When it comes to applying for university and you didn’t make it into your top choices or are late in applying, don’t fret. There is still time – you can apply to university through the Clearing. It’s pretty much the same process as applying to a university at any other time.
Here at The Stay Club, we’ve put together a little guide for you about university clearing and everything you need to know, including applying for accommodation.
What Is University Clearing?
Clearing is essentially how universities and colleges fill any places they still have on their course. When courses aren’t full from the initial application process, then they will open up clearing for those who didn’t get a spot at their top choices or are late in applying.
So if you don’t already hold an offer from a university or college, or you haven’t accepted any you received, and the course you want still has places, you can apply using Clearing through UCAS, usually in July.
Who Can Apply For Clearing?
You can apply for clearing if:
You are applying after 30 June
You didn’t receive or didn’t accept, any other offers this year – or you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers
You’ve already declined your firm place using the ‘decline my place’ button in your application
You’ve paid the multiple choice application fee of £26.50
How Does Clearing Work?
The way clearing works is if a university or college still has space for a course after the initial application process, then they open up the chance for other people to apply for the said course. Clearing essentially gives you that chance to still study within the upcoming academic year, even if you didn’t get the grades you initially wanted or didn’t make an application this year.
By July, you can find which universities and courses still have places available through Clearing on UCAS. Not every university is part of the Clearing process, but many institutions are, and there is an impressive range to choose from.
Clearing essentially works similarly to the regular application process, but there are some differences. Once you register with Clearing, you can then search which courses are available. It can be overwhelming to know which one to choose, which is why UCAS offers a matchmaking tool – Clearing Plus – which aims to match you up with your perfect course.
If you find one that you might want to study, you first need to call the university and give them your Clearing number and Personal ID, which can be found in your application. Make sure you ask if they’d accept you, ask about accommodation options and if you have any time take a look around the campus. You can also get informal offers over the phone so consider your options from a variety of universities and courses.
Once you have decided on a specific choice you can add your Clearing choice to your application. Adding your Clearing choice counts as accepting the offer, so only do this if you are sure this is the university and course for you. Also, make sure you do this once you have permission from the university.
You can only add one Clearing choice at a time, but if your chosen university doesn’t confirm your place you can add another. Once your place is confirmed, you are officially accepted and can make sure you get everything to start your studies.
If you are looking to apply to a university through clearing, you’ll just need to make sure your results match up to the entry requirements of your chosen course. You can check this using the UCAS Points Calculator.
When Is Clearing?
This year clearing is open from 5 July and closes on 17 October 2023. If your results aren’t confirmed until August, you still have time to apply for Clearing if need be so don’t worry.
If you aren’t confident that you’ll get the exam results you need for your first-choice placement, it’s a great idea to have a backup plan. Why not note down your second and third choice of universities which offer similar courses and have lower entry requirements?
Have all the important documents you’ll need for Clearing ready and kept somewhere safe.
Prepare, prepare, prepare! Trial run your university interview – have a list of possible questions, and your answers to them, ready. Don’t forget to prepare a few questions of your own too.
Refresh your memory of the personal statement you wrote at school. Universities you apply to in Clearing will have access to this and might ask you to expand on some of the things you’ve written.
If you didn’t get into your desired course or University through your results, don’t worry. Apply through clearing and find your options. Your desired course may even accept you through clearing even if you didn’t initially get the grades you wanted.
Can You Get Accommodation Through Clearing?
Yes, you can get accommodation with clearing. When applying for university through Clearing, accommodation can be one of the last things you organise. As clearing is for courses with spaces to fill, accommodation is likely the same. But don’t worry, you can still find accommodation.
During your process, you can ask universities about the type of accommodation they might have left on campus as most will keep places in student halls for Clearing students. The rooms available during Clearing will depend, as usually it’s on a first-come-first-serve basis. So the sooner you apply and book a room, the more likely you will get the place you want. If they don’t offer rooms, there are still alternatives.
University Clearing: Accommodation Tips
Speak to your university: When you are accepted to a course through clearing, you can apply for accommodation with your university if they offer space. Make sure you talk to them about your options as they might be able to add you to a waiting list or put you in touch with private landlords who can help.
Know your budget: You might be stressed during Clearing, but it’s important not to rush into any decisions. That includes accommodation; make sure you know your budget, as renting an unaffordable room could lead to further stress and pressure.
Look for social media groups: This can help you find like-minded people in the same situation as you or who have gone through Clearing. You can also find any student groups looking for housemates.
Apply for accommodation after clearing: You can apply for private accommodation before clearing or while going through it, but we suggest you only apply for it after the process and you have been accepted. This is because you might find a different course or university than you originally had in mind.
If you are looking for private accommodation after clearing, whether that’s due to a personal choice or your university not having any space on campus, you can find rooms with landlords or with ourselves, The Stay Club.
The Stay Club Clearing Accommodation
Perfect for students studying at a range of universities in London, The Stay Club offers Clearing accommodation for those going through this process. Our London clearing accommodation is located near central London locations, including Camden, Kentish Town and Colindale. And it’s a great alternative to student halls or private lets and offers safe and welcoming surroundings.
Our Clearing accommodation offers private as well as shared rooms with fantastic features, including a double bed, dedicated study space, private kitchenette and spacious wet room. And all bed linen and towels are included too, freeing up space in your luggage for books and party clothes instead!
You can book a room any time that is convenient for you as we availability throughout the year and even offer short and summer lets. Take a look at our range of student accomodation in London or you can find your Clearing accommodation near your chosen university on our London universities page.
If you have any questions about Clearing or about student accommodation, you can contact us; we’d love to help! Let us take care of your accommodation after Clearing so you focus on studying, socialising and exploring London.
Ready to Join The Stay Club?
Need help? Reach out to us, and we'll be delighted to provide guidance throughout the booking process, ensuring you can make your reservation with confidence.