A girl with a purple University of Hull canvas bag over her shoulder speaks to one of our staff with her mum at an Open Day

Clearing guide for parents and carers

Everything you need to know about Results Day and Clearing, all in one place.

What is Clearing?

When universities still have places left on any of their courses, they offer them through Clearing from July to October.

So think of it as an opportunity. It’s how your young adult can get a place at university if they don’t have one already – for whatever reason.

It’s full of options. If they do better or worse in their exams than planned, it gives them the choice to apply or upgrade.

It’s the freedom to change their mind. To switch to a course – and a university – that’s really right for them.

Keep up to date every step of the journey by signing up to our parent's email updates. We'll send you handy information to help you support your young person, on everything from UCAS statements to Open Days. Don't forget to join our Facebook group too, where you can get support and connect with other parents.

How can I help?

Make a Plan B list. Ask them what other universities interest them and jot down their entry requirements. Remember to note the university’s Clearing hotline too.

Don’t panic, don’t hesitate, just call. If they don’t get the grades they hoped for, the important thing is to keep reassuring them that they do have options. And all they need to do is pick up the phone.

Spare as much time as you can. Whether that’s by offering moral support, holding their place in the queue for them, researching the cost of living and the accommodation on offer at the university, or taking them out to celebrate.

Go see the university with them. That’s always the best way to get a real feel for where they’ve chosen. Plus, you can get all your questions answered by staff, students and parents who know the university well.

MechEngFacilities Lecturer Brian Houston with Students in the FabLab

A girl and her parents talk to a member of staff at a stand at one of our Open Days

Your Clearing questions answered

When they get through, they’ll speak to a member of the Clearing helpline team. They’ll talk to them about their results (A level/BTEC and GCSEs), how many UCAS points they’ve achieved, and the course they want to study.

They’ll ask about other achievements too, like work experience, special projects, music and sport qualifications, etc. So remember to make a list of these.

They’ll also take a contact address, phone number and email, so remind them to have these at hand.

If the university needs more details, they may pass them on to an admissions tutor.

The university might offer a place on the call, or they might need time to review the details and get back to them later in the day. For some courses, like nursing, the initial offer could be subject to an interview.

If your young adult hasn’t applied for student finance yet, don’t worry. Once they’ve accepted a place, they should apply for student finance as soon as possible to make sure they have money in place before they start their course.

If they’ve already applied for student finance and their university or course changes, they’ll need to sign in to their student finance account and let them know. Make sure they check that the tuition fee for their new course is correct too.

Each university is different, but at Hull we guarantee every student a high-quality room in our on-campus accommodation. Just as long as they apply by 1 October.

See our accommodation.

We're here to help you help them

If you have any questions, drop an email to our friendly team.

study@hull.ac.uk

Clearing stories

Every year, hundreds of students join university through Clearing for all sorts of reasons and go on to flourish on their degrees. People like Moyo, Kate, Dane and Sophie here.

of testimonials

Moyo's story

Clearing was the best thing I did

“That whole first week of University showed me that Hull basically became my second home.”

Kate's story

Clearing isn’t as daunting as you may think

"I was really scared … but as soon as I spoke to this lovely lady on the phone, I felt so at ease.”

Dane's story

Clearing made me fall in love with Hull

“I booked onto Hull’s Clearing Visit Day, and as soon as I got there I was like … oh, this is the place for me.”

Sophie’s story

Clearing is about your personality, not just grades

“They wanted to know about me as a whole and not just my A level results … to get a full picture.”

Kate's story

Clearing isn’t as daunting as you may think

Dane's story

Clearing made me fall in love with Hull

Sophie’s story

Clearing is about your personality, not just grades

Moyo's story

Clearing was the best thing I did

Fees, funding & Clearing

While at university, your young adult will have two main costs: tuition fees and living costs. They can apply for student finance to help with both. But it’s not like taking out a bank loan or a credit card. It’s an investment in their future.

If they’ve already applied for student finance and their university or course has changed, they’ll need to sign in to their student finance account and update their details. Make sure they check the tuition fee for their new course is correct too.

If they haven’t applied for student finance yet, don’t worry – it’s not too late. Once they’ve accepted a place through Clearing, they’ll need to apply for student finance as soon as possible to make sure they have money in place before they start their course.

You can find out more about student finance here.

Learn more and apply now

Accommodation

Book by 1 October, and they’re guaranteed high quality accommodation right here on campus.¹ Think fresh, airy, en-suite rooms with free WiFi, 24/7 security, and all the modern facilities you’d expect.

View our accommodation

Campus Visits

We run Open Days and Campus Visits all year round. That way, they can see what it’s like to live, study and socialise at Hull before they make their decision.

Book a visit

Choose Hull

Brand-new facilities, a close-knit community, culture, creativity and career-boosting opportunities. But that only scratches the surface of what’s waiting for them here. Read on to discover more…

Discover life in Hull

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