You did it. Your university place is confirmed!

Whether you got into your firm choice, landed your insurance choice, or found the perfect course through Clearing, seeing that confirmation in UCAS is a pretty big moment.

Celebrate. Tell everyone. Screenshot it. Send it to the family WhatsApp group. Stare at it for a bit if you want.

Then...

There are actually quite a few things you need to sort out.

Accommodation, Student Finance, enrolment, bank accounts, budgeting, packing, Freshers' Week, healthcare, travel, course preparation, and approximately 400 emails from your university that suddenly seem to appear from nowhere.

Don't panic.

This guide takes you through what to do after your university place is confirmed, in roughly the order we'd recommend doing it.

First: make absolutely sure your place is confirmed

Before ordering a university hoodie and changing your Instagram bio, log into UCAS Hub and check exactly what it says.

If your application confirms that you've been placed at your university, you're in.

You should also check:

• the university
• course name
• campus
• start date
• year of entry
• whether you've been offered the exact course you expected

This last one matters.

Universities can sometimes offer a changed course, perhaps a related subject, different start date or different point of entry. Don't assume the confirmation is identical to your original application – actually read it.

Once your place is confirmed, UCAS says you normally don't need to do anything further within your application. Your university will contact you with information about what happens next.

And that leads us nicely to...

1. Start checking your university emails properly

Your relationship with UCAS is about to become much less important.

Your relationship with your university inbox is about to become very important.

Over the coming days and weeks, your university may send information about:

• online registration
• enrolment
• your university IT account
• student ID
• accommodation
• tuition fees
• Freshers' Week
• your course
• module selection
• reading lists
• welcome events
• arrival times
• moving into halls
• Students' Union membership
• disability or learning support
• international student requirements

Don't just wait for emails either. You may be given access to a student or applicant portal containing tasks you need to complete.

Check your spam folder

Seriously.

Universities send a lot of automated emails and occasionally they end up in junk.

You don't want to discover three days before moving in that an email titled IMPORTANT: Complete Your Online Registration has been sitting underneath an offer for 40% off garden furniture.

A good idea is to create a folder in your email called something imaginative like:

UNI

Put all your important university correspondence there.

2. Sort your Student Finance

This should be very high on the list.

If you've already applied for Student Finance using the university and course you've now been accepted onto, great.

Log into your account and check:

• your application has been approved or is progressing
• the university is correct
• the course is correct
• your bank details are correct
• there aren't any outstanding requests for information

Your maintenance loan isn't normally released simply because you've got a university place. Your university needs to confirm your registration before payments are released.

Changed university through Clearing?

This is particularly important.

If you originally applied for Student Finance using University A but you're now going to University B, update your Student Finance application.

The same applies if your course has changed.

Current 2026 guidance warns that students applying or making changes late could experience delays to their funding, so deal with this as soon as possible.

Haven't applied for Student Finance yet?

Do it now.

Where you apply depends on where you normally live:

England: Student Finance England
Scotland: SAAS
Wales: Student Finance Wales
Northern Ireland: Student Finance NI

Don't assume you've missed your chance simply because results day has happened.

3. Get your accommodation sorted

If you've already booked accommodation, skip ahead.

If you haven't...

This is now one of your biggest priorities.

Especially if your place came through Clearing.

Start with your university's accommodation department. Find out:

• whether university halls still have rooms
• what buildings are available
• room types
• weekly rent
• contract length
• whether bills are included
• deposit or advance-payment requirements
• move-in dates
• how far the accommodation is from your campus

Clearing students shouldn't assume all university accommodation has gone. Rooms can become available again when other students change plans.

Current guidance recommends checking with the university accommodation office first and continuing to check availability because spaces can change quickly.

If university halls are full

You still have options.

The three main types of student accommodation are:

University halls – owned or managed by the university.

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) – privately operated student buildings, often with bills included and facilities such as communal lounges, study areas and gyms.

Private rented accommodation – usually a room in a shared house or flat rented from a landlord or letting agent.

Don't choose purely on the weekly rent.

Compare the actual total cost.

A £150-a-week room with electricity, gas, water, broadband and transport on top may not actually be cheaper than a £180-a-week room where everything is included.

Also look at:

• distance from campus
• public transport
• contract length
• deposit
• guarantor requirements
• security
• laundry costs
• internet
• kitchen facilities
• en-suite vs shared bathroom
• what's provided in the room
• what's provided in the kitchen

And please don't transfer a large deposit to a random person on social media because they have a suspiciously beautiful student flat available for half the normal rent.

Verify what you're booking.

4. Don't accidentally give up your confirmed place

This deserves its own section.

Perhaps results day has changed how you feel.

Maybe you got better grades than expected.

Maybe you've seen another course in Clearing.

