Not getting the A Level grades you wanted can be really tough. And, missing out on a place on your chosen degree course can be even tougher. If this happens to you, it’s important to breathe and stay calm - because we promise you there is still hope!
Through the magic of UCAS Clearing, you might still be able to gain a place at your university of choice. And you never know, your new degree course might end up suiting you better than the one on your initial UCAS application.
Ready to get started? Here's our guide to UCAS Clearing, when it takes place, what it all means, and how to secure your university accommodation. You got this.
UCAS Clearing gives students a second chance at securing a place at university. The Clearing process, run by UCAS, matches applicants to university places that haven’t been filled yet.
The most common reason people use Clearing is if their grades don’t meet the entry requirements of their chosen undergraduate degree courses. But it’s also useful if:
Going through Clearing means you won’t get a space on the degree course you wanted. But, you may still be able to apply for a different course at your university of choice.
UCAS Clearing is open from 5 July and closes on 21 October (be sure to check UCAS’ website for the most up to date information). Most applications that are made through UCAS Clearing happen after A Level exam results are published mid-August.
If you’re applying for a course through UCAS Clearing, our advice is to do it as quickly as possible, as some of the more popular course spaces fill up fast!
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the Clearing process, but it’s simple if you follow these four handy steps:
So, you’ve been offered a place – congrats! But now you’re worried about securing accommodation? Don’t panic – you’ll find somewhere that’s perfect for you.
If you’re hoping to live on campus, call the university’s accommodation office or Clearing hotline so they can advise you on which halls of residence still have space. Bear in mind that spaces go quickly though, so try and sort your accommodation as soon as you’ve been offered your place through UCAS Clearing.
Another great option for students who’ve gone through Clearing is private accommodation. These properties generally aren’t tied to a specific university and because you’ll usually find several of them in one city, there’s less competition for spaces. Living in private accommodation offers many other benefits too – such as additional space and privacy, more independence, more choice over location, better facilities, and the opportunity to make new friends who don’t necessarily go to your university.
Whatever you choose to do, we would always recommend doing your research, speaking to others about their experiences, and booking a viewing before you move in so you can get a good feel for the place you’re going to call home.
Here at Yugo, we help students live their best lives. Take a look at our selection of student accommodation spaces here or get in touch with our friendly support team if you have any questions.
Home to over 500 students, Globe Works is one of Birmingham's most vibrant student communities.
Tucked away on a quiet side street by the canal, it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre — but you're still just minutes from BCU!
Journey to campus:
🚶♂️ 16-minute walk 🚴♂️ 6-minute cycle 🚌 14-minute bus
Amenities included:
📺 TV lounge 💪 Gym 🎥 Cinema room ☀️ Courtyard
Our Cable Street residence, unlike some Lancaster uni accommodation, is ideally located in the heart of the city and combines classic character with contemporary charm - plus all of the other fantastic features you can expect as standard when living with us.
Journey to uni:
🚌 26-minute bus 🚴♂️ 21 minute cycle
Welcome to our brand property in Brighton: Promenade Student Living. Located in the heart of the city, close by to the universities and less than a mile from Brighton beach, it’s perfectly located for your student years.
Journey to uni:
🚶♂️ 11-minute walk 🚴♂️ 4 minute cycle
Amenities included:
📺 TV lounge 💪 Gym 🌇 Rooftop Terrace ☀️ Courtyard
Tucked away right around the corner from King's Cross, Depot Point is ideally placed within a 20-minute walk from UCL — so no need to constantly top up your Oyster card!
This stunning residence is home to a close-knit community of over 200 students — many of whom study at UCL— meaning there's plenty of opportunity to meet fellow students.
Journey to campus:
🚶🏻♂️ 17-minute walk 🚲 6-minute cycle 🚇 10-minute tube ride
Amenities included:
🏋 Gym 🎮 Games room ☀️ Rooftop terrace 📚 Study spaces
Right around the corner from the bustling markets and hip boutiques of Brick Lane lies The Curve — our dedicated student accommodation in East London.
Packed full of incredible facilities, this trendy East End residence is well placed for students based at both UCL's main campus and UCL East.
Journey to campus:
🚶🏻♂️ 1 hr+ walk 🚲 23-minute cycle 🚇 24-minute tube ride
Amenities included:
🏋 Gym 🎥 Cinema room 📚 Study spaces 🎮 Games room
Another top choice with an enviable location, Therese House is either a leisurely stroll or a 10-minute tube hop away from UCL — depending on how much of a rush you're in!
The Barbican Centre, St. Paul's Cathedral and vibrant Shoreditch are all just minutes away, so you're right on the doorstep of some of London's most iconic spots.
Journey to campus:
🚶🏻♂️ 38-minute walk 🚲 13-minute cycle 🚇 11-minute tube ride
Amenities included:
📺 TV lounge 📚 Study spaces 🎮 Games room 🧺 Laundry
Park Court offers fun and friendly en suite student accommodation just a 10-minute stroll from the University of Lincoln, and a 20-minute walk from Bishop Grosseteste University. Getting to lectures couldn’t be easier.
If you want to explore, then the city center and Brayford Waterfront are just five minutes’ walk away, where you’ll have plenty of high-street shops and restaurants to choose from.
Did somebody say makeover?
Our rooms at Goldsmith Court have had a full refurbishment, so you're guaranteed modern student living! With Nottingham Trent University literally next door, you'll be able to see campus from your window - so getting to lectures is a breeze! Live your best life and secure your room now, before someone else does!
Our Bramall Court student accommodation is located on a quiet street near the centre, so you get the best of both worlds – all the attractions of the city on your doorstep, and a peaceful home to return to at the end of the day. What more could you ask for?
Belaton House is just a 5-minute stroll from Bournemouth Uni’s Lansdowne Campus and an 18-minute bus ride from Talbot Campus or Arts University. As for shops, the town centre is really close and there’s a massive Asda for all your food just over the road!
When it comes to convenience and connection, Bottleworks delivers. Just a short stroll from Munster Technological University, University College Cork and minutes from Cork College of Commerce, St John’s Central College and more, it’s perfectly positioned to make student life effortless.
Catherine House is right in the middle of the city centre, so it’s perfect if you want to be within easy reach of all Portsmouth has to offer, including bars, restaurants and entertainment.
Austen House is conveniently located in Southampton’s city centre. The Southampton Solent University campus is just a 10-minute stroll and the University of Southampton is a quick bus ride away.
If you’re studying in Southampton, we’ve got a student residence that you’ll love. Located slap-bang in the middle of the city, it puts you right in the middle of all the fun.
Arran House is one of three residences we have in Edinburgh. It’s just a 20-minute walk from the University of Edinburgh and Napier University
