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What are your next steps after Clearing? How do you get prepared for university? Take a look at our tips and advice for the next part of your journey

Clearing Hotline: 023 9284 8090

You've secured your place through Clearing. What's next?

Congratulations on your place at the University of Portsmouth! We can't wait to welcome you to our community.

Now that you've accepted your offer, you might be wondering what comes next. From sorting out your accommodation and student finance to getting ready for Welcome Week, we'll walk you through the key steps before starting in September.

  1. Confirming your place
  2. Sorting out your finances
  3. Your new home
  4. Officially becoming a student
  5. Joining the community
  6. Getting course ready
  7. What to expect in your first few weeks
  8. Getting to know Portsmouth

 

 

Confirming your place 

You've accepted your Clearing offer - great news! Now it's time to make it official through the UCAS hub. Not sure what to do? Our handy blog will talk you through all the steps to make your place official.

Remember: It can take up to 48 hours for your place to be confirmed and validated so don't panic if it doesn't show straight away.

 

 

Sorting out your finances

Getting your student finance in place will be one of your top priorities. If you haven't applied yet, now is the time to submit your application. 

And if you've recently secured a place through Clearing, remember to update your student finance application with your new course and university details to help avoid any delays to your funding. Still not sure what to do? We've made a student finance through Clearing guide for you.

 

 

Find your home away from home

It's time to start thinking about where you want to live. The city has a range of options; from halls of residence to support with finding private rented accommodation locally.

Our dedicated housing team is here to help you explore your options and find the accommodation that's right for you. Within 48 hours of accepting your place, they'll be in touch with information on the accommodation available to you - but in the meantime, we talk you through your housing options.

 

 

Officially becoming a student

Before you start your course, you'll need to complete your university registration. This is an important step that confirms your student status and gives you access to the services and support you'll need throughout your studies.

You'll usually need:

  • A valid form of identification (usually passport or driving license)
  • Valid VISA or BRP (if you're an international student)

Once registration opens, we'll send you everything you need to know by email, including step-by-step instructions and important dates. 

 

 

Joining the community

Starting university is a great opportunity to meet new people, and you don't have to wait until you arrive on campus to start making connections.

Join our UniBuddy Community, where you can connect with new and current students, ask questions about university life and get advice from people who have been in your shoes.

 

 

 

What to expect in your first few weeks

Keep an eye on your inbox for information about our Welcome events. From international orientation to Freshers' Fayre we've got events designed to help you settle into university life, make new friends and find your way around.

We've got plenty going on to help you feel at home before teaching begins.

 

 

Getting to know Portsmouth

Portsmouth has everything right on your door step - we have historic landmarks, independent markets, local cafes, vibrant nightlife and places to relax and get creative.

Explore our student guides and local recommendations to start getting to know your new city before term begins.

 

 

Starting university is a big step and it's completely normal to feel a whole mix of emotions - excitement, anticipation, nerves. Thousands of students are preparing for the same journey and you're not alone.

Remember: Whether you need advice before you arrive or support during your studies, our dedicated student services are here to help.

Apply now for September 2026

You can apply for September 2026 entry as soon as you have your confirmed results.

Apply now through Clearing 

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