How does clearing work if you have already firmed a uni choice?

How does clearing work if I have already firmed a uni offer on ucas? I have even sorted my accommodation there, but this can be cancelled. Do I have to retract my initial UCAS application to then apply at another university? Does this not carry risk? What if I decline my current firmed choice and then am declined by my new choice in clearing? I am then left without a university. I am really keen on studying at Aston but would have to apply through clearing. Thanks

Reply 1

PS Reviewer

Original post by Jrofflo17

Do you have your results yet?

If your firm offer unconditional on UCAS?

Why have you changed your mind about your current firm choice?

You can talk to Aston about clearing but they might be unwilling to speak to you if you are placed with another university (it depends on their policy).
Clearing is designed to match applicants without a place to courses with vacancies. If you have a place and try to use clearing to swap then it is trying to use clearing for something it wasn’t designed to do.