The application process
What is the Clearing telephone number and what are the opening times?
If you have any queries about Clearing, you can contact our admissions team on +44 (0)23 8059 4732. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, UK time.
We will also be opening our Clearing hotline for A level results day on 15 August 2024. We will publish more details, including the hotline number and opening times, shortly before results day.
Do I need to apply through UCAS, or can I apply directly through the University of Southampton?
Once you have your results, you'll be able to apply directly to us to find out if we can make you an offer. If we can, you’ll then need to refer yourself to us via UCAS Hub (or apply via UCAS Clearing if you have not yet applied to UCAS). You can do this by following 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 applications through UCAS)
- your results (which may include relevant GCSE, or equivalent, results)
- the exact title of your qualifications, for example, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a BTEC National Certificate, as some different qualifications will have similar names
- 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 your chosen university.
Before you do this, please make sure you've got an offer in principle from another university or college.
The university where you hold an offer 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. 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 the university so they can release you into Clearing
What courses are available in Clearing?
You can view the full list of courses in Clearing on our course vacancies page.
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 enroll with the University.
Can I apply for accommodation?
Accommodation applications will be allocated on a first come, first served basis for Clearing. Your application should be made as soon as possible, as any remaining spaces in halls will fill up very quickly.
There are alternative accommodation options in and around Southampton which are suitable for students, if you are not able to secure accommodation in halls.
What is the UCAS Results Embargo?
The UCAS results embargo is a period of time where we will not update applications, and the advisor portal on UCAS will not be updated.
This year's embargo runs from 6pm, Monday 29 July until 8am, Thursday 15 August. During this time, we can't discuss your application status or grades with you.
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.
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.
I'm an adult supporting an applicant through the Clearing process. What do I need to know to help them?
If you're a parent, carer, guardian, teacher or careers adviser supporting an applicant through Clearing, we can help you prepare.
We are hosting a webinar for parents and supporters on Wednesday 7 August, 5pm to 5:45pm. Learn about how Clearing works from our experts, who will guide you through topics such as:
- key dates
- what to expect during Clearing
- how to plan for different outcomes
- the processes for applications, offers, accommodation and more
- Clearing from a university perspective
You can also ask our experts your questions during a question and answer panel. The webinar is open to anyone supporting an applicant through Clearing. Sign up now to secure your place.
Can't make it on the day? Don't worry, you can now watch bite-sized recordings from our previous parents and supporters webinar on the following topics:
- What is Clearing and how does it work? (9 minutes)
- How to prepare for Clearing and our top tips (10 minutes 27 seconds)
I've been made an offer through contextual admissions. What support can the university provide?
We sometimes use additional information about applicants when considering their applications to study with us. We call this process contextual admissions, and we have plenty of support available to those who receive an offer through this process.
Our Student Inclusion Team is committed to ensuring that every student has access to the help and resources they may need whilst at university. The team offers support and guidance for underrepresented student groups, including care leavers, estranged and mature students.
I've been made an offer through Clearing and I would like to visit the University campus. Will I have an opportunity to do this?
We are hosting a Clearing Visit Day on Saturday 17 August. This visit day is for offer holders only and you will receive your invite once you've received your offer.
During our Clearing Visit Day, you'll be able to:
- take guided tours of our campus and accommodation
- take self-guided tours of our library, sports facilities and cities
- attend accommodation information sessions and student finance talks
- visit our financial support information point
- attend drop-ins on widening participation, student inclusion and disability
We are also offering travel bursaries of up to £100 to applicants who have been made an offer through contextual admissions, to help cover the cost of travel to the visit day. You can apply for a travel bursary by completing our short form.
