FURTHER to last week's article on Irish students studying in the UK, Michael Curran of Irish Youth and Student Network in the UK made a number of additional points which should be borne in mind.

. While the number of applications to UCAS last year was over 80,000, the number of actual applicants is closer to 14,000, of whom around half are expected to accept places in UK colleges. This figure may increase if the government, as expected, introduces maintenance grants for approved courses in the UK.

. From next year, it is highly likely that applicants for nursing in the UK will take the same route through UCAS - the UK third level applications procedure - as all other undergraduate applicants. Previously nursing training was conducted outside the UCAS system.

. During the next academic year, the Network will seek to contact Irish societies in colleges or, where such societies do not exist, to set them up, in an effort to provide a support system for students coming to the UK to study. "There is a definite need for this," says Michael Curran, "although it's very hard to know how to meet it." There are also plans to hold information sessions around Ireland for students intending to travel to the UK to study.

. Finally, the Network operates a hotline number for students, parents and teachers seeking further information.

The number is (0044) 802 403901.