Be University Wise guides › Clearing › After Clearing
After Clearing: money, housing and support
Your student finance application is not linked to UCAS. If you change university or course through Clearing, you must update it yourself. Then sort out accommodation and any support you need as early as you can.
Checked against official sources on 25 September 2026.
Free Clearing tools: Am I in Clearing? · Call planner · Call tracker · Countdown to results day
Student finance
| If you live in | What to do after Clearing |
|---|---|
| England | For most courses starting on or after 1 January 2027 you apply through the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) account, even if you already have a Student Finance England account. You do not need a confirmed offer to apply. If you change course or university, you must tell Student Finance England. Once the academic year has started, the university tells SFE. |
| Scotland | SAAS says you do not need to wait for results or an unconditional offer: apply with your first choice and change your course in your SAAS account. |
| Wales | Sign in to your Student Finance Wales account and tell it about your new university or course. Your application is not linked to UCAS. |
| Northern Ireland | Update your course or university in your Student Finance NI account. |
Apply as early as you can. Late applications are still accepted for months, but money may not arrive for the start of term. See student finance and fees by UK nation.
Accommodation
UCAS says that as a Clearing student you get your place later than others, so it is important to check what accommodation is available early.
- Ask on the phone whether accommodation is guaranteed for Clearing students.
- Apply as soon as your place is confirmed.
- If halls are full, ask the university’s accommodation office for approved private halls or house-share lists.
- Check rents in your new city and never pay a deposit for a room you have not verified.
- If you had accommodation for your old university, cancel it in writing. Using Decline my place cancels accommodation arranged through that university, but not private halls or other private contracts.
Disability and support needs
- UCAS advises students who need support or adjustments to speak to the university before making any decision in Clearing. Setting it up may take time, and the disability adviser can help.
- You do not need a confirmed place to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).
Other things to do
- Read every email from your university and meet its deadlines.
- Look for bursaries and scholarships on its website.
- International students: follow the CAS and visa steps. See Clearing for international students.
Sources
- GOV.UK: student finance through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement
- GOV.UK: change your student finance application
- SAAS: Student Awards Agency Scotland
- Student Finance Wales: Clearing
- Student Finance NI: changes to your circumstances
- UCAS: Clearing guide for international students
- UCAS: supporting disabled students (advisers)
- UCAS: how to apply for Disabled Students' Allowance
Quick answers
Do I need to tell student finance if I change university through Clearing?
Yes. Student finance is not linked to UCAS. Update your account with Student Finance England (through your LLE account for 2027 entry), SAAS, Student Finance Wales or Student Finance NI.
Can I get accommodation if I go through Clearing?
Often yes, but choice may be limited. Ask whether accommodation is guaranteed for Clearing students, and apply as soon as your place is confirmed.
Can I apply for DSA without a confirmed place?
Yes. UCAS says you do not need a confirmed place to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance.