Need a huge bit of advice.

This is gonna be a long one,

Basically, i'm in a situation where i don't want to go to my insurance choice (The University of Hull), despite having an unconditional offer. I understand if I miss my firm choice (The University of Manchester), I wouldn't have to worry, as my place would be secured, at Hull, though I don't really want to go anymore if I miss Manchester.

Should I phone Hull and ask them to cancel/withdraw my offer? If you are absolutely certain you don't want to go to Hull under any circumstances. There is no going back. This would mean that if I miss Manchester, I would go straight to clearing, which would mean that I would have a chance at getting into a university I would prefer going to, on the grounds of university location (would rather be in a more 'vibrant' city, so to say), and also a more reputable university.

I understand that if I did this, there is a chance I wouldn't get a uni place at all. Therefore I have a few questions.

How quickly do clearing places go? On popular courses, very quickly. Unpopular ones are still available in September. I know that's an open ended question, but do clearing places at more reputable universites go quickly (i.e - within an hour of results, 2 hours, a day, 2 days or whatever) - More specifically, for my course (History / History and Sociology / History and Politics - all course I would wish to phone universities about) Very quickly. Don't hang about.

Also, how long would Hull take to release me and withdraw my offer? On results day, you will be a very low priority for their staff. It could be hours, days or even a week. Results day is in like 2 weeks so if they're gonna take ages, I know i've got to hurry up with my decision and get things sorted. If you really want to get rid of your Hull offer, do it now, in advance. This will save a lot of time and anguish on the day. Be very sure, but get on with it now if you are.

Thank you in advance, this is a difficult situation to be in and would appreciate ANY advice or recommendations.

... my firm choice (The University of Manchester)...

...would rather be in a more 'vibrant' city...

lawl.

You heard of london?

I actually have a very similar situation my friend (Leeds firm, Hull unconditional insurance). And the way I see it, you may also be taking a risk through clearing, in the sense that you may not find a course that is both interesting and in a more "vibrant" city. Or if you have researched it and found some more preferable options, you also can't guarantee they're gonna have spaces clear come results day.

It's a big gamble, just make sure you're certain that you don't want to go as somebody else mentioned.

It's a big gamble and i'm still unsure. I've 'registered my interest' with a few universities regarding clearing spaces already, giving them my predicted grades and a phone number etc. Still unsure haha

I'm curious, what is clearing?
Is it just enrolment for courses?

So it's like a second chance?