Expert guide to university clearing as Blackpool and Fylde coast students approach A/T Level results day

As students across the Fylde coast prepare to receive their exam results, some will find they have not secured their first-choice university place. While that can be disappointing, Clearing offers another route into higher education, allowing students to explore alternative courses and institutions.

While this initial news can be disappointing, Owen Dixon, Founder of Best Student Halls, highlights that Clearing exists specifically for this reason – acting as a gateway to exciting new opportunities rather than a dead end.

He said: “Results day can feel overwhelming when the outcome is not what a student expected, but Clearing is not a sign of failure. It gives students the opportunity to reassess their options and find a course or university that may ultimately be a better fit.”

What is The Clearing Process?

“Clearing is a streamlined system designed to match students with available university places after the main application cycle has closed,” says Owen. “At its core, Clearing is a process of discovery,” he adds. “Clearing opens in July, but activity increases significantly around results day in early August and again when A-level results are released later in the month. During this window, universities and colleges list high-quality courses that still have open vacancies.”

“The process requires students to take a proactive role, applying directly to institutions rather than through the initial UCAS preference system. By contacting admissions teams directly, students can discuss their grades and interests, often receiving immediate verbal offers that allow them to move forward with certainty.”

Who Can Apply to Clearing?

“Clearing is a flexible process designed to support a wide range of student circumstances,” says Owen.

Clearing is suitable for:

"Students who did not receive any initial placements during the first round.

Students whose A-level results don't match the conditions of their firm or insurance offer.

Students who have had a change of heart regarding their subject or location since their original application.

Students from overseas looking for alternative UK options that may better suit their changing visas or lifestyle needs.”

A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

Owen outlines the official UCAS clearing procedure:

Check Your Status: “Log in to your UCAS Hub. If you are eligible, your status will say 'You are in Clearing' or 'Clearing has started,' and you will be provided with a unique Clearing Number.”

Search the Official Vacancy List: “Use the UCAS search tool to find courses. This is the only official, up-to-the-minute list of available spots. Do not feel restricted to your original subject; many students successfully pivot to joint honours or related fields.”

The Direct Contact Phase: “This is the most critical step. You must call the universities you are interested in directly. Provide them with your Clearing Number and Personal ID so they can view your application.”

Secure Informal Offers: “During these calls, admissions officers may give you an “informal offer" over the phone. I would suggest speaking to multiple institutions to gather options before making a final decision.”

Add Your Choice: “Once you have permission from a university, click 'Add Clearing choice' in your UCAS Hub and enter the course details. This counts as your official acceptance.”

3 Things To Consider Before Accepting

Before accepting a Clearing offer, students must ensure the choice is right for their long-term happiness and aspirations. Owen advises considering the following:

Course Structure: “Make sure that the module breakdown and assessment style suit your learning preferences.”

University Lifestyle: “Research the campus culture, the city’s atmosphere, and the available student support services.”

Logistics: “Investigate the availability of essential services, ensuring the university experience will be well-rounded and supported.”

Next Steps After Securing a Place Through Clearing

“Once your place through Clearing is confirmed, the next priority is securing suitable accommodation. This stage often follows quickly after results day, and while the timeframe is shorter than for students who applied earlier, options are still available," advises Owen. "However, Students receiving their results often have a head start on accommodation compared with applicants entering Clearing after A-level results later in August, but popular cities and room types can still fill quickly."

"Although many students arrange accommodation months in advance, providers - particularly within the Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) sector - typically retain a proportion of rooms for Clearing applicants or release additional availability due to late cancellations. Availability at this stage is more limited, so flexibility is important. Students may still be able to secure a range of accommodation types, including studios or en-suite rooms, but the choice of locations and room types may be narrower than earlier in the cycle.”

Clearing is A Strategic Choice, Not a Backup

“One of the biggest misconceptions we see is the idea that Clearing is a 'second-best' option,” Owen said. “In reality, it is a common and highly successful route into higher education. Many highly ranked universities, including those in the Russell Group, such as the University of Sheffield, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham, regularly participate in Clearing. The courses available are of the same high quality as those in the main cycle, and many students find that their Clearing choice actually offers a better academic and social fit than their original plans.”

He said: "Results day is emotional, and it's understandable that students want to secure a place quickly. But Clearing doesn't have to be a race. Take time to speak to universities, compare your options and think about where you'll be happiest over the next three or four years. The first offer isn't always the best one."