For many students and parents, UCAS Clearing can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that Clearing is a normal part of the university application journey, and thousands of students successfully secure places every year through the process.<\/p>\n Whether your child has changed their mind about where they want to study, didn’t receive the grades they expected, or simply applied later in the cycle, Clearing can open up exciting new opportunities for them to explore.<\/p>\n Are you asking yourself the burning question of: What is UCAS Clearing? As Clearing opens in July and continues throughout the summer, here’s what parents and guardians need to know about how they can best support their child during this important time.<\/span> UCAS Clearing is a system that helps students find and apply for university courses with available spaces. Students may use Clearing if they:<\/span> \nUltimately, Universities use Clearing to fill remaining course places ahead of the new academic year, meaning there are still plenty of options to explore – whatever their situation may be.<\/span> UCAS Clearing<\/a> opens on Thursday, 2nd July 2026, and remains open until Monday, 19th October 2026, although the busiest period usually takes place around A-level Results Day in August.<\/p>\n Many universities begin advertising available places from July onwards, so students can start researching options before results day arrives.<\/span> Once a student becomes eligible for Clearing, they’ll be able to view available courses through UCAS and contact universities directly to discuss vacancies. Students may receive verbal offers over the phone before officially adding their chosen course through UCAS Hub.<\/p>\n It’s important to remember that universities will usually want to speak directly with the student, rather than a parent or guardian, during Clearing conversations. They may also ask your child to register online via the University’s official website.<\/span> Clearing can feel emotional and stressful, especially if results day doesn’t go as planned. One of the most helpful things parents can do is remain calm, positive and supportive throughout the process.<\/span> Encourage your child to prepare ahead of results day by:<\/strong><\/span> \nHaving a plan in place can help reduce panic and make decision-making easier on the day.<\/span> Sometimes, students discover opportunities through Clearing that are actually a better fit for them academically, socially or personally.<\/p>\n While it’s natural to have a negative perception of the UCAS Clearing system, Clearing can lead to positive outcomes and exciting new experiences for your child, particularly if they’ve had a sudden change of heart.<\/p>\n Beginning your University career is a big step for your child, with lots of important decisions tied into the process before they even start. It’s important to remind them that the decisions they have made prior to now don’t have to be fixed, and there are still available courses and universities for them to explore.<\/span> When speaking to universities, students should feel confident asking questions about:<\/strong><\/span> \nThe more informed they feel, the more confident they’ll be in making their decision, if and when the time comes.<\/span> One of the biggest concerns during Clearing is often the availability of accommodation, but students still have plenty of options available.<\/p>\n Many student accommodation providers, including Fresh<\/a>, support students securing places through Clearing and can help them find accommodation quickly once their university place is confirmed.<\/p>\n Students should begin exploring accommodation as soon as they accept a Clearing offer to give themselves the best possible choice of location and room type.<\/span> For many students, Clearing can feel like a setback, but university journeys rarely look the same for everyone. What matters most is finding a course, university and environment where your child can thrive.<\/p>\n With the right support, preparation and mindset, Clearing can be the beginning of an exciting new chapter. For more student advice, accommodation support and university living guidance, visit Fresh Student Living<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" For many students and parents, UCAS Clearing can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that Clearing is a normal part of the university application journey, and thousands of students successfully secure places every year through the process. Whether your child has changed their mind about where they want to study, didn’t receive the grades […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":22,"featured_media":8317,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8318","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-student-living"],"metadata":{"_pingme":["1"],"_thumbnail_id":["8317"],"_yoast_wpseo_title":["What is UCAS Clearing? | A Parent Guide"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Wondering what is UCAS Clearing? Discover our parents\u2019 guide to UCAS Clearing, including how the process works and how to support your child through results day and university applications."],"_yoast_wpseo_metakeywords":[""]},"yoast_head":"\n
\n <\/p>\nWhat Is UCAS Clearing?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\nWhen Does Clearing Open?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n <\/p>\nHow Does Clearing Work?<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n <\/p>\nHow Parents Can Support Their Child<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n <\/p>\nHelp Them Stay Organised<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\nKeep an Open Mind<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\nEncourage Them to Ask Questions<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
\n <\/p>\n\n
\n <\/p>\nDon’t Forget About Student Accommodation<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n <\/p>\nReassure Them That There’s No “Right” Path<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
{"id":8318,"date":"2026-07-03T11:42:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-03T11:42:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thisisfresh.com\/blog\/2026\/07\/03\/a-parent-guide-to-ucas-clearing-how-to-support-your-child-through-the-process\/"},"modified":"2026-07-03T11:42:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-03T11:42:00","slug":"a-parent-guide-to-ucas-clearing-how-to-support-your-child-through-the-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thisisfresh.com\/blog\/2026\/07\/03\/a-parent-guide-to-ucas-clearing-how-to-support-your-child-through-the-process\/","title":{"rendered":"A Parent Guide to UCAS Clearing: How to Support Your Child Through the Process"},"content":{"rendered":"