Why it will be easier to get into a Russell Group university this year

Experts have also warned that the cost of living crisis may have also prompted a decline in domestic applications to university. Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute think tank, said the drop in overall applications “leaves universities with unused resources and empty places”. “The end result is a real battle for students with, for example, quite probably more courses at Russell Group institutions in clearing this year and also lots of voluntary redundancy schemes in place for staff at many universities,” he said. “Any university that is really strapped for cash and which is on course for empty places needs to have a really good clearing to keep the wolves from the door.” ‘Plenty of options’ A Ucas spokesman said: “For anyone who doesn’t receive the results they were expecting or those who want to reconsider their choice, there will be plenty of options in clearing with just under 30,000 courses available – which is in line with last year. Ucas’s advice to students is to research their options and make a plan ahead of results day.” A Russell Group spokesman said: “Each year, the vast majority of students who are placed at Russell Group universities – typically over 90 per cent – come through the main Ucas cycle.