Maybe your insurance university suddenly sounds more appealing.

That's fine.

But don't press "Decline my place" just to explore your options.

Once you decline a confirmed place, it can be offered to another student. You could also lose accommodation or scholarships associated with that university.

If you're thinking about changing course at the same university, contact the university first. There may be a way to move courses without giving up your existing place.

If you're considering another university, research it properly first.

Check the:

• course
• accommodation situation
• location
• costs
• entry requirements
• available places

A confirmed university place is a valuable thing.

Don't throw it away until you know what you're replacing it with.

5. Complete your university registration and enrolment

Getting accepted and becoming a fully registered student aren't quite the same thing.

Your university will tell you exactly what it requires.

You may have to complete online registration before arriving, followed by final enrolment when you get there.

You could be asked for things such as:

• personal details
• proof of identity
• photograph for your student card
• term-time address
• emergency contact
• fee/payment information
• Student Finance details
• previous qualification information

Do these tasks when they're sent to you rather than leaving everything until the night before Freshers' Week.

Your university login will eventually unlock much of your student life: email, timetables, learning systems, library services, Wi-Fi and potentially lots more.

6. Open a student bank account 

If you don't already have one, now is a good time to compare student bank accounts.

Most major UK banks offer dedicated student accounts.

They can come with things such as:

• interest-free arranged overdrafts
• railcards
• cashback
• vouchers
• subscriptions
• other joining incentives

Don't choose one purely because it offers £50 or a free Deliveroo voucher.

Look particularly carefully at the interest-free overdraft and how it changes after graduation.

An overdraft can be useful as an emergency buffer, but remember:

It's still borrowed money.

Your £1,500 overdraft is not a mysterious £1,500 gift from the banking gods.

7. Make a realistic university budget

For many students, university is the first time they've had a large amount of money arrive in their bank account and simultaneously become responsible for a large number of expenses.

This combination can be dangerous.

A maintenance loan payment can look enormous on day one.

Less enormous after you've paid rent.

Much less enormous after three weeks of Deliveroo.

Work out roughly what you'll have coming in each term and what needs to go out.

Include:

Essential costs

• rent
• food
• transport
• phone
• toiletries
• laundry
• course costs
• prescriptions or healthcare costs where applicable

And actual student-life costs

• nights out
• societies
• takeaways
• coffee
• clothes
• streaming services
• trips home
• birthdays
• Freshers' Week
• random things you absolutely didn't plan to buy

Convert your money into a weekly budget

This makes things much easier.

For example:

Maintenance money available after rent: £2,000

Term length: 12 weeks

£2,000 ÷ 12 = about £167 per week.

Suddenly the financial situation is much clearer.

Don't spend £500 during Freshers' Week and then discover you're apparently living on lentils until Christmas.

8. Check whether you're entitled to bursaries or extra support

Student Finance isn't necessarily the only financial help available.

Once your university is confirmed, look at its website for:

• bursaries
• scholarships
• hardship funds
• disability-related support
• course-specific funding
• travel grants
• sports scholarships
• academic scholarships

Eligibility varies enormously.

Some support is automatically awarded, but other funding requires an application.

Don't assume scholarships are only for people who got twelve A*s and can play the violin backwards.

Check.

9. Work out exactly when and how you're getting there

Don't leave this until the day before.

Find out your:

• accommodation move-in date
• allocated arrival slot, if applicable
• university welcome dates
• course induction date
• Freshers' Week dates
• teaching start date

If your parents or family are driving you, work out the route and parking arrangements.

Some large halls have hundreds of students arriving over a single weekend and operate timed unloading slots.

If you're travelling by train, check:

• nearest station
• how you'll get from the station to accommodation
• how much luggage you can realistically carry
• advance ticket prices

Four suitcases, a duvet, a desktop monitor and a train change at Birmingham New Street may sound fine when viewed from your bedroom.

It may feel less fine halfway up platform 8's stairs.

10. Find out what's actually included in your accommodation

This can save you money and luggage space.

Before buying anything, check the accommodation inventory.

Your room might already contain:

• bed
• mattress
• desk
• chair
• wardrobe
• shelves
• curtains/blinds
• waste bin

Your shared kitchen may contain:

• fridge/freezer
• oven
• hob
• microwave
• kettle
• toaster

Or it might not.

Check before buying.

There is no point arriving with a brand-new kettle to discover that six other people have also brought one.

Suddenly your flat owns seven kettles but nobody remembered a tin opener.

11. Start your university packing list

Once you know what's provided, start making a proper list.
Or better yet, download the Loomz University Packing Guide.

Don't try to remember everything in your head.

Break it down by area.

