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How to phone a university in Clearing - what to say

In Clearing you contact universities yourself, and a quick phone call can land you a place. Here’s exactly what to have ready and what to say.

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In short

In Clearing you contact universities yourself. It’s a short, friendly call: give your Clearing number and Personal ID, say the course you’re interested in, and be ready to explain briefly why. They may make you an informal offer on the phone - ask how long they’ll hold it, and call more than one before you decide.

How it works

tutor2u isn’t a university or a UCAS service, and we can’t place you on a course. This is a plain-English guide to the official process - always use UCAS and speak to the universities and your school or college for anything specific to you.

Have these ready before you call
  • Your UCAS Personal ID and your Clearing number (both in your UCAS Hub)
  • Your exact grades / results
  • The course title and course code you’re asking about
  • A few points on why you want the course - be ready to sell yourself briefly
  • Pen and paper to note who you spoke to, the offer, and any deadline to add it

A simple call goes like this:

  1. Introduce yourself
    Give your name, that you’re calling about Clearing, your Clearing number and Personal ID, and the course and code you’re interested in.
  2. Give your grades and a reason
    Tell them your results and say briefly why you want the course. It’s a chance to make a good impression - it’s fine to be enthusiastic.
  3. Note the outcome
    If they make an informal offer, write down who you spoke to, the offer, and how long it stands. Ask any questions about the course.
  4. Decide, then add your choice
    Call other universities if you want to compare. When you’ve decided, add that university as your Clearing choice (from 13:00 on results day).

Example

“Hi, I’m calling about Clearing for your BSc Psychology, course code C800. My Clearing number is 123456 and my Personal ID is 1234567890. I got ABB, and I’m really keen because…” - the admissions tutor checks, makes you a verbal offer, and tells you it’s open until 5pm tomorrow. You note it down and call one more university before deciding.
Common misconception

You don’t need a perfect script - be polite, have your details ready, and it’s fine to call several universities before deciding. An informal offer can expire, so always ask about its deadline.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to phone, or can UCAS do it?

You contact the universities yourself in Clearing. UCAS gives you the search tool and your Clearing number, but the offer comes from the university. Source: UCAS ↗

What should I have ready?

Your Personal ID, Clearing number, exact grades, the course title and code, a couple of reasons you want it, and pen and paper to note the offer and its deadline. Source: UCAS ↗

Can I call more than one university?

Yes - it’s sensible to compare informal offers before you add a single Clearing choice. Source: UCAS ↗

Does the offer last?

An informal Clearing offer can have a deadline, so ask how long they’ll hold it and add your choice in time. Source: UCAS ↗

See it in the data

See the full Clearing process, and how to choose if you get more than one offer.

University Clearing explained →Choosing between Clearing offers →

Official sources

Official sources: UCAS: what is Clearing · UCAS: Clearing & results day
About this guide. Produced independently by tutor2u using current UCAS guidance to explain university admissions and Clearing in plain English. Always check your UCAS application and contact the relevant university or college for advice specific to your application. Last reviewed 11 August 2026.

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Last checked August 2026. This is a plain-English summary of the UCAS admissions and Clearing process; always check your UCAS application and contact the relevant university or college for the details that apply to you, which can change.

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