Tools and tips to help you through Clearing
What is UCAS Clearing?
Applying to university can feel overwhelming. Between application deadlines, major decisions about your future, and the pressure to make choices quickly, there’s a lot to manage alongside exams, coursework, and everyday life.
Clearing offers an alternative route if you missed the main UCAS deadline or your circumstances have changed since submitting your application. It gives you the opportunity to explore your options and make an informed choice about your next steps.
For many students, deciding what comes next after exams are over can feel more manageable, allowing them to focus on their future with greater confidence.
What is Clearing Plus?
UCAS Clearing Plus is a free personalised tool designed to help students find university courses that match their interests and grades. You can use Clearing Plus to skip searching through hundreds of courses that you have no interest in and get straight to courses that could be a great fit for you. Think Netflix’s ‘we think you’ll love’ section, but for your future.
Using the information from your UCAS application, Clearing Plus suggests courses that match your profile. This can make the process feel quicker, easier and less overwhelming. You might even discover courses you hadn’t considered before.
Using Clearing Plus is easy. Simply log in to your UCAS Hub account, add yourself to Clearing, and explore your course matches. If you’re interested in one of our courses, you can choose to share your details with us, and we will be in touch.
Top Tips
Know your stuff
The more you know the better your Clearing experience will be. Take the time before Clearing starts to familiarise yourself with the following:
- Key deadlines
- Your accommodation options
- Entry requirements
- How the process works
Have your details ready
To make your calls as quick and easy as possible, make sure you have the following information in front of you when you call:
- Course choice
- UCAS Clearing number
- Grades (A-level, AS-level, GCSE and equivalent results)
- Personal details such as your phone number and email
- Any questions you may have
Make yourself comfortable
Applying to University through Clearing can be nerve-wracking; set yourself up for success by making yourself comfortable when you call us by doing the following:
- Call us from a quiet place where you know you won’t be disturbed.
- Have a notepad or device to hand so you can make notes
- Get some water
- Consider having a supportive person in the room with you, if that feels helpful
How do I navigate the UCAS Hub?
Not planning to apply through UCAS? That's fine, you can still access these services and resources.
Once your exam results are in, you can use the UCAS Hub to find updates on your application and view any offers you've received.
After logging in, you can check the status of your application, view your offers and see whether you're eligible to add a Clearing choice.
It's a good idea to have your UCAS ID and login details ready before results day so you can access your account quickly.
If your plans have changed, you can also use Hub to explore your next options and keep track of any decisions you make.
Make sure to check your messages regularly, as universities may contact you with updates or further information.
Taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the platform before results day can help things feel less overwhelming. That way, you'll be ready to focus on finding the right course for you.
How can Portsmouth support you during Clearing?
Clearing advisors
Our friendly team of advisors is here to support you throughout the Clearing process. They can talk through your grades, interests and course availability, helping you find a course that's right for you. They can also guide you through entry requirements and answer any questions you may have, so you can feel confident about your next steps.
To get in touch with our team please contact them at clearing@port.ac.uk or +44 (0)23 9284 5566
Accommodation support
At Portsmouth, we support students throughout every step of their housing journey. When you apply through Clearing, our housing team will help you find the right accommodation for you. They will discuss options with you and check availability for your chosen accommodation. They can also help you find privately rented accommodation if that’s what you prefer. Once you’re in halls, we have a team called Res Life that supports students during their time with us.
If you’d like to speak with the housing team, please contact student.housing@port.ac.uk or +44 (0) 2392 843 214
Student finance advisors
We understand that student finance can feel overwhelming, especially if you're applying through Clearing. Our Student Finance team is here to support you throughout the process, whether you have questions about tuition fees, maintenance loans, scholarships or bursaries. They can help you understand what funding you're entitled to and guide you through any changes you may need to make to your student finance application after accepting a place through Clearing.
To contact the Student Finance team, please contact studentmoney@port.ac.uk or +44 (0)23 9284 3014
Visit us on an Open Day
Now you’re equipped with all the tools for a successful 2026 Clearing application process, why not join us on 6 August at 10.00am-2.00pm Clearing open day to see what the University of Portsmouth has to offer.
At our Clearing Open Days you can expect:
Select your room in halls with our pre-clearing reservation service
Talk with student support, finance and housing teams
Speak to current students and academic staff at our Faculty Fair
Join a walking campus and halls tour
Leave with your Personalised Clearing Plan
Keep reading for more advice and tips
Our Clearing Checklist 2026
If you’re wondering about how to prepare for Clearing, then follow our Clearing checklist to ensure a stress free process.
Student finance for Clearing
Not sure about how to tackle student finance while going through Clearing? We clear up the process and answer your questions here.
Finding university accommodation: top tips
Not sure how to start your accommodation search? Take a look at our tips and tricks to secure your ideal place to live.
