Debunking Clearing myths: What I learnt from going through Clearing
What if I told you that Clearing can be one of the greatest tools for students who are apprehensive about starting university - whether you didn't get the grades you expected, changed your mind about your course, or simply found a better option...
My name is Alyssa and I'm a second year at Kingston Uni studying Marketing and Advertising. As someone who has been through Clearing, I know there are many assumptions that I had going into it and experienced to be untrue. So Iets break down some of these myths with truths!
Myth 1: Clearing is only for students who got rejected from their universities or did not meet the grade requirements
Truth: While Clearing is often associated with students who did not get into their original choices, this is not the only reason to use it. Even if you met the requirements and got into your chosen uni, you can still opt into Clearing if you change your mind about your course or uni. That's exactly what I did - I achieved amazing grades and secured places at all of my choices, but then I realised I wanted to switch courses. I originally applied for fine art and now I'm studying marketing. I've had so many opportunities such as being elected as a course rep, securing a marketing internship and been awarded for academic excellence. Clearing was the gateway to all of these opportunities.
Myth 2: Clearing is difficult, rushed and stressful
Truth: As a first gen university student, I handled applying to university and then Clearing entirely on my own and found it surprisingly simple. UCAS provides clear step-by-step instructions which universities also support with. All you really need on the day is:
Once you have those details, it's just a matter of calling universities and discussing your options. It might feel nerve-wracking, but universities are welcoming and helpful - they want to help students and accept them and make them an offer as much as students want a place. The key to making Clearing stress-free is preparation. I knew about a month before I received my results that I was not completely set on my course, so I started doing my research.
Browsing universities Clearing sections for courses that were open and not yet filled up. This allowed me to go into Clearing on results day, to make informed decisions.
Myth 3 There are no good courses or universities in Clearing
Truth: Many students assume Clearing is only for lower-ranking universities or courses no one wants, but that's simply untrue. When I checked Clearing, there were still spaces available at Russel Group universities and other well-regarded institutions. Even a week before results day, I found a range of interesting courses to consider. If you start looking early, you'll be surprised at how many great options are still available.
Myth 4 You won't get the full university experience if you go through Clearing
Truth: You university experience is not determined by how you got in - it's about what you make of it once you're there. Some people worry that going through Clearing means missing out on things like student accommodation or key social experiences, but that's not necessarily the case. At Kingston University, for example, first-year students get priority for accommodation so I was still able to get a place, after completing my induction week and experiencing university life just like anyone else. I was able to meet so many different students and even connect with people from my course due to having shared accommodation. Every university is different, but will still consider Clearing students.
Clearing isn't something to fear or feel embarrassed about - it's an opportunity. The key is to be prepared, stay informed, open-minded and take action when the time comes.
If you're considering Clearing, don't let the myths hold you back.
Has anyone else gone through Clearing and experienced the same, or have other myths to debunk? I'd love to hear them!
- Alyssa
My name is Alyssa and I'm a second year at Kingston Uni studying Marketing and Advertising. As someone who has been through Clearing, I know there are many assumptions that I had going into it and experienced to be untrue. So Iets break down some of these myths with truths!
Myth 1: Clearing is only for students who got rejected from their universities or did not meet the grade requirements
Truth: While Clearing is often associated with students who did not get into their original choices, this is not the only reason to use it. Even if you met the requirements and got into your chosen uni, you can still opt into Clearing if you change your mind about your course or uni. That's exactly what I did - I achieved amazing grades and secured places at all of my choices, but then I realised I wanted to switch courses. I originally applied for fine art and now I'm studying marketing. I've had so many opportunities such as being elected as a course rep, securing a marketing internship and been awarded for academic excellence. Clearing was the gateway to all of these opportunities.
Myth 2: Clearing is difficult, rushed and stressful
Truth: As a first gen university student, I handled applying to university and then Clearing entirely on my own and found it surprisingly simple. UCAS provides clear step-by-step instructions which universities also support with. All you really need on the day is:
•
Your UCAS number
•
Your Clearing number (provided once you enter Clearing)
•
Your results (total points)
•
The course (s) you are interested in
Once you have those details, it's just a matter of calling universities and discussing your options. It might feel nerve-wracking, but universities are welcoming and helpful - they want to help students and accept them and make them an offer as much as students want a place. The key to making Clearing stress-free is preparation. I knew about a month before I received my results that I was not completely set on my course, so I started doing my research.
Browsing universities Clearing sections for courses that were open and not yet filled up. This allowed me to go into Clearing on results day, to make informed decisions.
Myth 3 There are no good courses or universities in Clearing
Truth: Many students assume Clearing is only for lower-ranking universities or courses no one wants, but that's simply untrue. When I checked Clearing, there were still spaces available at Russel Group universities and other well-regarded institutions. Even a week before results day, I found a range of interesting courses to consider. If you start looking early, you'll be surprised at how many great options are still available.
Myth 4 You won't get the full university experience if you go through Clearing
Truth: You university experience is not determined by how you got in - it's about what you make of it once you're there. Some people worry that going through Clearing means missing out on things like student accommodation or key social experiences, but that's not necessarily the case. At Kingston University, for example, first-year students get priority for accommodation so I was still able to get a place, after completing my induction week and experiencing university life just like anyone else. I was able to meet so many different students and even connect with people from my course due to having shared accommodation. Every university is different, but will still consider Clearing students.
Clearing isn't something to fear or feel embarrassed about - it's an opportunity. The key is to be prepared, stay informed, open-minded and take action when the time comes.
If you're considering Clearing, don't let the myths hold you back.
Has anyone else gone through Clearing and experienced the same, or have other myths to debunk? I'd love to hear them!
- Alyssa
Reply 1
Hi Kingston reps,
I’ve received an offer through Clearing for the BMid (Hons) Midwifery with Foundation Year (2025/6) and added Kingston as my Clearing choice on UCAS a few days ago.
I just wanted to ask when I can expect my place to be confirmed on UCAS? I’m really excited to start and just want to make sure everything is moving along as it should.
Thanks so much for your help!
Nicole 😊
I’ve received an offer through Clearing for the BMid (Hons) Midwifery with Foundation Year (2025/6) and added Kingston as my Clearing choice on UCAS a few days ago.
I just wanted to ask when I can expect my place to be confirmed on UCAS? I’m really excited to start and just want to make sure everything is moving along as it should.
Thanks so much for your help!
Nicole 😊
Reply 2
Original post
by Nicolevhughes24Hi Kingston reps,
I’ve received an offer through Clearing for the BMid (Hons) Midwifery with Foundation Year (2025/6) and added Kingston as my Clearing choice on UCAS a few days ago.
I just wanted to ask when I can expect my place to be confirmed on UCAS? I’m really excited to start and just want to make sure everything is moving along as it should.
Thanks so much for your help!
Nicole 😊
I’ve received an offer through Clearing for the BMid (Hons) Midwifery with Foundation Year (2025/6) and added Kingston as my Clearing choice on UCAS a few days ago.
I just wanted to ask when I can expect my place to be confirmed on UCAS? I’m really excited to start and just want to make sure everything is moving along as it should.
Thanks so much for your help!
Nicole 😊
Hi Nicole,
Thanks so much for reaching out! I've been in touch with our admissions team and they are happy to look into this for you. Can you please message us with either your Kingston or UCAS ID number? I'll then share this with our team and they will investigate further 🙂
Best wishes,
Lizzygrace
Kingston university staff
Quick Reply
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