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Should I go through Clearing?

What is Clearing?

Clearing is a second chance to get a university place. Universities confirm which places are still free and make these available for students to apply for through Clearing. You might find the same course at a different uni or a similar option at your preferred campus. You can also go through Clearing even if you didn’t apply earlier in the year.

Search for current opportunities still up for grabs using our handy Clearing tool.

Clearing pros

• You might find a course and/or university that suits you better.
• You can start university in the year you planned.
• A university place secured in Clearing has the same value as any other student place.

Clearing cons

• You need to be quick with your search and call universities directly; popular courses go fast.
• The choice of alternative courses or universities will be more limited so try to stay open-minded.

Still have questions? Find all our Clearing advice guides here.

Clearing 2025

Clearing 2025 is open from 5 July to 20 October.

Should I take a gap year?

Taking a year out between finishing secondary education and starting university can have lots of benefits in the short and longer term. This is especially true if you’re not sure university is for you, or you didn’t get the offer you wanted.

Taking a gap year before university

Gap year pros

• Taking time out could help you reflect and refocus on what you want to do.
• You can develop lots of important life skills that will come in handy in the future.
• It will help broaden your horizons, particularly if you decide to travel and live abroad.
• It will help you stand out from the crowd and gives you something different to talk about at interviews.

Gap year cons

• A gap year can be expensive, so think ahead and research your ideas carefully. You could work some of the year and save money.
• You'll be responsible for creating your own timetable. If you don’t make plans, you might end up doing nothing – which won’t help you or your CV. Make sure to set yourself some targets and deadlines.
• You might feel left out if your friends all go to university and share that experience together, so think about your motivations for doing a gap year.
• You could find it difficult to go back to academic study after a year away. It may be worth spending some of your gap year in a related area to your potential course or career.

Gap year ideas

There are many ways of making the most of a gap year either in the UK or abroad. What you end up doing will depend on what you want to get out of your year away from academic study.

Travel abroad 

Lots of people choose to go travelling during their gap year. With a bit of research, you can find cheap ways to see the world, meet new people and become more independent.

Read more about gap year travel in our advice guide

Volunteer

There are lots of opportunities to volunteer. You could help at a summer camp, volunteer in a hospital, clinic or immunisation centre, pick fruit, do farm work or get involved with a conservation project or animal care abroad. Check out specialist websites in your area of interest for specific roles.

Learn new skills

If you’re looking to develop your CV, you could consider an internship abroad in a relevant area. Or you might want to develop a new or existing skill like taking an immersive language course or cultural programme to develop your craft, dance or musical talents.

Read more about gap year ideas in our guide.