How do you apply for student accommodation after getting a university place through Clearing? | A student guide to Clearing

It can be a stressful and unpredictable time if you have not received your predicted grades to get into chosen university. Although you should always begin planning as soon as possible for both your university course and suitable accommodation, your results day may throw a spanner in the works, which may be challenging if you are already mentally and physically prepared to move to a certain city. In these instances, Clearing can help those students find a university place.

This guide will explore the university Clearing process, what this means for students, and how this affects finding student accommodation.

What is the process of UCAS Clearing?

In 2023, UCAS recorded the highest number of students accepted through Clearing, with a total of 16,040 UK 18-year-olds securing a place at university. Clearing occurs each year between the 5th July and concludes on the 18th October. This period helps students who have an undergraduate application with UCAS but did not receive a university offer following their results day. When going through Clearing, students may find that they may have to adjust their plans, including their student accommodation.

The following steps are required when going through UCAS Clearing:

Ask for advice

After receiving your results, talk to your school, college, or an advisor to help guide you on your next steps. They will be able to explain the Clearing process and how to find a suitable university place. Also, talk to the hospitality team of your student accommodation to explain your situation who can help either alter or cancel your booking.

See what courses are available

In some instances, you may be able to find an alternative course at the same university, which may accept your offer. Look at UCAS Clearing and the courses available to see if any are suitable.

Contact universities you are interested in

Once you have found a course you are interested in, contact the university directly to guarantee you will meet the entry requirements and that they have vacancies.

Add a Clearing choice to the application

Once the university confirms your placement, you can add a Clearing choice on your UCAS application by filling in the course details.

Mansion Student offers students who did not get their required results a conditional offer regarding their student accommodation booking. If you have booked a place at one of our student accommodation locations, you can request a Termination of Tenancy if you provide proof within 72 hours of receiving official confirmation.

Contact our Hospitality team for more information on your accommodation booking.

What types of student accommodations are available after university Clearing?

Each city has different types of student accommodation available that are populated with students. Once you have added your Clearing choice, it’s important to make the suitable changes to your student accommodation booking.

Halls of residence

University halls of residence are typically located on the campus and are frequently used by first-year and international students. During Clearing, when you contact your preferred university, you can enquire about the accommodation they have available for Clearing placements.

Certain universities provide spaces specifically for students going through Clearing; however, others cannot guarantee.

Shared housing

Each city typically has a large number of shared housing available, leaving the possibility of last-minute vacancies. Many students may choose shared housing over university accommodation due to its distance away from the university, cheaper rent, and the added independence it offers.

However, if you are applying for a last-minute vacancy, this type of student accommodation may have poorer conditions and out-of-date facilities compared to other places.

Private student halls

Private halls tend to be purpose-built accommodations that have more modern features. Although the rent may be more expensive, this typically encompasses all bills (such as broadband and water), and has a hospitality team to help with any enquiries. If you go through Clearing, make sure to check the student accommodation website to see their availability, and if there are any spaces available. This may include last-minute spaces which have special offers.

Mansion Student has an array of student accommodations available in some of the UK’s most popular student cities, including Leeds and Durham. Our student accommodations feature stylish and spacious bedrooms in various sizes, with modern communal areas perfect for socialising with friends and other tenants.

Browse through our student accommodation locations here.

Considerations to make before using Clearing

Understandably, you may not want to consider the possibility of not receiving the required results. However, before August, you should look into Clearing and what to do if this happens.

Consider the following:

• Researching Clearing courses from July

• Apply as soon as you receive your offer

• Check your UCAS hub regularly for updates

• Consider other courses or joint honours at the same university.

It is important to realise that you will not be the only one going through the same process. Thousands of other students will go through Clearing to get a university place, so you should be proactive and start looking at places as soon as possible.

This will help ensure you are happy with the newly chosen course and that you can begin looking for suitable student accommodation soon after.

Each year, we typically have limited availability for any students looking to book accommodation through the Clearing process. Make sure to contact the hospitality team of your chosen location for more information on the availability.

Contact Mansion Student today for more information.