RECORD numbers of students are heading to university this year, with almost 400,000 accepted on to degree courses already.

As of midnight, 396,990 undergraduates had been accepted on to courses at UK universities, up 3% on last year, according to Ucas figures a nd 352,590 have won a place on their first choice of course, up 2% on 2013.

Ucas said that for the first time this year, the total number of people going to university could top half a million.

Ucas chief executive Mary Curnock Cook said: "Today's numbers are a reflection of the continuing strong demand for higher education. A combination of extra places available and the falling population of 18-year-olds means that students are in a good position to secure a place this year.

"Alongside the impressive numbers, this is also a story about individuals who have made a life-defining decision to invest in their personal growth and position themselves for a more fulfilling life and career."

© Press Association 2014