You have probably heard of the term ‘university clearing’ before, but you may be wondering what exactly it means.
Well, think of clearing as your golden ticket to securing a spot at university, especially if your initial plans didn’t quite pan out as expected.
Whether you’re from the UK or an international student, university clearing is your chance to bag a place on a course that suits you, even if you missed out on your first choices.
Here, we’ll explain university clearing in detail and why it might be your pathway to an exciting academic journey you never thought possible.
What is University Clearing?
University clearing is a process in the UK that helps students find available university places. During clearing, all universities advertise any remaining course vacancies they have.
Prospective students who either didn’t receive any offers or didn’t meet the conditions of their offers can then contact universities directly to inquire about their available places.
Students who have changed their minds about their chosen course or institution can also use clearing to explore alternative options.
Why is clearing important?
Clearing can be a lifeline for students who may have missed out on their initial choices or who have had a change of heart about their academic path.
It’s an opportunity to find a suitable university place and embark on the next stage of your educational journey, even if things didn’t go to plan.
Check out our article, How to choose a university degree.
When does Clearing open?
University Clearing typically takes place from August to September each year, following the release of A-level results.
How does the Clearing process work?
Navigating the clearing process may seem daunting initially, but it’s pretty straightforward.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown…
- Results Day
Clearing kicks off on A-level results day, which usually falls in August here in the UK. This is when students receive their A-Level exam results and see whether they have met the conditions of their offer.
- Assess Your Options
If you didn’t meet the conditions of your offer or if you didn’t receive any offers at all, don’t panic. Take a moment to assess your options and consider alternative courses or universities that interest you.
- Research Available Courses
Universities start advertising available Clearing vacancies on their websites and through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Browse through the list of courses that appeal to you and note their entry requirements and contact details.
- Contact Universities
Once you’ve identified the courses you’re interested in, you should contact the universities directly.
Have your UCAS ID and exam results on hand, as you’ll likely need them for reference. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications, your reasons for applying, and any relevant experience or achievements.
- Receive Offers
If a university is impressed with your application, it may offer you a place immediately. Make sure to consider your options carefully before accepting any offers.
- Confirm Your Place
Once you’ve received an offer you’re happy with, you need to formally accept it through UCAS Track. This secures your place at the university.
And it is as simple as that!
Remember, clearing is a chance to explore new opportunities and find the right university fit for you, so approach it with an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.
And what about Student Finance & Accommodation?
Don’t forget about practicalities such as arranging accommodation and sorting student finances.
Universities often have support services to assist clearing students with these matters, but you can get ahead by getting clued up on what kind of accommodation is available to you…
Many students in the UK opt for university halls during their first year, but did you know there’s another option?
You don’t have to go the traditional route and live in university-provided digs.
Private accommodation is an excellent choice, especially as a lot of university halls could already be booked!
Read: What should you do if your university has a student accommodation shortage?
Why choose Vita Student Accommodation?
Choosing private accommodation, like our Vita Student Residences, comes with perks you might not have even considered.
For those who want it all, Vita Student is where it’s at.
We’re the only student accommodation that covers absolutely everything.
Forget the standard uni setup; we offer an all-inclusive service, freeing you up to concentrate on your studies and soak up exciting student life.
So, what’s the Vita Student experience like?
Our city-centre buildings have modern facilities that make your living experience easy.
Maintain your health and fitness with our free on-site gyms and make friends and connections at our world-famous events.
Some of our weekly events include cooking classes, skincare masterclasses, private shopping events, craft workshops and career talks! We pair with some of the world’s biggest brands like Harvey Nichols, Fenty Beauty, Patron, Vivienne Westwood and more.
Oh, and forget about cleaning – we’ve got that sorted too. Fortnightly cleaning is included in your room price, so you can spend less time scrubbing and more time doing what you want to do.
Living at Vita Student sets you up for life at university, and for life after. Some of our events also include exclusive career talks and CV workshops, and you can join our exclusive Alumni network when you graduate to access job opportunities and advice.
If you like the sound of what you’ve read, don’t wait around; the only way to get ahead is to get in touch!
Speak to us about student accommodation. And if you’re looking for FAQs on everything you need to know about Vita Student accommodation, such as what time breakfast is, and the best way to meet people, check out our guide here.
