How to manage stress and find support during Clearing

Clearing can be a whirlwind — especially if things haven’t gone to plan. Whether you missed your grades, changed your mind, or just feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Thousands of students go through Clearing every year, and many of them feel exactly like you do.

Let’s cover how to manage stress during Clearing, where to find real support, and why it’s okay to ask for help — emotionally and practically.

Feeling stressed about Clearing? You’re not the only one 🙂

The pressure of results, quick decisions, and new choices can make Clearing feel intense. But stress during Clearing is common, and completely normal.

“You might be thinking, ‘This is the end of the world; it’s the worst day ever’, but so many people go through Clearing for so many different reasons… it doesn’t single you out.”
– Tasha, Civil Engineering

If you’re feeling anxious, try pausing to breathe, write down your top priorities, and talk to someone who understands the process. The most important thing? You don’t have to do it alone.

🔗 Need to speak to someone about Clearing?

Emotional support: talk it out

Whether you’re disappointed, frustrated or just stuck in your own head, emotional support during Clearing can make a big difference.

Try:

• Talking to a parent, teacher, or friend who’ll listen
• Calling the university’s Clearing helpline for support 01273 644000
• Speaking to a mental health adviser once you’ve accepted a place

“I really liked the lady on the phone who was lovely and reassuring – I think I needed that then, for someone from the universities to say it would be fine… I didn’t get anything but positive energy.”
– Kat, Civil Engineering

🔗 If you didn’t get the results you were hoping for, read our Results Day advice to understand your next steps.

Mental health support in Clearing

Looking after your mental wellbeing isn’t a luxury — it’s essential. The University of Brighton, like many others, offers mental health support services for students, and this can begin even before term starts.

External support is also available. For example, Student Minds offers advice and peer support specifically for students navigating university stress. There’s also some more specific advice here if you are supporting someone going through Clearing.

Common signs you may need support:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Panic or dread around decisions
• Withdrawing from people you usually speak to

“My experience with Clearing staff was so positive, everyone was reassuring and informative during what was a very stressful time for 18-year-old me.”
– Evie, Environmental Science

📘 Learn more about student support through Clearing and how we help you feel at home from the start.

Dealing with disappointment or anxiety

It’s okay to feel let down — especially if you missed your first-choice offer. But Clearing is not a second-best route. It’s a second chance to choose what’s right for you.

Things that can help you:

• Reframe your thinking: You’re taking action under pressure, and that’s something to be proud of
• Take breaks from social media and comparison
• Focus on your next step — not what could’ve been

🔗 Worried about money or housing?

Decision support and practical help

Sometimes the stress isn’t emotional — it’s just the pressure of making fast decisions.

These three suggestions could be helpful if you’re stressing about making decisions

• Use a checklist: write down what matters most (location, course, accommodation)
• Speak to an adviser: they can help you weigh your options
• Give yourself permission to pause: most universities give you a bit of time before you accept

🔗 For tips on how to plan and prepare, head to our Clearing advice page

Key takeaway: it’s OK to ask for support

Clearing can feel like a lot — but support is built into the process. You are not alone, and asking for help doesn’t make you weak. It makes you smart.

Useful resources that can be helpful

Here’s a short list of sources and organisations that can help you dealing with stress and anxiety.

Mind: Student mental health hub

Young Minds

Kooth podcast