Clearing explained: your FAQs answered
Life at UoM UOM life 29th May 2024
You’re bound to have loads of questions about Clearing, and we get it! You’re bombarded with information on choosing a course, selecting a city, and applying to the university ‘right for you’. Somehow, the what’s-what on Clearing gets lost in all the noise. It would be super helpful to have it all on one, convenient page… So that’s what we did.
We’ve dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s so you don’t have to. Here you’ll find all the Who, What and Where’s of the whole Clearing process, broken down into handy, bitesize bullet points.
The When’s
• When does Clearing start and end?
Clearing is open from 5 July 2024 and closes on 21 October 2024. The main Clearing period starts on A-level results day as The University of Manchester will only be able to consider a student’s application for clearing once they’ve received their results. Our Clearing page will be updated throughout results day with available courses and our Clearing hotline will remain open until our vacancies are filled.
The What’s
- What is Clearing?
Clearing is when universities provide students with the opportunity to apply for places which haven’t yet been filled, outside of the normal application window.
It’s a good option if:
- You’ve changed your mind about what course you want to do.
- You missed the application deadline of 30 June.
- You haven’t met the entry requirements for the offer you’ve accepted.
- You’ve done better than expected and would like to change to a different course or university.
Read our ‘What is Clearing’ blog.
- What happens with accommodation in Clearing?
Once you have received your University ID which is in your ’offer letter’ email from our Admissions Team, you can apply for accommodation using the online application form. We’re proud to offer an accommodation guarantee, so all our new full-time undergraduate students have an offer of a place in one of our residential halls. Find out everything you need to know about applying for accommodation at Manchester. Submit your application before 31 August of the year you intend to start your course. .
- What happens with student finance in Clearing?
As soon as you have your Clearing offer confirmed by us on UCAS, you can let the Student Loan Company know you’re coming to The University of Manchester and which course you’ll be studying to ensure your tuition fees and maintenance loan are covered. Visit our student finance information to find out more.
- What if you don’t get your predicted grades?
If you have not met your predicated grades or the terms of your offer, you will need to check with the university (or on UCAS Hub) as you may still get an offer from your firm choice. Check your Hub and see if your status has changed to ‘unconditional’ or if you’ve been offered a place on a different course at the same university. This is known as a ‘changed course offer’, which you’ll need to accept or decline.
If you wish to decline your offer, you can go into Clearing. You can self-release into Clearing if you wish to decline your offers.
If you just missed out on your grades by a few marks or intend to appeal any grades, you may be able to ask your firm choice to reconsider if they haven’t accepted you. Speak to an adviser or teacher before doing so.
- What if I change my mind about my clearing place?
We understand that you may change your mind. If you no longer wish to accept your place at the University, you can select ‘decline my place’ on UCAS to release yourself.
You can also send an email to the named contact for your course titled ‘Cancellation’ and provide your UCAS ID or your University student number and your full name.
The Who’s
- Who is eligible for Clearing?
You. Clearing is for anyone who has maybe changed their mind about their original university and course choice, anyone who either didn’t receive any offers, hasn’t accepted any offers, or simply didn’t apply before the 30 June. Clearing is also there for students who received higher grades than they originally thought, or for students who may have received slightly lower. All students are eligible to use Clearing.
- Who should you contact to talk through Clearing options after getting your results?
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, that’s ok. Try speaking to someone close to you or someone from your school or college. Clearing hotlines are there to guide you through the process and talk through your options with you, so make a note of hotline numbers.
The How’s
- How do you prepare for Clearing?
Get all your important info and documents ready to hand. These will include things such as your UCAS number, your grades and clearing hotline numbers. It’s funny you ask this question, because we’ve put together a handy ‘make sure you’re Clearing ready’ list for you to download.
- How do you accept a Clearing place?
Once the university you want to apply for has offered you a place, you’ll need to add that as a Clearing choice in your application. From there you’ll add all the correct details given to you by the university. Then wait for the university to confirm your application, when that happens it will show as “accepted” on your Track page. You’ll then shortly receive your confirmation letter from UCAS.
No need to stress because the Clearing hotlines are there to help and guide you through the process.
- How do you switch institutions if you’ve already applied for funding elsewhere?
If you’ve already sorted your student finance for another university, all you need to do is update your details by logging into your Student Finance England account.
- How do you defer a Clearing place?
Unfortunately, in most cases you’re unable to defer your Clearing place as spaces during Clearing are intended for students starting this academic year.
The Where’s
- Where can you find information on studying at The University of Manchester?
Find out everything you need to know about studying at The University of Manchester.There’s info on our great city, courses, student finance and everything in-between.
- Where can you find information on accommodation at The University of Manchester?
We have three residential campuses for you to choose from to help you find a room that suits you best and make Manchester your new home. You can take a look at all the different accommodation options and browse private studios to lively 10 beds, there’s plenty of accommodation types for you to explore.
- Where can you find information on life in Manchester?
From our famous nightlife to the footy pitches of red or blue, our city is always buzzing. So much so it’s been voted the Top UK city to live in*. Explore why we believe Manchester is truly the greatest city in the world.
*(The Economist’s Global Liveability Index, 2022)
That should cover all the bases to get you feeling Clearing ready. Be sure to re-visit this page if you need anything reaffirming and share it with your parents and peers to spread the word on Clearing to anyone needing a little guidance. Remember, the best type of plan is a flexible one!
