If you’ve just found out you didn’t get into your first-choice university, you might be feeling a mix of disappointment, frustration, and anxiety. You may have spent months researching to find a place that offered the right support for you – and now, it feels like all that work has been thrown into question.
Take a deep breath.
This isn’t the end of your journey. Clearing can be a gateway to opportunities you may not have considered yet and, with the right approach, you can still find a university where you feel supported, welcome, and able to thrive.
What is University Clearing?
Clearing is a process that helps match students to courses with available places after the main UCAS application cycle.
You can use clearing if:
- You didn’t get any offers.
- You didn’t meet the conditions of your offers.
- You want to change your course or university after results day.
Key dates: Clearing opens on 5 July and closes on 21 October, but it’s busiest around A-Level Results Day on 14 August.
First Steps When You Didn’t Get Your First Choice
Before you do anything, pause. It’s normal to feel upset or overwhelmed – especially if you had chosen your first choice because it seemed like the best fit for your needs.
When you’re ready:
- Check UCAS Track for any changes or alternative offers.
- Decide whether you want to stick with your subject choice or explore new options.
- Keep an open mind – a university you hadn’t considered could turn out to be the perfect fit.
Finding a University That’s Right for You
When looking for your next option through clearing, think about what really matters to you – and pair each consideration with the right questions to ask. This will help you compare universities in a way that focuses on your needs and priorities.
If you can, connect with current students through social media or student networks. Hearing first-hand experiences can give you valuable insight into how supportive and inclusive the university really is in practice – not just on paper.
Disability Support
This should be one of your top priorities.
The right support can make a huge difference to your experience, from feeling included in lectures to managing assignments.
Ask: How experienced is the disability team? What specialist support is available for my disability or condition? Do they offer my preferred delivery method – in-person, online, or hybrid?
Location
Where you live and how you travel can affect your day-to-day wellbeing. Being close to home might give you a stronger support network, while living further away could mean more independence.
Ask: What accessible transport options are available on campus and in the local area? How practical will my commute or travel be for me?
Course Content
Even if the course title sounds the same, the content can vary between universities. Make sure it covers the topics you care about and matches your learning style.
Ask: Does the course offer flexibility with modules or assessment methods? How is the teaching delivered?
Campus Life
University isn’t only about academics – feeling part of a community matters. A welcoming environment can boost your confidence and help you settle in.
Ask: What’s the campus size and atmosphere like? Are there active societies or clubs, including disability or advocacy groups?
Accessibility of Facilities
Physical and digital accessibility can affect how easily you navigate daily life on campus. From lecture halls to libraries, the right facilities can remove barriers.
Ask: Are teaching spaces, libraries, and accommodation accessible for my needs? How close is accommodation to the main facilities?
Making the Most of Clearing Calls
Once you’ve shortlisted universities, your next step is to start contacting them through clearing.
A clearing conversation is your chance to speak directly with admissions staff about available courses, entry requirements, and whether the university can meet your needs – both academically and in terms of support.
During the call, they’ll usually ask about your grades, the course you’re interested in, and sometimes your reasons for choosing their university. Be ready to talk about what matters to you, especially any access or support requirements you have.
Keep a pen and paper handy, or use your phone’s notes app, to record important details. Write down:
- The name of the person you spoke to
- The course title
- Any acceptance conditions they mention
- Key points about support services, accommodation, and costs.
Having clear notes will make it easier to compare your options later and avoid confusion.
Remember – this is also your opportunity to ask questions and get the information you need to make the right choice for you. Asking the right questions will help you find out if the university can truly meet your needs and give you the best possible experience.
Questions to Ask Universities During Clearing
When you speak to universities during clearing, make sure you get a full picture of the support and environment they offer. Having a prepared list of questions will help you stay focused and make meaningful comparisons between your options.
Here are some ideas to get your started:
About Disability Support Services
- What specialist support is available for my disability or condition?
- How many staff are in your disability team, and do they have experience with my specific needs?
- Can you provide examples of adjustments or support you’ve offered to other students?
Academic Adjustments
- How do lecturers receive information about my adjustments?
- Can deadlines or assessments be adapted if I need them to be?
- Are lecture recordings and accessible materials standard for all students?
Accommodation & Campus Life
- Is accessible or adapted accommodation available, and how do I apply?
- How close is accommodation to teaching spaces, libraries, and other facilities?
- Are there accessible transport options on campus and in the local area?
Delivery & Accessibility of Support
- Is support available face-to-face, remotely, or both?
- How quickly can support be put in place once I accept an offer?
- Do you work closely with external providers like YorLinc for mentoring, study skills, or assistive technology training?
Funding & DSA
- Can your team help me with my DSA application or changes to my existing support plan?
- Do you have experience working with DSA-funded support providers?
Getting Support During Clearing
Once you have a provisional offer, contact the university’s disability service as soon as possible to discuss your needs. The earlier you start this conversation, the smoother the transition will be.
If you don’t already have DSA support in place, begin your application. YorLinc can help you get started with arranging specialist mentoring, study skills tuition, and assistive technology training quickly – so you’re ready to hit the ground running when term begins.
Remember, the right support can make almost any university the right fit. Many students discover that the place they ended up through clearing becomes the place they can’t imagine studying anywhere else.