A level results day is nerve-wracking – trust us, we’ve been there! And if the grades you get aren’t what you anticipated then it can feel a bit overwhelming. But what no-one really tells you is that Clearing is the furthest thing from a consolation prize, and is actually the plot twist that you never knew you needed.
Every year, tens of thousands of students across the UK find their uni, a new course, new mates and a new home all through Clearing, and it ends up being a welcome, spontaneous change of plans! Results Day is fast approaching (4th August in Scotland, 13th August across the UK!), and here’s what you need to know in the case that you start your uni experience through Clearing:
What Actually is Clearing?
Clearing is UCAS’s system for filling up vacant university places, by matching students to said course based on what they input to the UCAS system. It’s open from July, but it comes alive on Results Day, as this is when unis and colleges post their available courses, allowing students to apply directly.
In other words, if you didn’t meet the conditions of your offer, or your unconditional doesn’t tick the boxes, Clearing is how you get going at university.
What to do on Results Day
Breathe! But also:
Check your UCAS hub. Just log in, and it’ll show whether you’ve been accepted or not, and whether this makes you eligible for Clearing. If you’re in Clearing they’ll give you a unique number, make sure you keep this handy.
Utilise the UCAS search tool. UCAS have been doing this for years, and have made the whole system rather efficient; the search tool lists all the courses available in real time, so it’d be useful to make a shortlist of unis and/or courses that would interest you before you start getting in touch, it’ll make the whole process calmer and quicker.
Give them a call. Clearing hotlines are staffed by helpful people, and they can guide you to where you want to be, rather than stressing behind a screen. Think of it more like a conversation than an interview, and just talk about what you’re interested in, and hoping to study.
Don’t feel pressured. If you get offered a place verbally you can add it to your UCAS hub as your Clearing choice. Don’t feel as though you have to accept on the spot if you’re waiting to hear from somewhere else, but don’t leave it too long either, places can go quickly!
What If I Want to Reconsider My Subject?
Clearing is actually the perfect opportunity to ask yourself whether they course you applied for originally is what you still want. Circumstances can change and interests can shift, so if you’re drawn to something else this is a great chance to explore what’s out there.
Talk to the admissions teams honestly, they’re used to these conversations and will be able to help you towards related courses you might not have considered.
How Does Accommodation Work?
Often overlooked in the Clearing rush, once you’ve got your place accommodation moves quick!
That’s where Mezzino come in – verified student accommodation across the UK with all bills included, so you can explore rooms throughout the country via one handy portal.
If you’re coming though Clearing, get in contact about accommodation as soon as your place is confirmed. We know first hand that availability changes daily, so if you find your perfect place it’s definitely worth enquiring about, it makes for a smoother start to university life.
A Word if Results Day is Difficult
It’s okay to feel gutted before you feel hopeful! Give yourself a moment, emotions can be full on at a time like this.
The path to a great undergraduate experience has more than one route, and so many students who went through Clearing look back and say it was the right choice!
Results Day is day one, but uni is at least three years – let’s get started!
