Getting support in place for university
Preparing for university with a disability, health condition or learning difference
Starting university is a big step. If you’re disabled, neurodivergent, have a long-term health condition, mental health condition, sensory or physical impairment, or specific learning difference, there are things you can do before you arrive to help you feel ready and make sure the right support is in place.
You don’t need to have everything worked out before you start. We’re here to provide information, advice and guidance to help you understand your options and find support that’s right for you.
Get ready for university
University can bring changes to how you study, manage your time and organise your day. Thinking about what support you might need before you arrive can help make the transition to university smoother.
Whether you’re considering applying, have accepted an offer or are getting ready to start, you can begin thinking about the support that could help you feel confident and ready for university.
Tell us about your disability
If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, you can share this information with us when you apply to study at the University or at any point during your studies.
Sharing information as early as possible gives us more time to provide advice and guidance and consider support arrangements where appropriate.
You don’t need to know exactly what support you need before you contact us.
What happens next
Once you’ve shared information about your disability, we can work with you to understand what adjustments may be helpful.
Where appropriate, a Student Support Document may be created. This notifies relevant University staff about a student’s disability, supports conversations about potential reasonable adjustments and records agreed exam provisions.
You will need to provide supporting information about your disability, health condition or difference.
Find out about Disabled Students’ Allowance
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) can help with study-related costs if you’re eligible. Depending on your individual circumstances and how your disability, health condition or difference affects your studies, support could include specialist equipment, software or non-medical support.
It’s worth finding out about DSA and applying as early as possible.
Find out more about
Disabled Students' Allowance
Think about where you’ll live
If you need specific accommodation because of a disability or health condition, tell us about your requirements when you apply for accommodation.
Letting us know early gives us more time to understand your requirements and consider what accommodation may be appropriate for you.
We’re here to help
You don’t have to work everything out on your own.
If you have questions about getting ready for university, sharing information about your disability, arranging support, applying for DSA or visiting the University, we can provide information, advice and guidance.
I saw at the open day how much all the staff cared about students, and since being here I’ve had a lot of study support, especially since being diagnosed with dyslexia.
The teams really understand and support you to achieve, rather than waiting for you to have an issue. For example the course releases lecture notes alongside the lecture itself, which makes information easier to digest. I wanted to start somewhere fresh and new, and it’s been fantastic.
Rachel, current student