ADVICE is being issued to students as A-level results day approaches.

There is just one day to go until thousands of young people across Dorset and Hampshire find out their grades.

Many will be hoping to go to university or take up job offers or apprenticeships.

And most of those opportunities will depend on the grades inside the long-awaited envelopes on Thursday morning.

Results must be collected from school or college but higher education hopefuls will be able to find out whether they have gained a place in their first-choice university from 8am through UCAS.

A UCAS spokesman urged students to be prepared. Have your sign-in details handy, update contact details if you need to and make sure you’re available on results day.

If students don’t get the results they hope for they may be offered a place on their first choice course anyway or a place at their insurance choice.

They could also be offered a different course or get the opportunity to search through the Clearing service to see what courses still have vacancies.

The National Careers Service has joined forces with Mental Health UK in a bid to reduce the stress involved for students, parents and teachers.

Its free Exam Results Helpline will offer impartial advice and outline the different options available.

Sophie Graham, careers adviser at the helpline said: “Exam results day can cause anxiety for both young people and their parents alike, which is why it’s really important to make sure they are seeking proper advice from the experts.

“The different routes on offer to young people are varied and personal and there’s no one set answer or perfect formula. Young people need to make sure that they are making the right decisions based on their own strengths, interests and all the options available. By giving the Exam Results Helpline a call they will receive free, expert advice, tailored to their strengths and interests.”

Laura Peters, head of advice and information services at Mental Health UK added: “Exam results can be a stressful time. This means it is very important that young people put their mental health first and make sure they are taking care of themselves.”

Mental Health UK also urges people to “do something nice every day” and to seek expert advice.

The helpline will be open from 8am until 10pm, August 14-29.