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Your Clearing questions answered

Clearing for 2022 is now closed. We have no course vacancies for 2022 entry.

On this page you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about Clearing, covering:

  • the application process
  • eligibility
  • courses that are available
  • international applications

If you're waiting for your results, final decisions will be communicated to you via UCAS and your status will be updated in UCAS Hub. We'll also send you an email to confirm this decision, including what you'll need to do next.

Application process questions

What is the Clearing telephone number and what are the opening times?

If you want to apply to Southampton through Clearing, you can apply or speak to our admissions team.

UK applicants

phone: +44 (0) 330 058 6940

email: admissions@southampton.ac.uk

International applicants

phone: +44 (0) 238212 5646

email: international@southampton.ac.uk

WeChat: use UoSouthamptonChina

Do I need to apply through UCAS, or can I apply directly through the University of Southampton?

Usually, if you have your results, you can apply directly to us to find out if we can make you an offer. If we can’t, you’ll need to refer yourself to us via UCAS Hub (or apply via UCAS Clearing if you have not yet applied to UCAS). 

UCAS step-by-step guide to Clearing

What information do I need when I call you?

You'll need to tell us:

  • your name
  • your UCAS 10 digit identification number (if you've already made any application through UCAS for 2022 entry)
  • your results (which may include relevant GCSE, or equivalent, results)
  • the subject area or course you're interested in

How do I get released into Clearing?

Being released into Clearing means you'll be giving up your place at Southampton.

Before you do this, please make sure you've got an offer in principle from another university or college. We may not be able to accept you if change your mind and want your old place back.

Once you’re sure you want to be released, what you need to do will depend on the type of offer you have from us. If your offer is: 

  • Unconditional Firm (UF): sign into UCAS Hub, choose ‘Decline my place’ and follow the on-screen prompts 

  • Conditional Firm (CF): contact us so we can release you into Clearing

What is my Southampton student ID number?

You'll receive your ID number as part of your formal offer, after we've confirmed your place through UCAS. You'll need it to apply for accommodation and to formally enrol with the University. 

What is the UCAS Results Embargo?

The UCAS Results Embargo is a period of time where:

  • applications will not be updated
  • the advisor portal on UCAS will not be updated
  • universities and colleges cannot discuss any applicants’ individual status with them, or with an adviser

Due to the strict advice from UCAS on the embargo period, the University of Southampton will not be able to discuss an individual’s application or decision status with them or an advisor from 6pm on 1 August until 8:00am on 18 August.

Our course vacancies list will also not show any courses during the embargo period.

Can I apply for accommodation?

Unfortunately, we are now fully booked for 2022/23. You can find alternative accommodation options in and around Southampton suitable for students. 

We recommend visiting the Student Accreditation Scheme for Student Housing website (SASSH). This is a partnership between the University of Southampton, Southampton Solent University and Southampton City Council to provide access to high-quality, safe accommodation. 

Other services to explore include: 

  • SUSU lettings: the Southampton University Students' Union (SUSU) has a dedicated student lettings department. SUSU also provides the Housemate Finder service
  • SpareRoom: offers houses and rooms from private property owners and agencies, with rooms starting at around £350 per month
  • Rightmove Student: offers houses and rooms for students, usually from agents on behalf of property owners - room prices start at around £380 per calendar month

Private student accommodation may still be available in one of the private halls in Southampton or Winchester although spaces will be limited and in demand. Find a list of private halls providers by visiting the SASSH website.

For help and support, contact SUSU. They can advise you with information about renting privately including:

  • contract checklists
  • guides on living with others
  • tenancy fees
  • common maintenance issues

You can also get in touch with The Student Hub if you have any other accommodation concerns.

Eligibility questions

I haven't got the grades I needed to meet my offer requirements. Will you still accept me?

Every applicant holding a firm or insurance offer with Southampton will receive an email when Clearing opens on main results date. It will explain whether we can confirm your place or not. Check your email account, including your spam folder.

You can also check the status of your offer on UCAS Hub. If you still have other conditions outstanding, the Hub will continue to show your offer as conditional.

My grade performance was affected by exceptional circumstances. Will you reconsider my application?

If you haven’t already told us about your circumstances, email details and any supporting evidence to the Admissions team.

I missed getting the grade I needed in one of my subjects by just a few marks, so I am getting a re-mark. Will you hold my place for me?

Email the Admissions team to confirm that you have asked for a re-mark. Make sure you tell us which subjects are being re-marked.

You offered me a place before, but I put other universities as my firm and insurance choice. Is your offer still available?

If there are places on your chosen course we may be able to make you a Clearing offer.

I'm waiting for my GCSE English or maths results. Can I apply through Clearing before I know the result?

If you're holding an offer from another university which is dependent on your English or maths GCSE grades, you won't be able to use Clearing until they've made a decision about accepting you.

If you don't hold any offers, or if you'll be applying directly through Clearing, you can apply before you've got your GCSE results. But we may not be able to confirm your place until you have your GCSE results.

Course questions

What courses are available in Clearing?

Available courses will be shown on our course vacancy page.

International questions

I'm an international applicant with non-UK qualifications. Will I be eligible for Clearing?

Yes. The University accepts a wide range of international qualifications. You can find information about our requirements by looking up your country.

As an international student, how will COVID-19 affect my application?

To understand how coronavirus might affect visas, travel and language requirements, explore our guidance.

I'm applying from outside the UK. Where can I find help in my home country?

The University's international team can help you with your country-specific enquiries. To get in touch, visit our international Clearing page.

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