Student at university, clear to be sensational (5)
I believe the answer is:
lurid
'be sensational' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'student at university clear' is the wordplay.
'student' becomes 'L' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'at' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'university' becomes 'U' (abbreviation for university).
'clear' becomes 'rid' (synonyms).
'l'+'u'+'rid'='LURID'
'to' is the link.
(Other definitions for lurid that I've seen before include "Melodramatic" , "Melodramatically sensational" , "Glaringly vivid and graphic" , "Fiery - sensational" , "Shocking; vivid in colour" .)