Often evoking thoughts of students with low grades, panicked phone calls and enrolling onto any course that the university has to offer, Clearing has certainly gained a (completely unfounded) negative reputation. But actually in 2023, over 67,000 students used Clearing to find a place at university, with dozens of top-rated unis offering course.

Universities are also adopting new and creative ways to attract students and show that Clearing isn’t a bad thing, with many advertising their Clearing courses on social media platforms and apps.

So what should you be doing to make the most out of Clearing?

Make the first move

Clearing is all about doing your research and making phone calls. You need to #MakeTheFirstMove, so don’t wait by the phone for the universities to contact you. Take charge of Clearing and pick up that phone!

Here's members of our very own student advisory board to explain why you should make the first move:

If you don’t get the grades you need to be accepted by your first choice, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t work it out with the university. Once you’ve received your A-level results, call the uni to see if there’s any room to negotiate. Depending on the institution, you might be able to charm them into offering you a place.

If your university can’t compromise, it’s time to take charge of the situation and start looking into other institutions through Clearing. Again, this isn’t a bad thing or something to worry about, you don’t have to settle for anything you don’t like, and you can still study at a university you love by going through Clearing.

The truth is we’re all going to face rejection at some point, but there’s no need to hide under your duvet or eat an entire tub of ice cream (although we’ve all been there). Remember, you’re still a desirable applicant to other unis, even if you don’t make your first choice. In other words, there’s plenty more fish in the sea

So, if your first choice rejects you, make the first move and approach universities by calling their individual Clearing hotlines, which you can find right here on Whatuni.

Guide to calling Clearing hotlines.

Making the first move if you want to change your course

Bossed your exams? Decided to change your course? You could find a different course using Clearing!

If you end up getting better grades than you were expecting (get you, you clever clogs!), it could be worth keeping your options open and assessing the compatibility between yourself and a university. As a student, this gives you the power because let’s face it, universities need you to avoid empty lecture halls!

Check out all our advice on changing your mind during Clearing.

Applying last minute?

Planned on taking a gap year but changed your mind? You might be thinking university is out of the question, but you can still apply through clearing! The official deadline for Clearing applicants is 20st October 2025 so you’ve got much more time to apply than you may think!

However, it’s worth checking the specific deadlines for each institution, as you don’t want to miss out on your first week of university… or freshers week!  

Overall, whether you get better or worse grades than predicted, there’s no need to settle on a course or university until you find your perfect match. So, make the first move and get out there!

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Read our full guide to Clearing

Visit our Clearing Hub to get advice and start searching for courses