Bedroom

Think:

• duvet
• pillows
• sheets
• duvet covers
• mattress protector
• clothes hangers
• laundry basket
• storage
• desk lamp if permitted
• extension leads if permitted by your accommodation

Check the bed size before buying bedding.

University beds aren't universally the same size.

Bathroom

If you have an en-suite:

• towels
• bath mat
• toiletries
• toilet roll
• cleaning products
• shower storage

If you're sharing:

Add a shower caddy or wash bag and something suitable to wear between your bedroom and bathroom.

Your fluffy dressing gown may become one of the most useful items you own.

Kitchen

Depending on what's supplied:

• plates
• bowls
• mugs
• glasses
• cutlery
• saucepan
• frying pan
• chopping board
• kitchen knife
• cooking utensils
• food containers
• tea towels
• washing-up supplies

Don't buy an entire professional kitchen.

You're making pasta, not opening a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Study stuff

Consider:

• laptop
• charger
• headphones
• notebook
• pens
• folders
• backpack
• USB-C/USB adapters if needed
• extension lead if permitted

Important documents

Keep these together somewhere safe:

• passport or other photo ID
• driving licence if applicable
• university correspondence
• accommodation information
• bank information
• Student Finance details
• relevant medical information
• insurance documents

Don't pack your passport at the bottom of Box 14 labelled MISC STUFF.

12. Don't buy absolutely everything before you arrive

This deserves saying.

TikTok, Pinterest and student shopping lists can make it look as though every university bedroom requires 147 different products.

It doesn't.

Take the things you're confident you'll need.

Then buy other things once you've seen:

• your room
• your storage
• your kitchen
• what your flatmates brought
• what you actually use

This is particularly sensible for shared kitchen equipment.

You can coordinate with flatmates after you're introduced.

One toaster between six people = sensible.

Six toasters between six people = electrical appliance showroom.

13. Check the rules for your accommodation

Student accommodation usually has rules about what you can bring.

Common restrictions can include things such as:

• candles
• incense
• portable heaters
• certain electrical appliances
• deep-fat fryers
• plug-in fairy lights
• furniture
• pets

Rules vary by accommodation, so check yours rather than relying on something your friend's cousin was allowed at another university.

Also check whether electrical equipment needs to meet any particular safety requirements.

14. Think about contents insurance

Your laptop, phone, headphones, clothes, games console and other belongings could add up to thousands of pounds.

Check whether contents insurance is already included with your accommodation.

If it isn't, consider whether you need a student contents policy.

Also check whether your belongings are covered by your parents' home insurance while you're away at university.

Don't assume they are.

15. Check whether you need a TV Licence

This confuses students every year.

Whether you need a TV Licence depends on what you're watching and how you're watching it, not simply whether you own a television.

Check the current rules before you start streaming or watching live television at university.

Don't rely on what somebody in your flat confidently tells you after two pints.

16. Sort your phone and internet

University accommodation normally provides internet, but check what's included.

You may need:

• an Ethernet cable
• an adapter if your laptop doesn't have an Ethernet port
• your university login to access campus Wi-Fi

Also check your mobile coverage around your accommodation.

A cheap mobile contract isn't particularly impressive if your bedroom has the connectivity of a submarine.

International students should also look at getting a UK SIM or eSIM if appropriate.

17. Register with a GP

If you're moving away from home for university, you'll normally want access to healthcare where you're actually living.

Your university may have its own student health centre or recommend local GP practices.

Find out how registration works and deal with it early rather than waiting until you're ill.

If you take regular medication, think ahead too.

Make sure you have enough medication for the move and understand how you'll arrange repeat prescriptions once you're at university.

18. Tell the right people that you're moving

Depending on your circumstances, there may be organisations that need your new term-time address.

You might need to update:

• your bank
• GP
• employer
• insurance providers
• driving-related records where applicable
• subscriptions or deliveries

For most students, the university will also ask for both a permanent home address and a term-time address.

19. Look at your course before you arrive

We're not suggesting spending August completing your first semester.

Enjoy your summer.

But it's worth checking whether your department has sent:

• a reading list
• preparatory work
• software requirements
• equipment requirements
• module choices
• induction activities
• timetable information

Be particularly careful about buying textbooks.

University textbooks can be very expensive.

Before buying everything brand new, check whether:

• the university library has copies
• an ebook is provided
• second-hand copies are available
• older editions are acceptable
• you actually need to own the book

Your lecturer may tell you during week one that the £70 book you enthusiastically bought in August is available digitally through the library.

Excellent.

20. Learn a little about your new university town

You don't need to memorise a map.

But spend half an hour finding:

• your accommodation
• your campus
• nearest supermarket
• train/bus station
• Students' Union
• university library
• GP
• pharmacy
• city/town centre

Google Maps and Street View are your friends.

