Clearing tips
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Top tips for Clearing from Bath Spa University
Tuesday, 12 August, 2025As thousands of students wait with bated breath for their exam results next week, Bath Spa University has created a top tips guide for those who think they could find themselves looking for a university place through Clearing.
With emotions running high, the process can seem overwhelming, but with a little preparation and an open mind, it can be a great opportunity to find the right course and university, giving more options if things don't quite go to plan on results day.
Professor Georgina Andrews, Vice Chancellor of Bath Spa University, said:
"At Bath Spa University, students are absolutely at the heart of everything we do. We care deeply about making sure our community feels supported and that starts long before anyone arrives on campus at the start of term.
“Clearing can seem like an intimidating or stressful process – but it can be an exciting opportunity too, and we’re here to help every step of the way to make sure future students feel supported and empowered as they take their first steps into higher education.
"Clearing can help with discovering a wide variety of courses that students may not have considered before and they might even find themselves with a better course than they'd expected! We encourage anyone who is worried about their results to call our Clearing helpline ahead of results day so we can chat through their options and know what’s possible as they open their long-awaited results.”
Here are Bath Spa University's top tips on making Clearing as smooth and positive as possible:
#1: Prepare
Preparation is key when thinking about the Clearing process. Taking the time to do some research ahead of results day will guarantee a less stressful situation. Look into all the universities that offer the subject you're interested in. It will give you plenty of options to choose from if needed.
#2: Start now
Clearing is already open at most universities. Start looking around to see what courses are available before results day comes.
Most universities publish a list of courses that are available through Clearing ahead of the day.
#3: Research
Explore the courses on offer and consider if they are right for you.
At Bath Spa University, students can apply for a range of courses through Clearing – from sciences, to photography, computing, law, media and business to name a few. There’s lots to explore.
Think through alternative options too – maybe related courses, for example specialising in Forensic Psychology instead of the broader focus on Psychology, or perhaps consider a combined honours degree.
Make a note of interesting courses and bookmark the pages for ease of finding them later.
#4: Write clear notes
With a shortlist to hand following your research, note down the Clearing phone number for each university and the UCAS codes for each of the courses that are of interest.
Write down your address details and qualifications to date and have a copy of your personal statement to refer to for relevant experience if needed.
#5: Pick up the phone
Clearing lines are already open. Talk to universities in the run up to results day to see if they have availability in courses that are of interest and to ask any questions that your research hasn’t answered. Helpline staff are there to help.
If Bath Spa University is on your list, get in touch with BSU’s Clearing helpline team on +44 (0)1225 875 550.
#6: Relax and don't feel rushed
It might seem easier said than done but try not to panic. Following these steps really will help with feeling calmer on the day and always remember that there are people just a phone call away that are happy to help.
It might be tempting to accept the first offer you get through Clearing, but most providers will give you a bit of time to consider it. If in doubt, check with the person on the helpline.
Courses can fill up and close during Clearing, but it's still worth taking some time to choose.
Then, once decided, submit a ‘Clearing choice’ in the UCAS Hub.
Get in touch
Clearing at Bath Spa University is open now. Find out more about everything on offer this year on the BSU Clearing webpage, contact the Clearing team on +44 (0)1225 875 550 or complete an online form.
Phone lines are open 9.30am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday, and from 8am on Thursday 14 August.
If you have a query you can email admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.