WIREDGOV

Students can find help with their applications on Directgov

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 28 October 2009

As the UCAS deadline looms on 15 January, the Government offers advice to thousands of students applying for a place at university.

2009 is set to be another record year for education with thousands of people due to apply for university places through UCAS. However, with around 50,000 different courses to choose from and the application deadline coming up on the 15 January, the process can be a daunting and complicated one.

To help students make these important decisions, Directgov, the Nation’s official website, has set up dedicated support pages to help students with their choices and to take the pain out of the process.

Maxine McKenzie, Head of Citizen Communications at Directgov, said: “As selecting the right course is such a large step for many students, the university application process can be very daunting. By collating this information in one place and adding plenty of helpful tips on how to navigate your way through the experience, we hope potential students can be as informed as possible to help make the right choice for them.”

Directgov hosts a range of tips and official UCAS links for all those considering entering higher education, in a language that’s easy to understand, including information on:

• How to apply? – choosing the right course, university, how to fill out your UCAS form and key dates in the application process

• What is higher education really like? – tips on handling studying and making friends

• Is higher education right for you? – the benefits of higher education

• Student life – tips on preparing for university

• Student finance – when should you apply and what are you entitled to?

• Applying as a mature student – information on why study as a mature student, long-distance, part-time and flexible learning

• Student housing – finding somewhere to live

For more information and to access these services visit www.direct.gov.uk.
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For more information on Directgov contact:
Directgov@3-monkeys.co.uk or 020 7009 3100 or helen.beckett2@directgov.gsi.gov.uk or 020 7829 3817

Notes to editors
• Directgov is the Nation’s official website and provides user-friendly, 24/7 information on all government services – including education, transport, tax, crime, the environment, employment – all in one place and in plain English.

• As well as being available on the website www.direct.gov.uk, which now attracts up to 20 million visits a month, it can also be accessed on any internet-enabled mobile phone, and on TV.

• In June 2009, the site received its 250,000,000th visit.

• www.direct.gov.uk is a Hitwise Top 10 Award winner for the quarter ending October - December 2008. During this period, www.direct.gov.uk ranked No. 2 based on market share of visits among all United Kingdom websites in the Hitwise Government - Central industry category. For more information, please visit www.hitwise.co.uk/

• Please note: Directgov is spelt as one word and with a lower case ‘g’

• The Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) supplies a range of education and learning related information to Directgov, these can be found within the education and learning section of the website

• People without internet access can use the Directgov mobile service to find their nearest UK online centre, for access and support: Text ONLINE to 83377

Contacts:

NDS Enquiries
Phone: For enquiries please contact the above department
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk