Media Centre

Merlin Helps Students (MHS) www.merlinhelpsstudents.com, is a free student resource portal, established in 2000, providing a one-stop-information-shop for students within the UK. Reaching more than 100,000 visitors monthly, it is the largest higher and further education website in terms of content in the UK.

Increasingly fierce competition for university places, internships and graduate training vacancies requires students to be able to access quality information in a timely manner. The age of the Internet has enabled MHS to provide this platform. Students are faced with a number of decisions to make, ahead of, during and after education. MHS prides itself on helping students by providing quality advice and unbiased information at the click of a button.

A leading online resource for students, it is an excellent starting point to obtain further information and advice. MHS recognises students' needs before, during and after higher education with services such as college and university listings, finance, accommodation, careers and interview advice as well as many other topics. Additionally, the site also has a section specifically aimed at parents, including a new forum where parents can help and advise each other.

The range of services offered by MHS makes it a popular student website all year around. The UCAS points' calculator enables students to work out the UCAS points' equivalent based on the letter grades attained in their exams. This feature has been praised for its user friendliness and ease of use. MHS' comprehensive guide to the Clearing process is also a welcome feature particularly given how stressful a time it is for students (and parents) when the desired results are not achieved. Once a university place has been secured, accommodation and finance are two major factors to be considered. During the years at university, advice may be sought on a range of topics, which can be found on the site. The forum is another useful tool.

Provides the key essentials for students preparing for university life, including the UCAS points table and calculator, advice on choosing the right university, accommodation and how to deal with the prospect of going through the clearing system.

The indispensable directory of establishments providing further and higher education courses remains the most popular section with visitors all year round. With the key contact details, including websites for the majority of sixth-form schools, colleges and universities, students are provided with the ideal information to start their research for continuing education.

Finance and managing it is a key aspect of student life. Only one in a thousand students leave university debt-free. To help students (and parents/guardians), MHS has published a student finance booklet which covers managing finance, overdrafts, grants, loans, credit and helping students prioritise with a budget planner.

MHS is preparing a new careers section to cater for those students wishing to get a head start. Covering topics from application forms, interview skills, recruitment agencies and making the most of a CV, this section will form an indispensable guide for job-seekers.

MHS also provides a unique service enabling students to take 'virtual tours' of colleges and universities. Students (and parents) can 'visit' various educational establishments undertaking initial research in their own time.

For further information, queries or comment, contact us at help@merlinhelpsstudents.com