Thinking you might use Clearing this year? We've got top tips from a student who's been there to help you navigate Clearing with ease.
Updated: 14 Jun 2026Finding a university place through Clearing can seem daunting. Razzel Tayeh, who studied LLB Qualifying Law Degree at Arden University in London, has these quick tips to help guide you through the Clearing process.
Start your research now
While you're hoping for the best come results day, it pays to have a back-up plan just in case things don't go as well as you hope.
Be prepared by doing some research before you get your results. Make a list of courses and/or universities that you might want to go if you miss your grades. That way, you can spring straight into action – should you need to – come results day.
The good news is you can do all of your research right here on Whatuni. We've got every single Clearing course listed on our site. And we've got in-depth course info, uni profiles and over 160,000 student reviews to help you make the best back-up plan.
NEXT: Start your research right here.
If you’re calling them, give them your UCAS Clearing number and Personal ID number so they can see exactly what your marks are – they may then get back to you with an informal offer over the phone.
Once you have an offer you like, use UCAS Hub to add a Clearing Choice and fill in the appropriate details. After that, you just have to wait for a confirmation letter.
Where do you want to be in three or four years’ time? Do you want to get work or industry experience under your belt at the same time as studying? Look for a course where you get an education in your subject and crucial employment experience.
If you don’t get a place on results day, there is lots of time before university starts. You will have time to make new applications and decide what you want. The last thing you want to do is make a rash decision, make the right one.
Don’t be put off just because you’re not very familiar with a particular university. There are more options open to you than you might think. What you chose to do originally may no longer be the right choice for you.
Try to stay calm! Results day can often seem like the be all and end all for your future, but no matter what happens, you’ll find that most things will sort themselves out in time.
Securing the right university place is an exciting thing. Once you’ve made your decision, take time to recognise what you’ve achieved and look forward to what comes next.
NEXT:
Receive a monthly newsletter packed with useful tips and updates to help you find the right uni.