As students across the country prepare for Freshers Week, the University of Salford is using a unique mobile-first approach to help students applying through clearing.

The Match Made in Salford app, creating by digital transformation firm Squiz, provides users with personalised course recommendations based on their grades achieved and career interests, then lets them explore more details when they match with courses that have still have places.

“Usually students are faced with lengthy lists of available courses, but with this tool were making our clearing process student driven and much more interactive,” said John McCarthy, director of marketing and student recruitment at the University of Salford.

“Because users are recommended a course based on their interests and long term goals, it means that when they telephone us they feel more informed about the course they are enrolling on. We want students to be able to find their ideal course partner, and then look forward to a wonder new life together in September when term kicks off!”

The university saw over 10,000 users sign up for the matchmaker to find courses, with site engagement up 264 per cent on last year and students sharing their matches on social media through the app.

“18 year-olds use mobile apps daily so it makes sense for universities to offer an experience of clearing which echoes other popular services,” said Roger Warner, head of strategy at Squiz. “Offering this service as digital first allows the university to make the clearing process enjoyable, more personal and engaging.”