As thousands of students across the UK open their A-Level results today, a new admissions process for clearing places is set to drastically shake up the scramble for final available rooms.
Clearing self-release now allow students who have firm offers to immediately release themselves from their placement and apply to an alternative university. Previously, students had to be released by the institution they had applied to, somewhat staggering the process.
Online student letting agent StudentTenant.com issue concerns about the likelihood of all of these applicants getting last minute accommodation, as the number of students changing their university city is set to drastically increase with the new ability to change courses.
Danielle Cullen, Managing Director at StudentTenant.com gives her advice to students going through the process:
“Here at StudentTenant.com we are strongly advising students to consider changing their place very carefully. The new controls are great in giving more autonomy to those deciding on a very important future, however, they must be mindful of the housing options available.
We are expecting an influx of applications for student housing from today onwards. For those who have decided to change their course, we advise that you start your property search as soon as possible.
Students should also familiarise themselves with the different housing options available, as there are purpose built private halls and shared housing options. For anyone searching on our website, we provide information on the differences between the two, but students must consider carefully which option is the best for them.”
StudentTenant.com reveal the best and worst university cities for the UK’s top universities in terms of accommodation availability for the upcoming academic year.
All of the university rankings are sourced from the Times Higher Education ‘Table of Tables’ which is based on the combined results of the UK’s three main domestic university league tables - The Good University Guide, The Guardian University Guide and The Complete University Guide.
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Loughborough University
University ranking: 5th
Courses available: 268
Student property availability: 98
Loughborough University is known in particular for their 440 acre single-site campus, sporting excellence, and engineering and technology achievements. Despite ranking 5th in the UK, the university still has 268 courses available through clearing. However, with only 98 student properties still available in the area, if all of 268 courses were to be fully booked through clearing, there may not be enough space to accommodate all of the students expecting to study at the university.
Courses in Clearing include:
Aeronautical Engineering
Chemistry
Sport Management
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Lancaster University
University ranking: 7th
Courses available: 384
Student property availability: 96
The Times and the Sunday Times University of the Year 2018 are also struggling to fill placements, with a whopping 384 courses still available through clearing. With just 96 student properties available in the surrounding area, students once again could be fighting for accommodation in the area as a result.
Courses in Clearing include:
Computer science
Economics
Philosophy
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University of Warwick
University ranking: 11th
Courses available: 145
Student property availability 3
Ranked within the UK top 10 for highest earnings in over 11 subjects, the University of Warwick is a fantastic university for any student. However, with a total of 145 clearing courses available and just 3 properties available, students will certainly be struggling to find accommodation in Warwick.
Other notable universities:
University of Exeter
University ranking: 11th
Courses available: 211
Student property availability: 37
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University of Birmingham
University ranking: 13th
Courses available: 48
Student property availability: 854
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University of Leeds
University ranking: 14th
Courses available: 240
Student property availability: 1,369
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Danielle continues, ‘It’s actually quite concerning that some universities are promoting so many places when there is a distinct lack of housing options available. Whilst some do offer a number of places in on-campus or university owned accommodation, these are usually very limited.
The University of Warwick for example, is offering 145 courses, but there are only 3 properties available on one of the UK’s biggest property portals. The University of Leeds on the other hand has 240 courses, but over 1200 properties on online platforms.
Again, we urge students to do their research on accommodation options before changing places, and not only consider the options available, but also the cost of living for that city, as it may differ significantly from their original city of choice.”