Guide to Clearing accommodation

Check upcoming open days and book your place

CONTENTS

What to do once you’ve booked Clearing accommodation

What Clearing accommodation universities are offering in 2021

Applying for Clearing accommodation

You won’t need to panic about finding student accommodation if you’re going through Clearing. Most universities keep places available within their accommodation for Clearing students. You’ll get all the info on how to apply for student accommodation when you have a confirmed place on a course.

Most universities will have an online portal through which you apply for student accommodation. You’ll usually be asked to list your top three choices in order of preference. The sooner you confirm your place on a Clearing course, the more chance you’ll have of securing a spot in one of your top three choices.

Each uni will have its own accommodation team on hand to guide you. You’ll be able to reach out to them if you're stuck or have any questions.

Choosing Clearing accommodation

When you get information on student accommodation from your university, you’ll have to go through all your options. Carefully consider these – you don’t want to rush any decision and regret it later!

Take these factors into account when choosing student accommodation in Clearing:

Location

How close your accommodation is to the university campus, the local town or city centre, transport links and any open spaces will be important. The closer you are to these different areas, the more opportunities you’ll have to explore the place.

Cost

If you’ve applied for student finance, check how much maintenance loan you’ll be getting this year. This will help you determine what you can and can’t afford. Remember that your maintenance loan needs to cover living costs, which includes food, books, socialising and other expenses.

Special needs/access requirements

If you have special access requirements, check that the accommodation has measures in place to support you. Most student accommodation should be disability-friendly but be sure this is the case before you sign your contract. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the uni if you have any questions.

What’s included in the rent

Most university and private halls are ‘all-inclusive’, meaning you’ll have weekly payments that cover rent and bills. Make sure you know exactly what’s included in this weekly payment so you aren’t surprised by any unexpected expenses.

You should also look at what’s provided in your room/flat. Some accommodation options might come with bedding, a TV and cooking utensils, while others will need you to bring your own.

You may not get your preferred room

It’s possible your university can’t guarantee you your preferred room. In this case, think carefully about any accommodation you’re offered. You can always decline an offer if you’re unsure but be aware that the uni might not be able to offer you an alternative room.

Read the terms and conditions

Do read the terms and conditions of your contract before you sign it. It may seem dull but once you’ve signed your contract, it becomes legally binding. Read through your contract with a parent or guardian as they’ll be able to help with anything you don’t understand.

Other factors to consider

Ask yourself these questions when choosing your student accommodation:

How many people do you want to live with?
Do you want my own private bathroom and/or kitchen?
Do you want all-inclusive, or would you rather manage your own bills?
Do you want access to security and/or maintenance teams?
What length of tenancy do you need?
Do you want social spaces and fun things to do included in your accommodation?

What to do once you’ve booked Clearing accommodation

Once you’ve found and secured your new home, consider these as your next steps:

Get insurance

Some university and private halls will provide insurance within their ‘all-inclusive’ rent, but this might just be basic coverage. If it's not provided, or you have valuable items that need extra coverage, apply for contents insurance. This way you’re protected if your belongings are lost, stolen or damaged.

Start shopping

Buying your accommodation essentials is one of the most exciting parts about going to uni. Our handy checklist covers everything you need to take with you.

It’s important that you make your room feel as homely as possible. You’ll be spending most of the year there so don’t be afraid to personalise your space. This could be buying some plants, locking in some groovy posters or getting soft furnishings like a nice duvet and pillows.

Get to know your new flatmates

Often universities will set up Facebook groups or pages for their halls before students move in. Check whether your uni has set one up for your hall as this will be a good way to start getting to know the people you’ll live with. Having a familiar face or two can help calm any nerves on move-in day.

What Clearing accommodation universities are offering in 2021

To get an idea of what to expect, see what student accommodation options some universities are offering in Clearing 2021:

Aberystwyth University Clearing accommodation

Aberystwyth offers a guaranteed place in university halls of residence for all Clearing and Adjustment students.

You’ll have a choice of catered or self-catered halls and dedicated ‘Welsh Medium Residences’ specifically for Welsh-speaking students (or students who want to learn and immerse themselves in the Welsh language). Accommodation ranges from standard single rooms with shared bathrooms right up to luxury studio apartments.

The accommodation office will be in touch with instructions on how to apply once your Clearing offer is confirmed. You’ll be asked to list your accommodation choices in order of preference and specify if you want to stay in a mixed or single sex flat.

Cardiff University Clearing accommodation

All students who go through Clearing and Adjustment are guaranteed accommodation. This will be in either halls run by the university or in student accommodation run by a private provider.

Cardiff University is set to release more information on Clearing accommodation closer to results day in August.

De Montfort University Clearing accommodation

De Montfort University offers guaranteed student accommodation for those going through Clearing and Adjustment. Each of their accommodation options are close to their campus, and you’ll never be too far from the city centre.

If you confirm a Clearing offer with DMU, you’ll get login details to their accommodation portal within 24 hours. Their online booking system lets you select a room from what's still available, and you’ll need to pay a £200 booking deposit to confirm your room.

Their accommodation team will be available throughout the Clearing period for those applying through Clearing or Adjustment.

Northumbria University Clearing accommodation

All Clearing and Adjustment students are guaranteed a room at Northumbria.

You’ll have a choice between catered and self-catered halls, along with a range of en suite, cluster, studio, single and shared rooms.

Northumbria’s accommodation booking system lets you choose your exact room in the exact flat you want and see the details of who else is in the flat (age, gender and what study level they are).

You’ll be invited to join the university’s accommodation Facebook group once you’ve accepted your accommodation offer. This will help you get to know your new flatmates before you move in.

Nottingham Trent University Clearing accommodation

All students applying to Nottingham Trent University through Clearing and Adjustment can apply for a room in either university-owned accommodation, accommodation run by their partner providers or accommodation run by a private provider.

You’ll be given information on how to apply for student accommodation once your place on a Clearing course is confirmed. You can visit the NTU accommodation section of their website if you’re unsure.

University of Plymouth Clearing accommodation

When applying through Clearing and Adjustment, students offered a place at Plymouth will discuss their accommodation options over the phone with the accommodation team. You’ll have a choice of university-managed halls or accommodation from accredited private providers.

You’ll have access to the Residence Life programme once you confirm your accommodation. Run by a team of hall volunteers, they organise events throughout the year, including movie and games nights, sports activities and fundraising events. They also offer support on any accommodation issues you have.

You’ll need to pay a £250 deposit within seven days of getting your room offer to secure the booking and pay four weeks’ rent before you move in.

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Clearing course search

Clearing and Adjustment guides, tips, FAQs and more

Header image: Photo courtesy of Unite Students