Results Day can be one of the most exciting, and stressful, days of your life. If you didn't get the grades you were hoping for, or you've changed your mind about where or what you want to study, don't panic. Every year, thousands of students find a university place through Clearing and go on to have an amazing university experience.

In fact, Clearing isn't just for students who miss their grades. It's also used by people applying late, changing courses, or deciding they want to attend a different university.

Here's everything you need to know about UK university Clearing, how it works, and what you should do if you find yourself using it.

What Is University Clearing?

University Clearing is a UCAS process that helps universities fill any remaining places on their courses after the main application cycle.

If a course still has vacancies, eligible students can apply through Clearing to secure a place.

More than 50,000 students find a university through Clearing every year, making it a normal part of the admissions process rather than a last resort. If you'd like to learn more about how the process works, the official UCAS Clearing guide explains everything in detail.

Who Can Use Clearing?

You may be eligible for Clearing if:

• You didn't receive any university offers.
• You didn't meet the conditions of your offers.
• You declined your university place.
• You're applying after the UCAS application deadline.
• You've changed your mind about where or what you want to study.

Many students assume Clearing is only for people who miss their grades, but that's simply not true. Plenty of students use it to find a course that's a better fit or even to apply to a university they hadn't originally considered.

When Does Clearing Open?

For the 2026 admissions cycle, Clearing runs from:

2 July 2026 – 19 October 2026

While Clearing opens in July, it becomes busiest around A Level Results Day, when thousands of students receive their results and universities update course availability throughout the day.

A-level results day 2026 in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales is Thursday, 13 August 2026. Students can typically collect their results from school or college from 8:00 AM, while Scottish SQA results are released earlier on Tuesday, 4 August 2026

If you're likely to use Clearing, it's worth doing your research before Results Day so you're not making important decisions under pressure. You can keep up to date with the latest deadlines on the UCAS key dates page.

How Does Clearing Work?

The process is much simpler than many students expect.

Step 1: Check if you're eligible

Your UCAS application will tell you if you're in Clearing and provide you with a Clearing number.

Step 2: Search available courses

Browse available courses using the official UCAS course search and individual university websites.

Don't just look for your original course, you might discover:

• Similar subjects
• Joint honours degrees
• Foundation year courses
• Universities you hadn't previously considered

Keeping an open mind can give you far more options.

If you're comparing different universities, it's also worth using Discover Uni to compare student satisfaction, graduate outcomes and course information before making your final decision.

Step 3: Contact universities

Before adding any course to your UCAS application, contact the university directly.

Most universities have dedicated Clearing phone lines staffed by admissions teams ready to discuss available places.

They'll usually ask about:

• Your grades
• Your qualifications
• Why you're interested in the course
• Whether you meet their entry requirements

If they're happy to offer you a place, they'll tell you how to add them as your Clearing choice.

Step 4: Add your Clearing choice

Only add a Clearing choice once the university has told you to.

You can only add one Clearing choice at a time. If the university doesn't confirm your place, you'll be able to choose another.

Once your place is confirmed, you're officially going to university.

What Should You Do Before Results Day?

Preparation makes Clearing much less stressful.

Before Results Day:

• Research universities you might consider.
• Make a shortlist of possible courses.
• Save important phone numbers.
• Keep your UCAS login details somewhere safe.
• Think about alternative courses you'd be happy studying.

Being organised means you can act quickly if you need to.

What You'll Need Before Calling a University

Have everything ready before you start making calls.

You'll usually need:

• Your UCAS Personal ID
• Your Clearing number
• Your exam results
• GCSE results
• Details of the course you're interested in
• A copy of your personal statement

Having this information to hand helps conversations go much more smoothly.

What Happens During the Call?

Many students worry they'll be interrogated.

In reality, the conversation is usually friendly and informal.

The admissions team may ask:

• Why do you want to study this course?
• Why are you interested in our university?
• Can you tell us about your grades?
• Do you understand what the course involves?

Think of it as a short conversation rather than a formal interview.

Speak clearly, be enthusiastic and show genuine interest in the course.

Questions You Should Ask the University

Remember, you're choosing them as much as they're choosing you.

Ask questions such as:

• Is accommodation still available?
• Can I visit the campus?
• What support is available for first-year students?
• When do I need to make my decision?
• Are there any additional course costs?

The more information you have, the more confident you'll feel.

Finding Accommodation Through Clearing

Once you've accepted a Clearing offer, accommodation should become one of your top priorities.

Many universities reserve rooms for Clearing students, but availability can become limited as Results Day approaches.

If university halls are full, don't panic. You can also consider:

• Private student halls
• Shared student houses
• Private rentals

Before signing anything, check:

• Distance from campus
• Monthly rent
• Bills included
• Internet speed
• Public transport
• Contract length (if there is one)
  

For most private student rentals in England under current law. Fixed-term contracts have been replaced by open-ended, rolling periodic tenancies, meaning new private rental agreements do not have a set end date.

If you're still looking for somewhere to live, don't miss our How to Find Student Accommodation guide.

Once you've secured your room, our Student Move-In Checklist and Ultimate University Packing Guide will help you prepare for moving day.

Common Clearing Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long

Popular courses can fill quickly.

Start researching as early as possible.

Panicking

Don't accept the first offer just because you're worried.

Take a little time to compare your options if the university allows it.

Not speaking to your original university

If you narrowly missed your grades, your firm or insurance university may still be willing to accept you.

Always contact them first before assuming your place is gone.

Declining your place too early

If you're thinking about changing universities through Clearing, don't release your existing place until you fully understand the consequences and have spoken to the university you'd like to attend.

Ignoring accommodation

Thousands of students focus entirely on getting a course and forget about where they're going to live.

Accommodation is just as important as your course, so start looking as soon as your place is confirmed.

Helpful Resources

For additional guidance, these official resources are worth bookmarking:

• UCAS Clearing guide
• UCAS key dates page
• UCAS course search
• UCAS Applying Directly Through Clearing
• Discover Uni – Exam Results & Clearing Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clearing only for students who fail?

No.

Many students use Clearing because they've changed their mind, applied late or found a course they prefer.

Can I get into a good university through Clearing?

Yes.

Many well-respected UK universities advertise courses through Clearing every year.

The courses available vary depending on demand and vacancies.

Can I visit the university first?

Often, yes.

Many universities hold Clearing Open Days or offer campus tours before you accept your place.

What if I change my mind?

You can decline a confirmed place and enter Clearing, but think carefully before doing so because your original place may no longer be available.

Final Thoughts

Finding yourself in Clearing can feel overwhelming, especially if it wasn't part of your original plan.

The good news is that thousands of students successfully find university places through Clearing every year, and many end up studying somewhere that's an even better fit than their original choice.

The key is to stay calm, do your research, ask plenty of questions and avoid rushing into a decision.

Once you've secured your place, it's time to start getting excited about university life. From finding accommodation to packing your essentials, every step brings you closer to an exciting new chapter.

Good luck—you've got this!

Related reads:

How to Budget at University: Student Guide

© Loomz Ltd