The anxious wait for thousands of teenagers is nearly over as they pick up their A-level results tomorrow.

But for those who don’t get the grades they need for their chosen university, the clearing system helps students find late or alternative places.

Once you have your results you can start calling the universities you are interested in and most of them will be able to make you an offer over the phone.

According to Sarah Simms, head of admissions at Rochester’s University for Creative Arts (UCA), thorough research of your options and knowledge of the courses available to you is key to receiving the offer you want.

She shares her tips on how to get through clearing as swiftly and successfully as possible.

She said: “Before you make the call make sure you have pen, paper and your results in front of you. Even when you have just got them and think you have them fresh in your mind, there is so much going on it is easy to forget. Remember you do not have to be in the UCA’s system to go through clearing and since we are a creative university we may also accept applicants based on their portfolios.”

She said the places available through clearing are by no means limited to courses seen as unpopular and universities often find themselves shifting places around to make the possibilities fit with demand.

Prospective students will be able to start looking at courses with vacancies on the UCAS website just after midnight on Thursday morning.

The University of Kent, which has a campus in Medway, still has some places available.

Offering advice, Steven Holdcroft, head of recruitment and admissions, said: “This year adjustment and clearing will be as busy as ever so my top tip for those seeking a place at university is to get online and do the research now. Prospective students still have an excellent opportunity to find the course that is best for them so they shouldn’t panic.”

Bev Woodhams, head of recruitment at the University of Greenwich at Medway, has more than 20 years experience of working in higher education.

She encourages students to be positive and to not let the stress get the better of them making sure that the course and university you finally settle for is the right choice for you.

“Keep calm and stay focused” is the first and most important advice on her list.

On Saturday, August 17 the university is opening up its three campuses at Greenwich Maritime, Avery Hill and Medway, for a special clearing day when potential students can talk to course experts and specialists, and explore the facilities.

To find out more about clearing visit http://www.ucas.com/clearing