Clearing 101: What to Expect

What is Clearing?
Clearing is a way for universities to fill any places they have left on their courses for the September 2025 intake. If your grades weren’t what you expected or you’ve changed your mind about where or what you want to study, Clearing is a great opportunity to find the university that’s right for you.

It used to be a bit of a taboo subject but now it’s seen as a great opportunity to make sure you're happy with your choice!

Reply 1

TheUniofLawStaff

Official Rep

Original post

by TheUniofLawStaff

What is Clearing?
Clearing is a way for universities to fill any places they have left on their courses for the September 2025 intake. If your grades weren’t what you expected or you’ve changed your mind about where or what you want to study, Clearing is a great opportunity to find the university that’s right for you.
It used to be a bit of a taboo subject but now it’s seen as a great opportunity to make sure you're happy with your choice!

How It Works

Once you’ve got your results, you can start by using the UCAS Search Tool to have a look at different course options and see which have available places. Once you have found one that you’re interested in, you can give the university a call to apply. It's a great idea to have a list of your top choices ready before the day, but the Clearing hotline numbers are usually very easy to find on university websites on the day.

Top tip: Have your exam results, UCAS number and Clearing number ready before you call. You can find your Clearing number in UCAS Track if you’re eligible.

It might take a few tries to get through to a university as the phone lines will be busy but don’t panic as they will have large teams on hand. When you do get through, they will let you know if there are spaces available on the course you’re interested in and let you know if you’re eligible for a place.

Top tip: Try not to be nervous when calling, it’s a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about the university in general, student life or their support systems.

If they offer you a place, make sure you write down the institution code and course code they give you. You’ll need those to add the choice in UCAS Track, and wait for the university to officially confirm your place. If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need to register on UCAS and complete a full application, including your personal statement.

Reply 2

TheUniofLawStaff

Official Rep

Original post

by TheUniofLawStaff

How It Works

Once you’ve got your results, you can start by using the UCAS Search Tool to have a look at different course options and see which have available places. Once you have found one that you’re interested in, you can give the university a call to apply. It's a great idea to have a list of your top choices ready before the day, but the Clearing hotline numbers are usually very easy to find on university websites on the day.
Top tip: Have your exam results, UCAS number and Clearing number ready before you call. You can find your Clearing number in UCAS Track if you’re eligible.
It might take a few tries to get through to a university as the phone lines will be busy but don’t panic as they will have large teams on hand. When you do get through, they will let you know if there are spaces available on the course you’re interested in and let you know if you’re eligible for a place.
Top tip: Try not to be nervous when calling, it’s a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about the university in general, student life or their support systems.
If they offer you a place, make sure you write down the institution code and course code they give you. You’ll need those to add the choice in UCAS Track, and wait for the university to officially confirm your place. If you’re applying for the first time, you’ll need to register on UCAS and complete a full application, including your personal statement.

Understanding UCAS Wording

You might come across new words in the Clearing process, here are some you might not have heard of before:

Informal offer: When you call a university, they might say they can offer you a place there and then – that’s an informal offer. Once you add it on UCAS and is accepted, it becomes official.

Self-release: Changed your mind about your original choice? You can remove yourself from it and go straight into Clearing without waiting for the university to release you.

Reply 3

TheUniofLawStaff

Official Rep

Original post

by TheUniofLawStaff

Understanding UCAS Wording

You might come across new words in the Clearing process, here are some you might not have heard of before:
Informal offer: When you call a university, they might say they can offer you a place there and then – that’s an informal offer. Once you add it on UCAS and is accepted, it becomes official.
Self-release: Changed your mind about your original choice? You can remove yourself from it and go straight into Clearing without waiting for the university to release you.

What’s Next?

There are plenty of ways to continue to prepare for the day, such as looking at How to make a Clearing phone call and FAQs.

How can you contact The University of Law?
Lines are open Monday – Friday to call 08000 984 385 (UK) or 08006 911 963 (International) or you can send a WhatsApp message.