Crossword Genius

Join university side, leaving in the morning (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

unite

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'join' is the definition.
('unite' can be a synonym of 'join')

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for unite that I've seen before include "Club together" , "Make one" , "Come, or join together" , "Link" , "Amalgamate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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