Once you’ve received your results and the dust has settled on confirming your university place, it’s completely natural to have questions about what happens next.
So, what comes after Clearing? How do you confirm your offer? Can you still apply for university accommodation? Will you need to update your student finance application?
Read on to learn the answers to these questions and discover the steps you need to take.
1. Confirm your offer
The first step is to accept your offer from the University of Cumbria. How you do this will depend on how you originally applied to university.
If you applied via UCAS, log in to your UCAS Hub account. Under the ‘your choices’ tab, click on ‘add Clearing choice’ and submit the details for the University of Cumbria and the course you have been offered. Our Admissions team will then review and confirm this.
If you applied to the university directly, look out for an email from our Admissions team, who will advise you on the next steps.
Top tip: Make sure you check the conditions of your offer before you accept it. These conditions might include a request for certificates, a DBS check, or a medical assessment.
2. Celebrate – this is a big moment
Results day can bring a huge mix of emotions: excitement, elation, nerves, and, for some, disappointment. Whatever your reasons for applying to university through Clearing, you deserve to celebrate your hard work and achievements.
Be sure to do something you enjoy, whether it’s a special meal at your favourite restaurant, a BBQ in the garden, or a more laid-back game or movie night.
3. Apply for Halls of Residence
Once you’ve accepted your offer of a place at Cumbria through Clearing, you will need to contact our Accommodation team (accommodation@cumbria.ac.uk) if you would like to apply for our Halls of Residence. We know you'll have a lot to organise in preparation for your move to university, so we’ve made sure the entire process is quick and easy.
While we endeavour to meet your preferences, rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so to give yourself the best chance of getting your preferred option, submit your application as soon as possible. All updates about your application will be sent to you via email.
You can explore our Halls of Residence here.
4. Update your student finance application
You'll need to let your student finance provider know of any changes to your course and university, which you can do via your student finance application portal. Go to Your Account > Change Your Application > University/College Course.
Your application will be reassessed, but you should find out quickly if there are any changes to the amount of student finance you’ll receive.
If you haven’t applied for student finance at all yet, you’ll need to do this as soon as possible. Applications can take 6-8 weeks to process, so applying now will give you the best chance of receiving your loan in time for the start of your course.
For more advice on applying for student finance in Clearing, read our dedicated blog.
5. Complete online registration
Before you start your studies, you’ll need to complete online registration, which formally confirms your status as a student at the University of Cumbria. This allows us to prepare for your arrival, including setting up your university email and resolving any outstanding requirements with your application.
Details on how to begin online registration will be sent to you around four weeks before your course start date, so keep a look out for this in your email inbox.
6. Start packing
As well as the essentials like bedding, towels, kitchenware, under-bed storage, and stationery, be sure to pack some home comforts to make your room feel cosy and inviting. This might be photos, throws, books, cushions, plants, or reed diffusers with your favourite scents.
But don’t be tempted to pack everything you own – the key is to bring what makes you feel at home while being mindful of what is and isn't allowed. Watch our video for more guidance on what you can and can't bring when moving into halls.
Top tip: Don’t purchase shared appliances like slow cookers and coffee machines until you’ve arrived and spoken to your flatmates – only one per kitchen is allowed.
7. Get ready for Welcome Week
There’s so much to look forward to as a student at the University of Cumbria. Welcome Week, also referred to as Freshers’ Week, is a chance to make friends, prepare for your course, and get to know your campus.
As well as the opportunity to meet your tutors and wider support teams, the Students’ Union hosts a range of events and activities across the week that you can get involved with, like the Freshers’ Fair! Diagnostic Radiography student Cheryl has shared her top tips for making the most of Welcome week – read them here.
We can’t wait to welcome you
Remember, it's normal to feel both excited and nervous as you prepare to start university. Here at Cumbria, we have support services available if you need them, so don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need additional support.
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