UCAS Clearing: when is it and what does it mean?

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.

What is UCAS Clearing?

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:

• You’ve changed your mind about what course you want to do.
• You were late submitting your original UCAS application.
• You’ve done better than expected and would like to change to a different course or university that wasn’t on your original choices list.

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.

When is UCAS Clearing?

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!  

How does clearing work?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the Clearing process, but it’s simple if you follow these four handy steps:

1. On results day, login to your UCAS Hub. If you’re eligible for Clearing, you’ll be given a Clearing number, which is shown under the ‘application status’ section of your application. Remember, your UCAS Hub won’t show you your grades, so you’ll need to pick these up from your school or college.
2. Universities will usually publish a list of the courses which still have places available to start in the coming September. As soon as you’ve collected your results, you can apply for these courses using your Clearing number – either online or by calling a university’s Clearing helpline. If you’re unsure about how to find these lists, you can also use the UCAS Clearing Plus tool, which provides you with a choice of courses that match your profile.
3. If you have the required exam results for the course, you’ll usually be made an offer straight away. But, some universities may want to ask a few questions first, for example, why you’re interested in the course.
4. Once the offer has been made, you’ll receive an email from the university explaining the next steps and any arrangements for things like student finance or accommodation if you need it.

How can I secure accommodation?

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.