blog > Student Clearing 2026: Your Complete Guide

Student Clearing 2026: Your Complete Guide

By Hello Student

The UCAS clearing process is a common way in which prospective students apply for university once the main application and acceptance stage is over. It matches you and universities with space on their courses together, so universities have full classes, and so you can still have the uni experience. Sound like something you’re interested in? We’ll go into full detail about everything you need to know, including what clearing is, important dates, how to apply and what to do once you’re successful (which we know you will be).

What is clearing?

The clearing process gives a second chance for students to get a place at university, by matching those that want a university place to universities with unfilled places. You may go through clearing due to: – Not being offered a place when you first applied – Having your offer revoked after not receiving the grades – You got better grades than you expected and would like to apply for a different university or course – You changed your mind and would like to study somewhere else – You didn’t initially apply at all

Key dates for clearing 2026

When does clearing open?
Clearing opens on July 2nd, meaning many universities will have more information on what courses you can apply for through clearing.

When is A-Level results day 2026?
A-Level results day is August 13th which means you can now apply through clearing.

When is SQA results day 2026?
SQA results day is August 4th, meaning those in Scotland can apply through clearing.

When does clearing close?
Clearing 2026 closes October 19th – This is the last day you can apply through clearing, after this day, clearing is officially closed.

How to apply through clearing, step by step

Clearing can feel like a mad rush, especially on results day, but there is a huge team of people at every university who are sitting waiting for your call. But it’s important to be prepared.

Clearing tips:

1. Make sure you have released yourself into UCAS clearing. This will have been done automatically if you did not receive an offer, however if you did, you must decline your place through UCAS. This will release you and you can now start applying.

2. Have your UCAS Clearing number and your personal ID number to hand for phone calls, as well as having your GCSE grades, home address, contact number and email noted down to make applying online quicker.

3. Some Universities offer a priority service which means you can skip to the front of the call queue on results day, check your chosen university’s website to see if this is offered by them.

It’s now time to apply, but how does clearing work?

1. Find your course. UCAS offers a clearing search which you can use to browse through different universities and the courses available to you. Alternatively you can use your chosen university’s official website.

2. Contact the university. Once you’ve found the perfect course, call up the university’s clearing hotline to speak to them directly about your grades and a potential offer.

3. Confirm your choice. Once your place is confirmed, head over to your UCAS Hub and add the clearing choice to your dashboard and follow all the instructions given.

4. That’s it! You’ve done it!

Last minute clearing accommodation doesn’t have to be stressful and rushed, there are high quality rooms waiting for you along with a helpful and friendly team to guide you along your
booking journey.

Thinking of studying in a city that’s got a great nightlife? If so, student accommodation in Newcastle could be the perfect fit. Or maybe you’re looking to explore a new part of the
country? Then student accommodation in Glasgow might be just what you’re looking for. We offer a wide range of options, including studios, apartments, and houses, across 22 cities – so
there’s bound to be something that suits you.

Types of accommodation to consider:

Uni halls: University halls is the most popular among freshers as it’s an easy way to make friends. You’ll be randomly allocated a room in a multi-bedroom flat, sharing a kitchen and possibly a bathroom with likeminded students.

Purpose build student accommodation: This type of accommodation is typically more modern, offers more independence and sees a mix of undergrad, postgrad and international
students. They commonly offer more options on room types and include access to high quality amenities such as cinema rooms and gyms.

Tips for booking last minute accommodation

1. First decide what type of accommodation you’re after. Do uni halls sound right for you, or are you looking for more privacy and independence? If so, then a studio, duplex or 1 bed apartment may be the best option for you. Maybe you have friends going to the same uni and you’d like to live together, 2+ bedroom apartments and shared houses are also a great option.

2. Consider your budget. Have a budget in mind on how much you are willing to pay per week to filter down your options. Remember, student accommodations typically charge you termly, not monthly, so look at your SFE account to see how much maintenance loan you’re eligible for to help distinguish what you can afford. If you plan on working while studying, consider this too.

3. Research reputable accommodations. Student Crowd is a great and easy to use review platform to compare accommodations in your uni city. It gives you an overall star rating out of 5 as well as a breakdown on each element such as wifi, social spaces, location and value for money. All reviews are written by verified students, so you know it’s legit.

4. Have your deposit money ready. The vast majority of accommodations will require a
holding deposit before they can secure a room for you. It’s vital to have this ready, because once that payment is made, the room is yours and no one else is able to book
it.

Ready to join the thousands of students entering a new and exciting chapter? At Hello Student we prioritise more than just the essentials. We want to make sure every room is a safe space and equips you with all the tools you’ll need to thrive and grow. With a mix of study spaces, a full social calendar full of exciting and creative events as well as a vibrant community and hands on team, we’re here for you.

We offer a large selection of room types across a great mix of cities to ensure we have something for every student’s needs.

Book your room now