Gearing up for Clearing

Waiting for exam results can be nerve-wracking for young people and those around them: there’s always an element of uncertainty, and competition for university places is fierce. But Solent University in Southampton is here to help anyone who might need a plan B.

“There are many reasons for applying to university through Clearing – from not meeting conditions and offers with firm/insurance choice universities or applying for the first time, to missing the initial UCAS deadline, or having a change of heart about where and what you want to study”, says Debbie House, Solent’s Head of UK Student Recruitment, Admissions and Widening Participation.

Solent University’s trained advisors will be on hand to offer guidance, advice, and support throughout the Clearing period.

“Whether you are a first-time applicant, or are already in the UCAS system, we are here to help. My team are ready and waiting to take your call to discuss your path to success. We are here to support you every step of the way, helping to make the process less daunting and as straightforward as possible,” continues Debbie.

As well as calling the Clearing hotline on 023 8001 1722, you will be able to speak to staff on email, Twitter, Facebook, live web chat, Instagram and WhatsApp– all contact details can be found on our website at solent.ac.uk/clearing.

Solent’s Clearing hotline is open from the 5 July to 17 August from 08.30 to 17.00 Monday to Thursday and from 08.30 to16.30 on Fridays.

We will be extending our opening hours during the period of results release on Thursday 17 August from 07.30 to 19.30 and from 07.30 to 18.00 on Friday 18 August.

After these dates the clearing hotline remains open from 08.30 to 17.00 Monday to Thursday and 08.30 to 16.30 on Fridays until 29 September.

Prospective students will be able to find out more about the clearing process, their application, key dates, and deadlines and studying at Solent at a virtual advice evening on 2 and 17 August (4.00-5.30pm).  On 3 August Our on-campus clearing advice evening provides an opportunity to not only find out more about the clearing process but tour our onsite facilities and residences. There will also be the opportunity to speak to our support services teams about your application, accommodation options, funding and much more.

Amy Sutton went through Clearing to join Solent to study multimedia journalism and now works for ITV News. She says, “I just didn't get the grades that I needed for my course, and I'd been really poorly so I'd missed one or two of my A-level exams, so although I had the coursework it just still missed the mark. I'd been down to Solent and visited for an open day - it was one of the many universities that I'd visited, and I'd also had an interview at Solent for my course, so I had my heart absolutely set on going there. So, my first and only option after opening my results was to get on to clearing and try to make it happen.”

“During the clearing process the staff were so kind and encouraging; and actually it's quite daunting to make that call, I remember that, and if you think about it it's a frantic day for them as well, but I just made sure that I didn't hang up from that call without asking all the questions I needed to and check a thousand times that I'd got all the right information that I needed. But I recall it being quite quick and it certainly brightened up what was really, at first, a really stressful day. So, my advice would be to just have patience. Have a clear vision of what you want but, you know, to be open to discuss new possibilities.”   You can find out more about Amy’s Clearing journey and her time at Solent here.

Everything you need to know about the Clearing process, events and booking forms can be found on our website at solent.ac.uk/clearing