Can you still get student accommodation if you go through Clearing?

Yes. And that's the most important thing to know before you read anything else.

If you get a place at the University of East London (UEL) through Clearing, you can still apply for student accommodation. Clearing students are not treated differently when it comes to housing.

Here's what you need to know about how the process works, when to apply and how to give yourself the best chance of securing your preferred room.

Why accommodation feels so stressful during Clearing

Results day can be overwhelming. If your grades are not what you expected, you're suddenly making important decisions under pressure. You're speaking to university admissions teams, researching courses and trying to work out your next steps.

It's understandable that accommodation becomes another thing to worry about. But for most students, it doesn't need to be.

Once you've accepted your place through Clearing, apply for accommodation as soon as you can. Rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so acting promptly gives you the best choice.

How accommodation works during Clearing

Universities don't allocate every room before the summer. Student accommodation is planned with Clearing students in mind.

Once you've accepted a Clearing offer at UEL, you can apply through the accommodation portal. You'll submit your application, choose your room preferences and receive a provisional offer if a suitable room is available.

If you're reading this before results day and think Clearing could be an option, it's worth exploring the accommodation choices now. That way you'll already know what's available if you decide to join UEL.

What UEL accommodation is like

Our Docklands campus Halls of Residence are located on the waterfront in East London.

Rooms start from £182 per week and include utilities, Wi-Fi, a TV licence in eligible flats and security available 24 hours a day. With bills included, there's less to organise before you move in.

The campus is next to Cyprus DLR station, with Canary Wharf around 20 minutes away and central London in under 30 minutes. East London is well connected and can be more affordable than many other parts of the capital.

More than 1,100 students live on campus, creating a welcoming community. You'll also have access to a welfare team seven days a week, dedicated security staff and SportsDock, UEL's sports and fitness centre.

For students coming through Clearing, living on campus can make the transition to university much easier. You're close to your lectures, support services and other students from day one.

Timing matters

Once you've confirmed your place through Clearing, your next step should be applying for accommodation.

Don't wait until you've sorted your student finance or bought everything you'll need for university. Submit your accommodation application first.

The accommodation guarantee deadline applies to students in the main admissions cycle. If you join UEL through Clearing, the process is slightly different. 

The Residential Life team can explain your options and help you understand what's available:

Tel: +44 20 8223 4445
Email: residentiallife@uel.ac.uk

Opening hours are Monday – Sunday; 9am - 5pm

Clearing students receive the same support

One thing many students don't realise is that joining through Clearing doesn't change the support you receive.

You'll have access to the same accommodation options, welfare services, careers support and university experience as every other student.

Your lecturers, classmates and future employers won't care how you got your place. What matters is what you do once you're here.

What to do next

If you're considering Clearing, here's a simple checklist:

• Browse the UEL accommodation options before results day so you know what's available.
• Save the Residential Life team's contact details: residentiallife@uel.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 8223 4445.
• If you accept a Clearing place at UEL, apply for accommodation as soon as possible.
• Contact the team if you have questions about room types, prices or accessibility requirements.

Clearing may not have been your original plan, but for many students it's the start of an exciting university experience. If UEL is the right place for you, don't let accommodation worries put you off. Once you've secured your place, apply for your room and focus on getting ready for September.