Your university clearing survival guide ahead of results day

University clearing is a process that helps students secure a place at a university or college if they do not meet the required grades or do not receive any offers. This year, clearing runs from 2 July to 19 October in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Clearing is a great option for students who did not apply to university originally, received grades better than expected, or want to change their course or place of study.

To prepare for clearing, students should write down all possible outcomes and find alternatives to those outcomes. They can use the Ucas website and its search tool to find courses and filter them based on their year of study, type of course, and clearing vacancies. Talking to a trusted adviser, such as a family member or teacher, is also important before making a decision.

Students should consider why they chose their initial course and whether there are valid reasons to change their mind. With no limit like with Ucas, students can apply to as many universities as they want in clearing. It is recommended that students write down notes on location, accommodation, and cost for each university they contact.

After receiving results, students should wait until they get their results before checking their Ucas track, allowing them to make an informed decision. Jamie Bradford, head of future students at Leicester De Montfort University, encourages students to ask about the day-to-day aspects of the course, campus, and accommodation availability.