Frequently asked questions
If your question isn't answered below, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.
Who is eligible for clearing?
You can use clearing to find an undergraduate course if
- you've missed your expected grades
- you haven't previously applied to university
- you want to change your choice of university or course
What if I haven't applied yet?
If you haven't already applied through the UCAS system you can still apply to universities through clearing, if they have places available. Call the university you want to join, and if you're made an offer you'll be told what to do next.
What if I would like to change my course or university?
If you've had your place confirmed but you want to change course or university, first make sure there's space on the course you want to join - and that the university is willing to accept you onto it.
You then need to request to be released from the university where you currently have a confirmed place. Once you've been released from a place at a university you can't change your mind and come back to your initial selection, so it's important to be sure about your decision.
When does clearing open?
Our clearing phone lines will open at 7am on Thursday 15 August 2013. You can see our most recently updated opening times here.
How does clearing work on UCAS?
A clearing choice button will automatically be added to your UCAS Track screen.
Vacancies are shown on the UCAS clearing vacancy website and on individual university websites. Our course availability will be updated here – this page will be updated frequently and will be the first place we make any changes.
You'll need to contact universities to discuss vacancies. Once you have received an offer verbally or by email or letter and you want to accept the place, enter the details of the institution and course into UCAS Track.
Can I visit Sheffield Hallam once I've been offered a place?
Yes. We run an open day for students who have been offered a place with us through clearing. You can meet our lecturers and students, look around our campuses and complete any final paperwork.
We'll send you an invitation to the open day along with your offer of a place.
What if I have an offer which is also dependent on my GCSE grades?
You can't have your place confirmed until we receive confirmation of your GCSE results. But as long as you meet the other entry requirements, your place will be kept open for you.
What if I have been unsuccessful but believe I have met the entry requirements?
Call our confirmation phone number on 0300 555 0567. You'll be able to speak with an adviser about your personal circumstances.
What if I want to appeal a decision?
Appeals need to be submitted in writing to admissions@shu.ac.uk. Please put 'Appeal' in the subject line. You should explain why you are appealing the decision and provide additional supporting evidence where appropriate.
What if I get better results than required?
You don't have to do anything – your place at your first choice university will be confirmed automatically. You can see this on UCAS Track.
If you achieve better grades than required for your firmly accepted offer, you can choose to look for an alternative course that has places available, while still holding your original choice. This is known as Adjustment.
Adjustment is entirely optional. Not everyone who is eligible will want to try to find an alternative place. And if you don't find a place on an alternative course through Adjustment you will still have your original university place.
To find out more, visit the UCAS Adjustment webpage.
When should I apply for student accommodation?
After 48 hours of accepting an unconditional firm offer to study here, apply for accommodation online.
We'll usually contact you with details of your accommodation offer between 7 to 10 days later. During this time you can track the progress of your application by logging onto your online accommodation application.
Choices of accommodation through clearing will be limited but we guarantee to find you a place to live. If you'd prefer to live in a privately owned shared house visit our accommodation website for details of our registered properties and househunting event.
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