Find courses in Clearing
Clearing top tips
Check out our top tips to navigate your way through Clearing and find your place at university.
Do your research
To take the stress out of Clearing, start researching universities and courses before you receive your results. You will then have a shortlist of options ready on results day if you need it.
Have your details ready
Before you call, please make sure you have the following information to hand,
- exam results, including level two and three GCSE and A Levels/BTEC
- UCAS ID (if you have one).
It is also very useful to have notes on the course you are applying for, some planned responses to questions you might be asked (such as why you'd like to study the course) and any questions you would like to ask the university.
Be persistent
Our Clearing hotline can also be very busy, so if you can't get through first time or the hotline is engaged, don't be put off.
We'll have a significant number of telephone lines open to deal with your queries and on results day itself, our hotline is open for extended hours.
Find a quiet place to call
Make sure that you call from a place where you feel comfortable and relaxed with easy access to phone and the internet. Some Clearing places do go quickly, but you have time to compose and prepare yourself.
It is important that you make the call yourself as universities are unable to discuss your application with another person. You should treat the call like a job interview, stay positive and sell yourself, and make sure you demonstrate an enthusiasm for your course and the university.
Make notes
Have a pen and paper on hand to take some notes from your conversations. There will be details you'll want to remember, such as the person's name, job title, deadlines and a summary of what you discussed.
Keep an open mind
You probably have your heart set on a particular course, but you are more likely to be successful in finding a place in Clearing if you are flexible and consider similar courses to the one you originally applied for.
A lot of courses have similar content. When making your choice check the course content carefully to see if it interests you and consider what other options are available to you such as joint honours.
Remember, we have many courses that include a foundation year, which has lower entry requirements so do try and keep an open mind when discussing your options with our hotliners.
Ask questions
Selecting a course and university is a big decision so make a list of questions that will help you make an informed choice.
Ask about module choices, study abroad opportunities, scholarships, accommodation, Open Days etc.
Remember to find out what you need to do next if you want to accept the offer and if there is a deadline.
Add a Clearing choice within the allotted time
Most universities will give you a window during which their offer is valid, usually 12-48 hours; so make sure you add us as your Clearing choice before this time is up.
You'll only be able to enter one Clearing choice at a time, so only enter a course you're sure you want to accept.
Remember to check the UCAS website for the exact time on results day you are able to confirm your choice on UCAS Hub. In the past, this has been 3pm on A Level results day.
Consider your options
Once you have spoken to the universities you planned to contact, take some time to consider the options available to you and pick the course and university which is right for you, which we hope is Kingston.
Relax and celebrate your choice
Congratulate yourself and celebrate securing your place at university with your friends, family and supporters.
It's also a good idea to visit the university to familiarise yourself and take a look around before you arrive for the start of term.
Book to attend an Open Day at Kingston University. We will have plenty of people on hand to answer any questions you may have.
