We hear so many stories in the news, on social media and possibly through your mate\u2019s mam\u2019s friend so that, when it comes to Clearing and university, it\u2019s difficult to establish what\u2019s true and what isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
Here we aim to dispel some of the most common misconceptions around applying through Clearing and going to university.<\/p>\n
\u2018I\u2019ve missed the UCAS deadline, so I\u2019ll have to wait until next year to apply.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n The last Wednesday in January is the official UCAS deadline but, if you\u2019ve missed it, don\u2019t despair! There are still opportunities to apply to study at university after the deadline has passed. Clearing opens in early July, this is where universities advertise courses that still have places available to start that September. Register with UCAS (if you haven\u2019t already) and start to narrow down your course and university choices. If you have questions, check out open days or contact the university (online chat, email or social media). The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to apply when Clearing opens.<\/p>\n \u2018All the good courses are full by Clearing.\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n Not true. You may need to make compromises, such as considering a university you hadn\u2019t previously, moving away from home when you had planned on staying or completing a foundation year first but, if you are determined to follow your passion, there are opportunities for you. Make a start on researching your options early so you are ready to go as soon as Clearing opens and bag that place you didn\u2019t think would be available.<\/p>\n \u2018\u00a39,250 a year \u2013 how can I afford that?\u2019 <\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, this is a lot of money that is unlikely to be sitting in your bank account. But don\u2019t panic. You take a tuition fee loan through Student Finance England. This covers your course fees each year and you don\u2019t start paying it back until you have graduated and are earning over \u00a325,000*. You can also apply for a maintenance loan to help with living costs, and make sure to check out if they are any university bursaries and scholarships that you might be eligible for.<\/p>\n \u2018How will I manage my student debt? Will I always be skint after finishing uni?\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n