when does clearing start?
You can apply for clearing from 8am on results day by logging into your personal UCAS profile. If you didn’t receive any offers or didn’t meet the conditions of the ones you had already accepted, you’ll be told that you are now in clearing.
On the UCAS Track home page, you’ll be able to see your clearing number in the top left corner. Make a note of this – you’ll need it at every step of the process when you’re applying through clearing.
Need some handy university clearing tips? We’ve got you. For example:
Use the UCAS course search tool to find universities that have available spaces for the course you want to study. Here, you’ll be able to find contact details for the universities – including special clearing hotline numbers for some. Make a list of potential universities, or even potential courses.
When you’ve got your shortlist, order them from your most favourite to your least favourite.
When you’ve done that, you’ll need to prepare all the important information about yourself.
Applying through clearing requires your UCAS ID number, your clearing number and your A-level and GCSE results. You may also need to collate your personal statement, portfolios (if applying for a course that may need one, like fine art), and any relevant work experience.
Other than that, it’s all down to anything you would personally like to know about the university or courses that interest you. Note down any questions or worries you may have and be sure to ask these when you take the next step: calling the institutions.
Phone calls can be daunting, and applying through clearing can amplify that anxiety. But rest assured, you’ll be speaking to people who understand your situation and can help you navigate the process.
FYI: It must be you that makes the call—not a parent or guardian.
Your first move should be to call your chosen universities, where you’ll be asked for your clearing number, which allows that member of staff to open your Track screen.
If you’re eligible for a place at that university, and there are still spaces on the course, you’ll be asked some simple questions to determine whether you’re a good fit.
These can include:
It’s important to answer in as much detail as possible, showing that you’ve read the course descriptions and done your research surrounding what and where you’re applying.
Remember: if you initially applied for a degree in psychology, but applying for a degree in sports journalism, the admissions officer will need to understand why you’re making such a significant change.
That’s not to say you can’t change your mind – many students do – but choosing a similar course to the one you originally applied for makes your case much stronger.
Top tip: Get a sibling, guardian or friend to help you practise your answers a few times before you start calling the universities on your shortlist.
Clearing doesn’t have a fixed date, but it typically takes place between July and October. This year’s university clearing process is set to open on 5th July 2024.
You may be wondering why clearing opens before results day. Simply put, it's to give those who are yet to secure any offers, like those who missed the UCAS deadline, the chance to go to university.
Most places at university won’t become available until A-level results are published in August, but if you’re able to find a course you think you’ll love before the post-result rush, it’s worth applying early.
It’s important to note that not all universities take part in clearing. For example, Oxford, Cambridge, and some Russell Group universities don't offer places through clearing.
That said, there are a few Russell group unis in clearing, so be sure to check. Russell group universities in clearing include Newcastle University, University of Liverpool and University of Sheffield, as well as a few more.
It’s also worth noting that highly popular courses like midwifery, veterinary science, and medicine
often don’t have places via clearing due to the fierce competition for places.
Much like the opening date, the deadline changes from year to year – clearing 2024 closes on October 17th.
Clearing can be an anxious time for students. If you’re wondering “is clearing first come, first served?”, the university clearing process does work on a first come, first serve basis, so it’s important not to leave it too late to find the course you want to study.
Researching courses and universities before the process opens, as well as making a shortlist of those that stand out is a great way to get ahead of the curve. It’s also a wise idea to prepare contact details for the universities you think you’ll be speaking to during the clearing process.
And finally, practise a few answers to common questions that universities are likely to ask, like why you’re interested in them and the course they’re offering.
Doing all this will mean you’re more likely to secure your place earlier in the process and will avoid you scrambling around when the deadline approaches.
Friendly reminder: you've got this.
Wondering what the process is when finding student accommodation in clearing? Perhaps you’re thinking of applying for accommodation after clearing and you’re unsure when to start?
So, can you get accommodation through clearing? Short answer: yes!
Clearing accommodation is often available during the process as student living providers (like us!) keep spaces available for those who are applying for accommodation after clearing.
At Student Roost, you’re able to book university clearing accommodation as soon as you have confirmed your place on a course. If there are a number of options to consider when choosing your university, take a look at our locations and see if they help you make a decision.
Once you’ve confirmed a place at the university you’ve chosen, it’s time to consider where you’re going to be living for the year ahead. You’ll need to consider living costs in including what’s included in your rent, the type of room you’ll need.
At Student Roost, all our accommodation is located a short walk away from university campuses, giving you a perfect base for your studies. Whether you’re an early riser or a serial snooze button user, you’ll be able to get to your lectures on time.
As for costs, you'll get all bills, Wi-Fi and contents insurance included in your rent – no matter where you’re staying.
Eager to enjoy independent living? We’ve got you. Our studio accommodation gives you access to a self-contained space, allowing for total control of your routines, cleaning, cooking, and more.
Alternatively, you could opt for en-suite student accommodation and share a communal living and cooking space. (Great if you're the social type!)
Whichever you choose, you'll be able to meet your new Roost neighbours in the social spaces (lounges, cinema rooms, gyms and more) just down the hall from your new room.
At Student Roost, we have a range of clearing accommodation options available across our locations.
Whether you’re looking for shared accommodation, or your own personal haven in a studio apartment – there’s something for everyone.
And remember, all of your bills are included in your rent! (We're all about simplicity.)
Knowing where you’re going to be living for the year ahead can certainly make your move to higher education a lot easier, allowing you to plan and prepare.
While clearing is very much first come, first served, taking the time to tour a university campus will help your decision-making.
While you’re there, why not take a walk over to our student accommodation so you can get a feel for where you may be living? You can arrange a viewing before you arrive, allowing you to see what’s on offer first-hand before you make your decision. Alternatively, you can book a virtual viewing.
We know that clearing can be stressful time, regardless of your reasons for going through the process. Hopefully, understanding what student clearing is has been made a little easier and you now know how to prepare for clearing.
It’s important to remain relaxed and work through planning and research—the better prepared you are, the less stressful the process will be.
Follow prospective accommodation and university choices on social. This will allow you to get a better feel for their student experience and help you settle in quicker when you do arrive.
If you still feel like you need a bit of help, UCAS have created a “Clearing Plus” tool, which if you previously applied, matches you with options you may be interested in based on your qualifications and grades, the entry requirements and what other students have previously gone on to study in clearing.
And finally, consider where you’ll be living. With Student Roost, you can book accommodation now despite not knowing your grades – where you’ll find friendly faces (both students and staff alike) and excellent facilities and amenities. We have accommodation situated close to several major universities and city centres to make your time as an undergraduate second to none.
Search through our locations and arrange a viewing with us today, before you book with confidence that your university experience will be exactly the way you want it to be.