Secure Your Uni Accommodation Post-Clearing 2025

Understanding Clearing and accommodation in 2025: Key context#

If you’ve gone through the Clearing process, your place at university is confirmed. This is the first step, but at this point you don’t have anywhere to stay (unless, of course, your university is close to home). Now you’ve got a confirmed place on a course, you need to urgently arrange your accommodation for the upcoming academic year.

When can I apply for accommodation after Clearing?#

While UCAS Clearing opened on 5th of July 2025, most universities won’t be accepting accommodation applications at this point. Many universities reopen their accommodation applications on A-level results day, which is on Thursday, 14th of August 2025. This is to enable students who find places through Clearing to apply for university, as well as anyone who missed the original deadline or chose to go with their insurance option. However, note that not all universities reopen the applications on the same day, so check the details for your specific u

Finding accommodation after getting a place through Clearing#

Here is our step-by-step guide on how to find accommodation once your place is confirmed through Clearing. Before jumping in, you may want to read up on each type of student accommodation, especially if you’re not sure which option is right for you. You can also use StudentCrowd’s listings to compare the different options in your uni city, with important details and authentic reviews.

Step 1: Check your university's accommodation guarantee (immediately)#

Some universities offer guaranteed accommodation for first-year students applying through Clearing. However, this guarantee requires you to apply by a tight deadline, typically in late August – it can even be as soon as a few days after A-level results day!

Start by checking your university’s website or accommodation office to see if they provide a guarantee for Clearing students, and if so, when the deadline is. If you can’t find the information yourself, reach out to the accommodation office directly to ask.

If the university provides a guarantee, it can be a fairly stress-free way to sort out your accommodation, making it the most students’ first option.

Step 2: Explore university-managed halls (if available)#

Regardless of whether you’re applying in time for guaranteed accommodation, it’s worth first checking if there’s any availability at university-managed halls. There will be fewer options compared to regular applicants, but some places will free up when students don’t go with their firm choice for whatever reason. University halls are typically a popular option due to their convenient location and simplicity, so you might be limited to specific room types.

When you’ve accepted your Clearing offer, you’ll be able to register on the university’s student portal, where you can submit your accommodation application. If you can find a good option with availability on the portal, don’t hesitate to submit your application.

Step 3: Look into private halls of residence#

Private student halls (also called Purpose-Built Student Accommodation or PBSA) are often a lifesaver for Clearing students. They operate independently from universities and frequently have more availability right up until term starts.

Private halls offer a convenient alternative to uni halls, providing a range of benefits including:

Modern facilities specifically aimed at students, often including dedicated study spaces, gyms and places to hang out

Convenient, all-inclusive payment options with bills included and no hidden costs, making your budgeting simpler

Robust security measures such as 24/7 reception desks and CCTV

Great locations close to campus and other amenities

Social events for residents, offering a chance to meet neighbours and make friends

Head to StudentCrowd's accommodation pages to browse a huge selection in your university city. You can filter by price, location, and facilities, and crucially, read authentic student reviews to help you make a quick decision. If you find a PBSA you like the look of, you can reserve your room directly through StudentCrowd.

''Living in a PBSA took the stress out of budgeting. Having all my bills included meant I could actually focus on studying and enjoying uni life without worrying about extra costs.'' - Jannah, University for the Creative Arts

Step 4: Consider shared houses or flats (private rentals)#

If university-managed and private halls aren’t for you, you may want to consider renting privately. This option tends to be best for students moving in with friends, but it is also possible to find individual rooms for rent. 

There are a few places to look for private rentals:

Local letting agents: While it might be tricky at short notice, your university town/city will have plenty of letting agents who can help you with your search, some of which specialise in helping students specifically. Contact them directly and tell them about your requirements, and see if you can arrange a virtual room viewing (as you probably won’t have time to arrange an in-person viewing before term starts).

Student housing platforms: There are various online platforms for finding private student rentals, as well as forums for connecting with other students looking for roommates. For example, you might be able to find a group of students looking for one more person for their flat or house – this can be significantly easier than finding an individual room by yourself. You can even join your university’s Freshers group to find other people in a similar situation.

University housing lists: Many universities provide resources to help students find private rentals, so check your university’s website or reach out to the accommodation department to see if they can point you in the right direction.

When applying after Clearing, finding a rental for just one person can be more challenging. However, it isn’t impossible – you might just need to be a bit more flexible and look further afield to find somewhere to live.

Key considerations when choosing accommodation post-Clearing#

When researching your options for student accommodation, there are a few important factors to consider:

Budget and bills: Check whether rent is paid monthly or per term (this will vary depending on accommodation type). Clarify what’s included in the rent, such as utility bills, internet or insurance. Look out for any hidden costs, such as cleaning fees that may be included by default. Finally, check what’s expected of your guarantor.

Location and commute: Your accommodation location will have a big impact on your experience, so check the distance to your department and other important university buildings, such as the library. See what’s in walking distance (including amenities like shops, bars and doctors), and check the public transport routes to make sure you’re happy with any commute times.

Facilities and amenities: Understand the different room types (e.g. studio apartments, ensuite rooms, or rooms with shared bathrooms). Make sure you know which facilities are included in your rental, such as study spaces, laundry facilities, common rooms, gyms, and security measures like CCTV or a 24/7 reception desk.

Contract terms and conditions: It’s important to understand the key details of the contract for each accommodation option. You need to check the tenancy length to see if you’ll need to vacate the accommodation over the holidays, and the cancellation policy just in case your plans change. You should also verify that your deposit will be protected by a UK-approved scheme.

Life after securing your accommodation#

Once you’ve sorted your accommodation, you’re almost set for university life. There are still a few last things to check before the start of the academic year:

Confirm your booking: Ensure that you’ve signed the accommodation contract, and that you’ve got the correct payment details to pay your deposit (if required) and your regular rent payments. Make sure you review all of the important documents, or ask a parent or advisor to take a look at them with you.

Update Student Finance: Add the details of your accommodation to your Student Finance account. Keeping your details up to date reduces the chances of payments being delayed, so it’s important to enter your info accurately.

Packing your bags: Before it’s time to move into your new home, think carefully about what you’ll need to pack, and if there’s anything you need to buy beforehand. If you don’t know where to start, take a look at our packing guide for students. You can always grab anything you’re missing once you’ve moved in, but don’t forget essentials such as laptop chargers, IDs, and other important documents.

Prepare to move in: Confirm when you’ll be able to move into your accommodation (both the date and time), and what you’ll need to do on the day. You may need to collect a key or welcome pack before heading to your new room, or for private rentals you’ll need to arrange to meet the landlord. Also, you’ll need to figure out how to get to uni with all your bags!

Get to know people: Join social media groups for your university, as well as clubs and societies. You may also find a group for your specific accommodation, allowing you to get to know your flatmates and neighbours before move-in day.