Location, location, location is vital for students when deciding which universities to choose during the Clearing process after their A-Level results come out this Thursday (14/8).

The latest UCAS Clearing report, which received around 6,000 responses, found that location is consistently one of the key factors when students decide their chosen university. A total of 60% of students with two firm choices would pick one of the universities based on its location, which was the second most important criteria below ‘enjoying my experience’ (62%) according to UCAS.

For many students London consistently ranks as the most popular location in the UK and the world as the QS Best Students Ranking 2026 poll placed London 3rd below second placed Tokyo (2nd) and Seoul (1st).

Middlesex University, which was named University of the Year in London in the WhatUni Student Choice Awards 2025 and has its main campus in Hendon, North London, believes there should be clear career routes for students in and around the capital.

The University trains 1,782 nurses, along with 434 teachers and 230 social workers every year, while its nursing and midwifery students undertake more than 5,000 placements in the NHS London every year.

A Middlesex University survey of students discovered post-graduation employment opportunities, as well as internships, placements and emphasis on CV building are essential whey they apply for higher education.

Professor Shân Wareing, Middlesex University’s Vice-Chancellor who will be taking calls from prospective students on the Clearing hotline in person, said: “Choosing a university is one of the most important decisions a student can make, shaping not only their education but the rest of their lives.

“While factors like location matter, what’s essential is that students gain the right skills, training and clear pathways into meaningful careers. We’re proud to be deeply rooted in our community. We work closely with local employers to anchor talented graduate nurses, teachers, social workers and many others in North London. By doing so, we help build lasting careers that strengthen the local economy and make a real difference to the lives of people in our area.

“Today marks the beginning of these students’ higher education journey, and it’s our responsibility, as a University and as a sector, to support them at every stage so they can thrive and reach their full potential.

“I’m really looking forward to talking to prospective students, answering their questions and telling them what Middlesex and higher education has to offer.”

Research by Middlesex University found students applying for universities also value support with digital tools, online learning platforms and IT literacy.

David Gilani, Head of Access and Participation at Middlesex University, offered the following 10 tips for students going through Clearing:

1) Don’t panic if you don’t get your expected grades because many courses are still open. You can also use UCAS Clearing Plus tool which provides you with courses matching your profile.
2) Use your time effectively on Results Day – browse websites, view virtual tours and learn from other students’ experiences through things like the National Student Survey.
3) Consider your options and do not discount alternative course and study level. You can find loads of info on the course pages and university profiles to help you decide.
4) Speak to admissions advisers through their dedicated Clearing phone lines about courses/ alternatives.
5) Have all your important information in one place (such as your UCAS number, clearing number, grades all your exams including GSCEs) you will need it when making calls and talking to university teams
6) Be ready to answer questions on your reasons for choosing a specific course. You may be asked to speak to a programme leader, or be invited for an interview.
7) Be patient – with hundreds of applications to process, it can take up to a day for your chosen university to make a decision and respond. If you haven’t heard back by the following day, give them a follow-up call.
8) Confirm your place on UCAS once you have been made an offer which you want to accept.
9) Ask for support – universities have so much on offer to make sure that your transition to university is a successful one. At Middlesex, our Ready for Anything programme helps to make sure that you are supported in the move to higher education – so whichever university you’re applying to ask what’s on offer to help with the next steps.
10) Get excited – going to university is a transformative experience. Many describe it as the best time of their lives. Once you’ve got your place through Clearing you should feel incredibly proud of yourself.