CONTENTS

1. UCAS Clearing 2026

2. Can you get accommodation through UCAS Clearing?

3. Ask about accommodation when you call universities

4. How do you apply for accommodation if you get a place through UCAS Clearing?

5. Accommodation places go quickly – don't wait to apply

6. What if university halls are full?

7. Types of student accommodation available after UCAS Clearing

8. Don't forget to update your student finance

UCAS Clearing 2026 – key dates

Clearing 2026 runs from 2 July to 19 October. But it will be busiest after A Level results day, which this year is on 13 August.

Can you get accommodation through UCAS Clearing?

Yes. Once you’ve accepted your place through Clearing, you can focus on finding somewhere to live. Many universities guarantee first-year students a place in halls or close to campus and will therefore keep places available for anyone involved in Clearing.

If possible, go to an open day and see the types of accommodation on offer for yourself. Universities usually run Clearing open days to give you this opportunity. Alternatively see if there’s a virtual tour on the university website.

Ask about accommodation when you call universities

When you're speaking to universities during Clearing, it's a good idea to ask about accommodation as part of the conversation.

Find out if the university has accommodation available to students entering through Clearing. You can also check this on the university's website or Clearing pages before you pick up the phone. If you're weighing up more than one verbal offer, knowing what housing is available at each university can help you make a more informed decision.

How do you apply for accommodation if you get a place through UCAS Clearing?

Most universities have a student portal that you will be invited to sign up to once you’ve accepted their offer. The portal will have all sorts of information on it including an accommodation section. You’ll often be given a range of housing options and asked to give your top three choices in order of preference.

Universities usually have their own accommodation team so do contact them if you want help understanding the possibilities open to you.

Accommodation places go quickly – don't wait to apply

Once you've accepted your place through Clearing, apply for accommodation as soon as you can — ideally on the same day. Universities often hold rooms specifically for Clearing students, but these are usually allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you apply, the better your chances of getting your preferred option.

Contact the university's accommodation office directly if you're unsure how to get started or if the online portal isn't available to you yet.

What if university halls are full?

If university-managed accommodation is no longer available, don't panic — there are other options. Many cities have private student halls run by providers such as Unite Students, iQ, or Student Roost, which often still have rooms available during Clearing.

You can also look into private renting through student letting agencies or house-share websites. If you're struggling to find something permanent straight away, some universities can point you towards short-term or temporary accommodation while you continue searching. The key is not to let housing worries put you off accepting the right course — options do exist, even at short notice.

Types of student accommodation available after UCAS Clearing

You might not have as many options for accommodation when you go through Clearing, but you should still think carefully about what you want. Consider where you'd like to be based, be realistic about your budget, and think about what you're willing to compromise on. Do you have any special needs that the university needs to know about?

Student accommodation options

Here are some of the options you might be asked to consider:

• University managed halls or accommodation from approved private provider.
• Catered or self-catered.
• All-inclusive or manage your own bills.
• Shared bathroom or en-suite.
• Mixed halls or single sex halls.
• On campus or city centre location.
• Shared room or single room.
• Studio flat or cluster flat (shared flat).

Read more about some of these options in our top tips on finding the right accommodation for you

Once you’ve got your accommodation sorted, check out the university’s social media channels for an accommodation group (usually on Facebook) to help you get to know people before you move in.

The shortcut to your uni shortlist

Make your university search faster and less stressful.
Get a personalised shortlist by selecting what matters to you.

GET STARTED