Clearing is a UCAS application process that matches you with available university places, if you don’t yet hold a university offer or haven’t secured the grades you need for an offer that you have already received. When you use the clearing process to gain a place at one of Sheffield’s universities, you may have concerns about how the admission process will work, what questions you will be asked when you call a university through clearing, and whether you have left it too late to secure Sheffield student accommodation if you secure a university place.
Clearing concerns are common for all university students, so let's address some of those
Addressing Your Clearing Concerns
The most common clearing concerns that most prospective students face are whether they will find a university that will accept them, who they will speak to when they call the clearing line, and what they should say. But it is often said that knowledge is power, so by thinking about what your concerns might be and then addressing them before the clearing line opens, the process won’t seem so scary.
Clearing Tips and Advice
If you don’t get into your first-choice university then don’t worry: you’ll need to keep a calm and clear head when you call the Clearing line. Our first top tip is to call as soon as possible; the earlier you call, the more places there will be available, and therefore the more likely you are to get your first or second choice place.
When you call, you may be speaking to the admissions department, support staff, a student ambassador, or a tutor. So, our next top tip is to be polite, professional and enthusiastic to whoever picks up the phone. You need to impress whoever you are talking to, so answer all of their questions as fully as possible. Some universities may interview you on the phone, so you should be prepared for some interview questions too.
Finally, make sure you have researched your chosen Sheffield university before you call them. The person you speak to on the end of the phone may ask you why you have chosen Sheffield, or why you wish to study your chosen subject. They will want to know that you have made an informed decision about studying with them, and have not just called them out of desperation to secure a place anywhere.
Finding Accommodation at Sheffield’s Universities
Another concern that many prospective Sheffield university students have if they secure their place through clearing is finding accommodation. The good news is that student accommodation in Sheffield and student flats in Sheffield are plentiful, and that there are companies in the city that can show you high-quality student accommodation, often with last-minute availability. Many students choose to live on-campus in their first year at university, but it’s never too soon to start exploring off-campus student accommodation options.
Further advice for students applying through clearing
For further advice on the specifics of applying to Sheffield’s universities using the clearing process, you should contact the universities directly.
You can find clearing information for Sheffield Hallam University here:
https://www.shu.ac.uk/clearing
You can find clearing information for Sheffield University here: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/clearing
And for Student Accommodation…
Claypenny are there to take the stress of finding great quality and fantastic value accommodation away, making the clearing and the experience of starting university that much easier and more pleasurable - allowing you to get on with your studies and all the new experiences of student life. Why not get in touch with Claypenny to find the right student accommodation for your Sheffield university experience, or begin looking through our through Sheffield student properties right here.