How to Best Prepare for UCAS Clearing 2025

Clearing may not have been part of your original university plan – but for lots of students each year, it becomes a second chance to find the right university course.

If you’re wondering how to prepare for Clearing, this handy guide will help you understand the process, get organised in advance, and feel more confident when results day arrives.

What is UCAS Clearing?

UCAS Clearing is the process universities use to fill any remaining undergraduate course places for the upcoming academic year. It’s also your opportunity to apply to university if:

You didn’t receive any offers
You didn’t meet the conditions of your firm or insurance choice
You’ve changed your mind about where or what you want to study
You haven’t yet applied to university

Thousands of students get a place through Clearing every year, so it’s more common than you think!

Key Dates for Clearing 2025

UCAS Clearing opens: 5 July 2025

SQA Results Day: 5 August 2025 (Scotland)

A-Level Results Day: 14 August 2025 (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland)

5 Ways to Prepare for Clearing

1. Explore Available Courses

Start by researching which universities have courses in Clearing that interest you. Many universities publish Clearing course lists ahead of results day, giving you a head start.

Visit our Clearing Hub to browse available courses, find FAQs, and learn more about applying for student accommodation through Clearing.

2. Understand the Clearing Process

Knowing what to expect will help you stay calm on results day.

Here’s how it works:

You check your UCAS status and Clearing eligibility
If eligible, UCAS will provide a Clearing number
You can then call or message universities directly to enquire about places
If you get a verbal offer, you’ll add the university in your UCAS account to confirm your place

3. Get Your Details Ready

Before results day, make sure you have:

Your UCAS Personal ID
Your Clearing number (if you’re eligible)
Your exam results (including GCSEs)
A list of preferred courses and universities
A few questions to ask, such as: What accommodation is available? Are there scholarships? Is there a foundation year option?

4. Prepare Emotionally

Clearing can feel overwhelming, but remember, university staff are trained to support you. Whether you’re nervous, excited, or still unsure, help is only a phone call away!

It’s completely normal to feel a mix of emotions during this time. The best thing you can do is stay open-minded, talk through your options with someone you trust, and remind yourself that this is just one part of your journey – not the whole story. Take deep breaths, be kind to yourself, and remember: there are always paths forward, and you’re not alone in this.

5. Know Who to Contact

When Clearing opens, universities will offer support via:

Dedicated Clearing hotlines
Live chats
Callback request forms

Remember, you’ll need to be prepared to contact universities yourself. The universities you contact will want to speak to you directly and not to someone calling on your behalf. If you aren’t comfortable making an initial telephone call, you can contact us via our online chat.

Clearing is Your Opportunity

Whether you’re applying late or rethinking your choices, Clearing 2025 is your opportunity to take control and find a university course that’s right for you.

The key? Be prepared. Research your options, know the process, and keep an open mind. You might just discover the perfect course you hadn’t considered before!