Myths about Clearing you shouldn’t believe

Feeling nervous about Clearing? You’re not alone. It certainly doesn't help when there are myths floating around about Clearing. We've gone through a bunch of the most common Clearing myths we've seen to debunk the lot of them. Let's get mythbusting.

“Clearing courses aren’t as good”

Courses appear in Clearing for many reasons, including changes in student decisions and places becoming available during the admissions cycle. They are not lower-quality versions of the courses offered earlier in the year.

“You’ll always be behind on your course”

Everyone begins the course together, so going through university Clearing doesn’t instantly put you behind others on your course. The material is new, the people are new, and the teaching styles are new, so everyone is in the same boat.

“You won’t get accommodation”

Accommodation arrangements vary between universities. Some guarantee rooms for Clearing students, while others may have limited availability or offer help finding private accommodation. Ask about your options before accepting a place if where you will live is important to your decision.

“Clearing is really complicated”

Clearing has a few steps to follow, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Research your options, have your application details and results ready, and speak to a university before adding a Clearing choice. There’s plenty of advice on Whatuni to show you how the system works.

“You can't apply for to the same uni again”

You can contact a university that previously rejected you if it has suitable Clearing vacancies. It may be willing to consider you for a different course, although there is no guarantee it will reconsider you for the same one.

“Hardly anyone goes through Clearing”

Over 50,000 students find a university or college place through Clearing each year, according to UCAS. That sounds like a whole lot of people to me.

"You have to apply to the same subject”

You can apply for a different subject through Clearing, as long as the course has vacancies and the university is willing to consider you. Think carefully about whether the course suits your interests and plans rather than choosing something simply because it is available.

“People think less of you for going through Clearing”

To be brutally honest, no one really cares that much. We’re all at uni at the end of the day, and judging people for how they got there isn’t on people’s agendas. Going through Clearing is nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, no one will know you’ve gone through Clearing unless you tell them. Everyone will be distracted with their new lives to scrutinise how you got in.

“Clearing is the end of the world”

Clearing can feel stressful, particularly if your original plans have changed, but it gives you another opportunity to find a course that works for you. Take time to check the course, university, accommodation and any offer deadline before making your decision.