How can I support someone who's applying through Clearing?

Clearing can feel like a busy and emotional time, but there are lots of ways you can support your young adult. Encouraging them to stay calm, explore their options and make informed decisions can help them feel more confident on Results Day.

Before Results Day

One of the best ways to prepare is to create a Plan B together.

Encourage your young adult to research other universities and courses they might be interested in before Results Day. Make a note of entry requirements, save links to course pages and keep the university's Clearing contact details handy. Being prepared can help reduce stress and make it easier to act quickly if plans change.

On Results Day

If things don't go exactly as planned, try to stay calm and reassure your young adult that they still have options.

If they don't get the grades they expected, encourage them not to panic or delay. Clearing can move quickly, so it's worth contacting universities as soon as they're ready. A conversation with a university adviser can help them understand what's available and what to do next.

Helping them make a decision

Try to make yourself available throughout the day, whether that's offering reassurance, helping them research universities, comparing accommodation and the cost of living, or simply being there to talk through their options.

If they're considering a new university through Clearing, encourage them to visit the campus if they can. Seeing the university in person, speaking to staff and students, and exploring the facilities can help them feel confident they're making the right decision.

Ultimately, the decision should be one your young adult feels happy and confident about.

Useful resources

If your young adult is exploring their options through Clearing, these resources can help answer common questions and prepare them for the next steps:

• Explore our Clearing course search to see which courses are currently available.
• Learn more about Clearing if you're unfamiliar with how the process works.
• Read about student finance through Clearing to understand how funding works if plans change.
• Explore accommodation options to see what's available once a place has been confirmed.
• Book an Enhanced Clearing Visit if you'd like to visit the University of Hull before making a decision.

If you or your young adult have any questions, our Clearing team is here to help. You can chat with us on WhatsApp or submit an online enquiry, and we'll be happy to talk you through the next steps.