Guide
10 Reasons why attending a University's Clearing Open Day is a great idea.
If you're considering university through Clearing, things can feel like they're moving pretty quickly. You might have only just started thinking about your options, or you could already have your Clearing choices in mind.
Either way, visiting a university Clearing open day in person can make a huge difference. A Clearing open day gives you the chance to look around, ask questions and get a feel for somewhere before deciding whether it’s right for you.
Here are 10 reasons why it's worth making time for a Clearing open day.
1. Get a feel for the university
Photos and videos can only tell you so much. A Clearing open day lets you actually walk around the campus, see the facilities and get a feel for the atmosphere.
You might instantly love a place, or you might realise it's not quite what you expected. Either way, that's useful to know before making your decision.
2. See what's still available
Clearing can open up courses and universities that you hadn't originally considered. At a Clearing open day, you can find out more about the courses that still have places and what studying there could look like.
It's a great opportunity to explore your options rather than simply choosing from the universities you had in mind earlier in the year.
3. Ask questions about your course
Got questions about modules, placements, assessments or career opportunities? Ask them.
A Clearing open day gives you the chance to speak directly to lecturers and course staff. You can ask the questions that matter to you and get a much better idea of what the course is really like.
4. Check out the accommodation
Where you live can make a big difference to your university experience.
During a Clearing open day, you may be able to look around university accommodation, see bedrooms and shared spaces, and find out about different accommodation options. You can also ask about costs, availability and how applications work.
5. Meet current students
Who better to tell you what university is actually like than someone already there?
Current students at a Clearing open day can give you a more honest insight into student life. Ask them about everything from lectures and societies to nights out, making friends and what they wish they had known before starting university.
6. Explore the local area
University isn't just about the campus. The town or city you’ll be living in will become a big part of your experience too.
Use your Clearing open day as an excuse to explore the local area. Check out the shops, cafes, restaurants, parks and places where students hang out. Try to imagine yourself living there for the next few years.
7. Find out what support is available
Starting university can be a big change, so it's worth knowing what support you can access.
At a Clearing open day, you can find out about student wellbeing, academic support, careers advice, disability services, financial support and other services available to students.
Even if you don't think you'll need support, it's reassuring to know what's there if you do.
8. Compare your options
If you're considering more than one university through Clearing, visiting them can make comparing your options much easier.
Make a note of what you like about each university, from the course and facilities to the accommodation and overall atmosphere. Sometimes the things you notice during a visit can help you decide between two options that looked very similar online.
9. Get a better idea of student life
University is about much more than your degree.
A Clearing open day can give you a glimpse of the wider student experience, including societies, sports, events and social spaces. You might discover something you hadn't even thought about before visiting.
It can also help you work out whether the university feels like somewhere you could see yourself spending the next few years.
10. Trust your gut
Perhaps the biggest reason to attend a Clearing open day is simply to see how a university feels.
You might walk onto campus and immediately think, I could see myself here. Or you might realise that somewhere else feels like a better fit.
There's no right or wrong reaction. Your instinct matters, and visiting in person can give you the confidence to make a decision that feels right for you.
Ready to explore Clearing?
If you're considering university through UCAS Clearing, don't feel like you have to rush into a decision without seeing your options first.
A Clearing open day is a chance to look around, ask questions, meet people and see whether a university feels right for you. Even if you're still unsure about your plans, visiting could help you discover an option you hadn't considered.
Browse upcoming university Clearing open days, add your favourites and start planning your visits.
Useful FAQs
A Clearing open day is an event where prospective students can visit a university during the UCAS Clearing period. It's a chance to explore the campus, meet staff and students, look at accommodation and find out more about courses that may still have places available.
Visiting a university in person can help you decide whether it feels right for you. You can see the campus, explore the facilities, ask questions and get a feel for student life before making your decision.
Yes. Many universities hold open days and other visit events specifically for students considering their options through Clearing. Check with the university to see what events are available and whether you need to book.
A Clearing open day can be a useful opportunity to find out more about courses with available places. University staff can explain what's available, entry requirements and how the Clearing application process works.
Often, yes. You may be able to speak to lecturers or course staff and ask questions about the course, including modules, assessments, placements and career opportunities.
Many Clearing open days include opportunities to chat with current students. They can give you a first-hand view of university life, from studying and accommodation to making friends and getting involved in societies.
Depending on the university, you may be able to visit student accommodation during a Clearing open day. It's a good opportunity to see the rooms and shared spaces and ask about availability, costs and how to apply.
Definitely. Your university experience isn't just about the campus. Take some time around your Clearing open day to explore the town or city, check out places to eat and see what's available for students.
You can ask about the support available to students, including academic support, wellbeing services, careers advice, financial guidance and disability support. It's useful to know what help is available before you start.
Yes. If you're considering several universities, visiting them can make it easier to compare your options. Think about the course, campus, accommodation, facilities, location and overall atmosphere.
It can give you a much better idea. You can explore social spaces, sports facilities, societies and other parts of campus life. Speaking to current students can also give you a more realistic insight into the experience.
That's exactly why visiting can be useful. You don't need to have everything figured out before attending a Clearing open day. Seeing a university for yourself may help you discover an option you hadn't previously considered.
It can be. If you're considering accepting the offer, visiting the university gives you one more chance to check that the course and university feel right before making your final decision.
There's no single answer. Consider the course, location, accommodation, facilities, support, student life and career opportunities. Most importantly, think about how you feel when you visit. Sometimes your first impression can tell you a lot.
You can browse upcoming Clearing open days to see which universities are holding events. Add the ones you're interested in to your favourites, compare your options and start planning your visits.