If you're able to visit before moving, even better.

This can be particularly worthwhile if you've accepted a university through Clearing and haven't visited it before.

Walking around the campus and surrounding area can make arrival day feel significantly less unfamiliar.

21. Work out how you're getting around

Will you walk to lectures?

Cycle?

Get the bus?

Take the train between campuses?

Check whether your university operates:

• campus buses
• free shuttle services
• discounted student transport
• cycle schemes

If you'll regularly use trains, investigate whether you're eligible for a Railcard.

A small amount of research now can save quite a lot of money over three years.

22. Join official university and Freshers' groups

Your university or Students' Union may have:

• Freshers' groups
• accommodation groups
• course groups
• society pages
• Discord servers
• WhatsApp communities
• Facebook groups

These can be brilliant for meeting people before you arrive.

If you find your future flatmates, say hello.

You don't need to create a detailed friendship strategy.

Something as simple as:

"Hi! Looks like we're in the same flat. I'm Kieran, studying History. Anyone else moving in on Saturday?"

is enough.

You can also coordinate who brings shared kitchen items.

This is how the Great Seven-Kettle Disaster of Flat 14 can be avoided.

One warning

Make sure groups claiming to be "official" actually are.

Scammers know thousands of new students are moving to unfamiliar cities at the same time.

Don't hand over personal or financial information just because somebody has put your university logo on a Facebook page.

23. Have a look at societies before Freshers' Week

University societies aren't just something to do when you're bored.

They're one of the easiest ways to meet people outside your accommodation and course.

You'll find the obvious ones:

• football
• rugby
• drama
• gaming
• music
• politics
• languages

And probably some less obvious ones.

Most universities have hundreds.

You don't need to join twelve.

Pick a few you're genuinely interested in and go along to their Freshers' events.

Even if none of your new flatmates wants to go.

24. International student? You may have some extra jobs

If you're coming to the UK from overseas, your post-confirmation checklist may be longer.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need to deal with:

• Student visa requirements
• university immigration/compliance checks
• your CAS
• travel arrangements
• healthcare requirements
• accommodation
• proof of funds
• UK banking
• a UK SIM
• document checks
• arrival/orientation events

If you've secured your place through Clearing, move quickly. International students may have additional visa, language or university requirements to complete before starting.

Follow the instructions from your university's international student team carefully.

25. Parents: start stepping back a little

Parents – you've probably spent years helping with applications, open days, exams, results day, accommodation and approximately seventeen million forms.

University is where ownership starts moving towards the student.

Help with:

• planning
• budgeting
• transport
• packing
• comparing accommodation
• checking documents

But let your son or daughter start handling university communication themselves.

That's particularly important if something goes wrong.

Universities generally need to deal directly with the student, and students going through Clearing are normally expected to make their own calls.

The current 2026 advice for parents also emphasises that decisions about Clearing, resits or alternative routes ultimately belong to the student.

You're still allowed to remind them that they haven't packed any towels.

Some parental responsibilities are eternal.

Your "University Place Confirmed" checklist 

If you want the short version, here's what you should now be working through:

Immediately

☐ Check UCAS confirms your place
☐ Check university/course details
☐ Start monitoring university emails and portals
☐ Sort/update Student Finance
☐ Secure accommodation if you haven't already

Over the next few weeks

☐ Complete university registration
☐ Check accommodation move-in details
☐ Compare/open a student bank account
☐ Create a realistic budget
☐ Check bursaries and scholarships
☐ Arrange contents insurance if needed
☐ Check TV Licence requirements
☐ Register with a GP
☐ Research transport
☐ Check course information and reading lists

Before moving

☐ Check what's included in your room/kitchen
☐ Check accommodation rules
☐ Make your packing list
☐ Buy bedding in the correct size
☐ Organise important documents
☐ Arrange travel/move-in
☐ Join official university/Freshers' groups
☐ Look through societies
☐ Learn the basics of your new town/city
☐ Pack some actual food for arrival day

And finally... enjoy this bit 

There's a strange period between getting your university place and actually moving in.

You've finished school or college.

You know where you're going.

But university hasn't started yet.

Suddenly you're researching mattress protectors, comparing bank accounts and wondering whether anyone genuinely needs three different sizes of saucepan.

It's exciting.

It's also completely normal to feel nervous.

For many students, university is the first time living away from home, managing their own money, cooking every day, meeting an entirely new group of people and navigating a new city – all at once.

You don't need to have university life completely figured out before you arrive.

Get the important stuff sorted.

Your place. Your finance. Your accommodation. Your documents. Your move.

The rest you'll work out.

And somewhere between unpacking your room, meeting your flatmates and trying to work out which cupboard you're allowed to use...

university life begins.

© Loomz Ltd