Nobody plans to enter university via the Clearing route, but things don’t always go to plan. That’s why Clearing is there: to give you a safety net.
You’ve hopefully been optimistic in the run-up to your exam results, in which case Clearing might not have occupied your thoughts too much. Nonetheless, you should be prepared for any eventuality. Life is full of surprises, many of them much bigger and more unpleasant than disappointing exam results.
So, first things first...
Not getting the grades you need to clinch your first choice, or changing your mind on your chosen subject last-minute, can be incredibly stressful and anxiety-inducing, but it is by no means the end of the world. It may seem like it at the time, but trust us: you’ll be fine.
Thousands of students end up having to go through Clearing each year. You’re not the first and you certainly won’t be the last. The important thing to focus on (or remain focused on) is that you’re going to enjoy your degree - whatever it turns out to be - and then you’re going to enjoy a successful career afterwards.
If you’re not a believer in fate, at least try to adopt a positive mindset about it all. You don’t have a time machine (do you?!), so you can’t go back and change things.
If things haven’t gone to plan for you, the first instinct is to scramble for whatever you can get - to accept a place on the first course that will take you.
But try to chill.
You have until 20th October to apply for any course that still has places, so you don’t need to dive head-first into the first decent-looking option. Obviously, you shouldn’t wait too long, but take a day or two to think your options through, and contact several different unis.
Maybe use it as an opportunity to reassess whether your chosen subject area is what you actually want to do. Many students choose certain courses because they seem like safe choices or smart moves, but that can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction later down the line. Unless you have a specific vocation or career path already planned out, you might want to listen to your heart as well as your head.
Also, you might want to contest your results if you missed out by just a few marks. If that is the case, and your revised results come back higher, you may be able to get into your first choice after all. So don’t make any hasty decisions.
When does Clearing open?
It already is open - has been since July.
When does it close?
As already mentioned, Clearing 2025 is open until 20th October.
How do I go about finding a course through Clearing?
Log into your UCAS account and search for courses as usual, using the search tool. Any course listed there is available through Clearing.
How do I apply for a Clearing course?
You add Clearing courses just the same way as the courses you’ve already chosen - but you have to contact the uni in question first.
For full advice and guidance on how to navigate through Clearing, consult the Clearing FAQs on the UCAS website, or give the UCAS team a call. They’re your best bets.
If you do end up going through Clearing, you should still be able to secure some high-quality accommodation. If you’re picturing Harry Potter’s cupboard under the stairs at #4 Privet Drive, don’t worry: you’ll have plenty of great room options to choose from.
The best accommodation providers are prepared for Clearing and will be able to help you.
Sort your course out first, and then worry about accommodation.
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
We wish you the very best of luck for results day and beyond, and remember: everything will work out fine in the end.
For more advice and reassurance to help you prepare for student life, take a look at our blog and soak up the wisdom!
