APPLICATIONS are now open for students who want to study at university from next year.

UCAS applications opened this week, giving college and sixth form students the chance to create their online profile and start applying for courses.

The main deadline for applications is January 2014 for a September 2014 start, but students can start that process by registering on the website now.

This could benefit students as some courses and universities have earlier deadlines – for example, courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine or for any application to Oxford or Cambridge.

Matthew Usher, outreach and student recruitment officer at Bournemouth University, often encounters students with questions about the application process and his advice is simple.

“There is always lots of information online and deadlines remain consistent year-on-year, so do your homework and put them in your diary now” he said.

“You can also cross reference these dates with student finance dates and any specific dates from universities you are applying to – this way you will be extra prepared and will never miss a deadline.”

Matthew also offers advice to students who are filling out their applications.

“It’s one application and one personal statement for all of your choices, whether you make one choice or five,” he added.

“Think carefully about what you want to study, and how broad your application will need to be if you are applying for courses that differ significantly. You can view details of every course, at every university, on the UCAS website – so take the time to look at course content, structure and units and relate your experience to these.”

For more information about university applications you can visit the UCAS website – www.ucas.com and talk to your school or college, who will also be preparing to help you apply to university.