University of Chester - Guide to Clearing

YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO APPLYING THROUGH CLEARING

FEELING STUCK? Well, as the world opens up again so do many opportunities, and you can make the most of them in Clearing – and here’s how.

You can use Clearing if:

Now you’ve registered with us, we’ll keep you up-to-date with information and advice on applying through clearing, every step of the way. We’ll tailor our information to the subject area you’re interested in, plus also share some inspiring stories from current students who were in your shoes this time last year.

You’re applying after 30th June – if you’ve already researched universities but ended up applying later than the original UCAS deadline, you will have automatically been entered into Clearing.

But first up, here’s what you need to know right now.

You applied before 30th June but didn’t receive any offers, or have decided that you no longer want to accept any of your offers.

Perhaps your circumstances have changed, or you’ve had a change of heart. This is your chance to get going again.

WHAT IS CLEARING? Essentially, Clearing is an opportunity to apply fresh for a 2021 university course, any time after 5th July 2021.

Is Clearing for me?

Clearing may have previously had a reputation for being a last resort, but this is no longer the case – these days it’s simply another way of accessing a university place, and is now used by savvy students who want to boost their potential or are simply having a re-think about their degree and career options. Given the level of change and uncertainty we’ve all faced over the last year or so, this makes Clearing more relevant than ever before.

More and more mature students are also seeing Clearing as a way to fast-track the complicated admissions process and the number of mature students placed during Clearing is growing every year.

You haven’t applied at all yet – no problem; it’s all still to play for.

Come results day, you didn’t meet the conditions of your offers. It’s been a rollercoaster ride this past couple of years, and if you don’t make the grades, you won’t be alone. At this point, you can now enter Clearing to find another university.

STEP 1 If you haven’t yet applied to university at all, you simply need to contact UCAS to get a Clearing number.

If you have already applied, check UCAS Track to see the status of your application. If you are in Clearing, you will see a ten digit Clearing number. If your original offer is still showing as ‘conditional’, you should contact the university to find out why.

If you applied for a place at Chester, but didn’t quite make the grades, contact us. We may be able to reconsider your place, or offer you an alternative place on a different course.

CHECK TRACK.UCAS.COM

If you are still holding an offer you no longer want to take up, you can self-release into Clearing. You do this by clicking the ‘decline my place’ button in Track, completing a set of questions to confirm your decision and you’ll then get an email to confirm that you’re now in Clearing.

CONTACT US 01244 567 470

STEP 2 Do your research Have a think (or re-think) about they key considerations for choosing your course – this will probably start with: what do you want to study, and whereabouts? You can view our single and combined course vacancies online, which are available across a range of subject areas.

If you are waiting for results, start planning as much as you can in advance: research module options, course facilities and extracurricular opportunities available. With so many universities offering virtual events this year, there is a wealth of information just a few clicks away, plus you can often chat online with staff and students, so you can ask about those specific things that are important to you.

This will all make you feel much calmer and more prepared on results day.

While it’s important to have a clear idea of the course you want, it’s a good idea to be flexible. You can maximise your choice by considering a joint degree with another subject, or considering a Foundation Year, which is an entry route designed for those who don’t meet the necessary academic qualifications but show a strong commitment and ability to do so.

If you aren’t waiting for results this summer, then you can get going now and apply any time after Clearing opens on 5th July.

Don’t miss our ‘Preparing for Clearing’ online event on Tuesday 3rd August, which will bring together friendly staff from our Admissions, Student Finance and Funding, and Accommodation teams for a live chat to get experts answering your questions.

ASK US

Ask Us: Is this a campus or a city university?

Will I be taught on site in September?

What is the plan if Covid-19 gets worse again?

Is accommodation guaranteed?

Does the course have a work placement?

Will I get the right academic support?

What’s the social life like?

CLEARING PLUS Clearing Plus is a service offered by UCAS that matches unplaced applicants with relevant courses that have vacancies. So, if you’re in Clearing you’ll be able to see a list of these courses by clicking ‘view matches’. If you see a course you’re interested in, you simply click a button and your details are passed along to the institution, who will be in touch if places are still available. Just be aware that this list isn’t exhaustive and it is only a system - no one knows what matters to you in your search for a university or course better than you do, so it’s still worth doing that initial research.

STEP 3 Call your choices Make sure you’re prepared with your ten-digit UCAS number and your qualification history, along with your grades.

