Can You Get Accommodation Through Clearing?

Last updated: January 2026

Where you live can feel like a massive part of your first year at uni. When results day doesn’t go to plan, it can feel like your dream of getting the perfect student setup is completely out of the window.

If you’re sorting your place through clearing, you might be panicking that you’ve missed the boat on student housing. The good news? This probably isn’t the case!

We’ve put together this quick guide to help you lock down a great place to live after getting your university place through clearing. Here’s what we’ll cover:

Two female students cheering as they look at a laptop screen

Can you get accommodation through clearing?

The short answer: yes, absolutely! Lots of unis offer guaranteed accommodation to all first-years, including those coming through clearing. Even if yours doesn’t offer this guarantee, they usually keep places held back, so don’t sweat it.

Of course, going through clearing means you might not get first dibs on the most popular halls. Some options might be fully booked. However, you should still be able to find somewhere that fits your budget, even if it’s not exactly what you wanted.

When and how to get accommodation through clearing 

Once you’ve accepted your place through clearing, check your emails. Most unis will invite you straight into their student portal, which will include information on how to book clearing accommodation. You’ll be asked to rank your top three accommodation choices.

If you can, check out a clearing open day or take a virtual tour on the uni website. Just make sure you’re realistic about your budget before you sign anything.

If you don’t hear from your university’s accommodation team, call them as soon as you can. They should have an accommodation office or a clearing hotline you can call.

Don’t sit around waiting – if there aren’t many places or a lot of competition, you might end up on a waiting list, which is why it’s so important to be proactive about finding your accommodation.

How will I get my accommodation offer through clearing?

You’ll get an email from your uni team letting you know your housing offer is ready.

How do I accept my accommodation offer through clearing?

Usually, you’ll log back into the portal and follow the steps to accept the offer. Keep an eye on any deadlines so you don’t lose the room!

What types of accommodation can you get through clearing?

There are various types of accommodation you get through clearing, with the most common being university student accommodation and private halls. What you’ll get depends entirely on what the uni has left.

When to consider privately rented student accommodation

Usually, you’ll look at university halls or private halls. If the uni is completely full – or if their remaining rooms are way out of your price range -privately rented housing is your next move.

Private halls are basically the same as uni halls but run by an independent company. They’re usually right in the city centre or super close to campus, with your own room and a shared kitchen. Bonus: you might end up living with people from other unis in the city, which is great for expanding your social circle.

The other option is bagging a privately rented student house from a local landlord or letting agent. You can share with other students or rent a studio by yourself. There should be lots of students who have spare rooms and are looking for an extra housemate.

The best thing about going private? You have total control over where you live and who you live with. You aren’t just stuck with whatever the uni assigns you. Plus, you’ll likely move into a private house in second year anyway – so, you’re just getting a head start.

Tips for getting accommodation through clearing

Let’s face it – nobody’s first choice is to go through clearing. But you can still make the most of the hand you are dealt. Here are some of our top tips for getting your accommodation through clearing:

  1. Be flexible

Being flexible in this situation is a must. Remember to be open to options beyond your chosen halls, like private and shared housing.

  1. Don’t delay

Don’t delay matters further. Once you know you’ve bagged a place at uni, contact the accommodation team quickly to get the ball rolling.

  1. Do your research

If you’re thinking about going for a private house, check out online university groups, forums, or portals to make housemate connections and find listings. Grab a viewing if you can, although this might not always be possible in the circumstances.

Dealing with household bills once you get accommodation through clearing  

Living in a privately rented student house for your first year does mean that you’ll have to get to grips with paying household bills a little earlier than most students. However, this doesn’t have to be stressful – you can always go for a bill-splitting service to make your life easier!

That’s where we come in.

Split The Bills is trusted by thousands of students across the country. We aim to make shared living as simple as possible for students. Our team handles the annoying parts of shared living so you can just enjoy your freedom. All you have to do is pay one neat monthly bill!

You can create a personalised package, including energy, high-speed broadband, water and even a TV Licence if you plan on watching live TV. Your energy and water bills will be uncapped, so you know exactly how much you’ll pay each month, and you don’t have to worry about accidentally going over.

Learn more about how Split The Bills works or get a price for your house today.

Student sorting bills on laptop

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15th May 2026 No Comments