What to do
Most universities are not able to offer guaranteed accommodation on campus to those students entering through clearing or insurance offer students. Once the university has allocated rooms, the remaining rooms will be available to those students applying later for accommodation, but once again this is not guaranteed, and the wait can be a long one. Some universities place students in temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts or hotels, until they can place them in university-owned accommodation. In other cases, you may have to find your own accommodation. Usually the best place to start is your university's website. All the information you need about their procedure for placing clearing students should be there, along with contact information. If you are still unsure or unable to find what you're looking for, then contact your university's accommodation office. Each university operates differently, so they will be able to tell you which steps to take (for example if you need to fill in an online application form), or put you in contact with someone who can help you find your own accommodation.
Temporary Accommodation
While your university is trying to accommodate you, you may be placed in temporary accommodation. This varies from university to university, but usually you're placed in bed and breakfasts or other accommodation that the university may own. While it may be frustrating, this doesn't have to be a bad experience; chances are you'll be among others who are in the same situation and it gives you the opportunity to make friends before you move into halls. André Samuel, a third year Computer Science student at Loughborough University had this experience, and says: “Loughborough was my insurance choice. When I found out that I hadn't gotten in to my first choice, initially I was quite annoyed, but in the end I had to face the fact that I was going to Loughborough. So I read more about the university in an attempt to find the positives of the situation, and I realized that there were actually many good things about it. The university told me to apply online for accommodation like everyone else, but then they wrote to me telling me that accommodation in halls was full, and gave me advice on finding my own accommodation in Loughborough. On the advice of a friend who had had the same experience, I told the university that I did not want to take any of the options they had given me; I wanted to move into halls and I knew that rooms would become available. I was placed on a waiting list during the summer; the university wrote to me once more, stating that there was no space in halls at the moment, but they would place me in temporary accommodation. At first I was placed in a hotel with approximately twenty others in the same situation as myself. After a week some of the group were moved into halls and the rest of us were moved into a university-owned house, where we stayed for a further two weeks. This was better than the hotel, because everyone got to know each other and now some of them are among my main group of friends. Although it didn't seem like the ideal situation at first, it turned out to be quite good because I got the opportunity to meet loads of people and now, as a result, I have a lot of good friends.”
Finding your own
If your university is unable to help you and you have to do it yourself, don't worry! Most universities will be able to put you in contact with estate agents or landlords in the area who will be able to offer you somewhere. Sometimes you may find current students are looking for a housemate to join them at the last minute because someone else has dropped out for whatever reason. If not, there are also a number of websites that deal specifically with student accommodation. For instance, UNITE offers accommodation for students in cities all over the UK; whether you're looking for private halls or a student apartment, websites like these are designed to help you. When finding your own accommodation, think about your budget and lifestyle. Do you prefer en-suite? Would you prefer having utilities included in your rent? Do you prefer to be close to campus or town? When viewing potential homes, think carefully about what you're getting for your money. Some utilities-inclusive accommodation may sound good, but may not always be worth it. Although finding accommodation after clearing may be last minute and your options may be limited, you don't necessarily need to rush; take the time to make comparisons so you can make the choice that is best for you.
Accommodation Websites:
Unite - www.unite-students.com
Accommodation for Students - www.accommodationforstudents.com
Student Pad - www.studentpad.co.uk
Accommodation
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