Call us on: 01244 567 470 During the Clearing period (5th July – 19th October), our lines are open 9:00 – 17:30 Monday to Thursday 9:00 – 16:30 on a Friday.

CALL US 01244 567 470

However, our lines will be open for extended hours on the following days: Tuesday 10th August 8:00 – 19:00 Wednesday 11th August 8:00 – 19:00 Friday 13th August 9:00 – 17:30 Saturday 14th August 9:00 – 17:00 Sunday 15th August 10:00 – 16:00 Saturday 21st August 9:00 – 17:00 It’s a really good idea to have a notepad and pen handy and be near a computer as you will be sent information via email, sometimes while on the phone, and you might need to access UCAS Track. It’s also sensible to have someone with you, a parent or a partner or friend, as it can be an emotional time and having a friendly face with your best interests at heart can help. It goes without saying that universities will not put students under pressure, and will always be friendly and accommodating. You will never have to make a decision, there and then, over the phone.

STEP 4 Visit if you can Clearing can sometimes feel pretty rushed, but choosing a university course is a big decision, so it’s really important to get it right.

If you can, visit your preferred option(s).

Nothing can replace the opportunity to get a feel for some-where, so you can go with your gut as well as being informed by your research.

At Chester, Shrewsbury and Warrington, we’re running student-led campus tours in August, allowing you to see facilities, visit the area and chat to students who will show you round. See our website for more details and to book: www.chester.ac.uk/clearing.

GET CONNECTED AGAIN

CAMPUS TOURS

MEET YOUR DEPARTMENT

VISIT THE AREA

As someone who has registered for Clearing updates, you’ll also be able to access live campus tours, live city tours, on-demand 360 tours if you are unable to visit us in person.

We’ll also be running online ‘Meet Your Department’ events on 11th and 12th August for people who have been made an offer through Clearing – this will be an exclusive opportunity for students applying through Clearing to meet your lecturers and fellow classmates, enabling them to hit the ground running when term starts.

CHAT TO STUDENTS

GET CONNECTED AGAIN

ASK STUDENTS: How much do I need to live on?

Are there any jobs available locally?

What is Welcome Week?

How long did it take you to make friends?

How long does it take to get to the city or town centre?

What’s the nightlife like?

What is the food like on site?

What’s it like to study here?

What are the lecturers like?

ASK US: When will I meet my personal academic tutor?

How much face to face teaching will I get?

What do I need to do before I start?

Have I got the right equipment?

How do I submit work?

Are there any course-based socials?

STEP 5 Refer your application Remember to check your emails as this is how many universities will confirm your offer. By keeping your inbox up to date, you’ll be sure to have all of the information you need to take the next step.

If you’re offered a place and you want to accept, log on to Track and refer your application by clicking ‘Add Clearing choice’, and fill in the details. This counts as you definitely accepting the offer. Once we’ve confirmed your place through Track, it will show as an acceptance on your ‘Choices’ page in Track.

Key information: The UCAS Institution Code for the University of Chester is C55 The name of the course and the course code can be found either on our website, or by searching for the University of Chester on www.ucas.com If you wish to apply for a course based at one of the following locations, you may also need the Campus Code:

UNIVERSITY CENTRE REASEHEATH -

R

UNIVERSITY CENTRE SHREWSBURY -

S

UNIVERSITY CENTRE WARRINGTON -

Make sure that you enter the correct Campus Code in the ‘Choices’ section of the online application form.

W

APPLY FOR FINANCE

STEP 6

Apply for accommodation If you are going to be moving away for uni, then you also need to consider accommodation. At the University of Chester, we guarantee University or partnership accommodation for anyone applying through Clearing accommodation – one less thing to worry about. Your confirmation email will include further details on how to apply for accommodation. Once you receive this, simply click on the link and follow the instructions.

GET FUTURE-FOCUSED APPLY FOR AGAIN FINANCE

STEP 7

Apply for finance

APPLY FOR ACCOMMODATION

Finally, you will now need to finalise your Student Finance application if you haven’t already done so. Alternatively, if you’ve already applied you will now need to update your details on your online account to reflect your new choice of course or university.

This doesn’t take long but is really important to ensure you get everything in place for the start of term!

And that’s it!

Next you can relax and look forward to getting going again, towards a future you can be excited about.

Don’t forget you can contact us at any point with questions or to discuss your circumstances:

01244 567 470 admissions@chester.ac.uk chester.ac.uk/clearing