How to cope with the clearing process

Clearing is the process universities use to fill any spaces they still have on their courses. It provides an opportunity for students to attend university, even if they didn’t apply before the deadline. The clearing process has become a popular route for many students across the UK. In 2022, over 33,280 students were accepted to university through clearing.

It is important to note that any student who goes through clearing is not at a disadvantage. There is no stigma surrounding this process – it won’t affect university grades or future job prospects. In this article, we’ll provide some information to help support you through clearing.

Tips for the clearing process

Navigating the clearing process can be stressful. Here at Health Assured, we believe it is necessary to minimise this stress. To help with this, we have provided some top tips to help you stay organised through this process. 

Research: if clearing is the route for you, you should begin researching as soon as possible. The best places to conduct this research are university websites and UCAS. If you research universities and courses beforehand, you can understand what options are available to you – making the whole process a lot smoother. 

Take notes: the clearing process can be overwhelming. You may receive a lot of information in a short amount of time. Getting this information down on paper can help you comprehend all your options and makes sure you don’t miss anything important. 

Ask for advice: speak to your school’s university advisor. They can talk you through the courses available and help make sense of your options. Having a helping hand through this process can help alleviate any stress you may be feeling. 

Keep an open mind: being rejected from your first choice can be upsetting. However, there are plenty more opportunities available. Stay resilient. Perhaps you look at a different university or a different course. Being open to alternative options provides a much better chance of finding a clearing place. 

Be patient: the clearing process can take a few days. This time can be extremely nerve-racking. It is important to remember that this decision determines where you will spend the next three years of your life. It’s a big life decision, so there is no need to rush. 

How to cope with the clearing process?

The clearing process can be stressful and confusing. It’s essential to manage this stress before it becomes debilitating and negatively impacts your health and wellbeing. To help you get through clearing this year, we’ve put together some tips to help you stay calm: 

It is crucial that when going through clearing, you don’t neglect other aspects of your life. Taking care of yourself and engaging in self-care can promote good mental health. You must take time to rest, relax and do the things you enjoy. This could include getting a good night’s sleep, going for a walk or cooking a nice meal. These small moments can help divert your attention away from the worries, provide clarity and help you make more informed decisions. 

Don’t bottle up stresses and worries. Reach out and speak to those you trust about how you’re finding this process. It could be a friend or family member – these conversations can trigger little snippets of advice that help you gain perspective. 

Finally, no student should feel ashamed about going through clearing. Remember, thousands of students go through this process each year – it helps to remember you are not alone. Going to university is an exciting prospect, whether you get there through clearing or not. It’s a time you can increase your knowledge, gain independence and form life-long relationships. 

Health and wellbeing support from Health Assured

Want to find out more? Our Student Assistance Programme (SAP) offers a 24/7 counselling helpline that can support your health and wellbeing.