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UNIVERSITY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I declare my disability on my application?

Some students, particularly those with a less obvious special need such as dyslexia or mental health problems, wonder whether it is wise to declare this on the UCAS form. The resounding answer from admissions departments is yes. It will not adversely affect your application – you will be judged on academic merit alone, the same as everyone else. However it will allow the universities to help you with getting any additional funding you are entitled to, and to work with you to provide any extra support you may need.

What if I have a physical disability?

If you have mobility problems, the hilltop unis such as Exeter and Leeds might be problematic. Before you visit for a recce it’s worth looking at the website www.disabledgo.com, a superb resource which has detailed information on each university and the accessibility of its libraries, student union, lecture halls etc, with in-depth detail on aspects such as the measurements of doorways, how heavy the doors are, where the disabled loos are and what side transfer they have. And don’t forget the extra-curricular – Cardiff and Nottingham have wheelchair rugby teams, for example.

How do universities cater for students with autism/aspergers?

Several universities including Birmingham City, Cardiff, Bath, Cambridge and Aberystwyth run a three day autism summer school, to help with the transition from school to university. These include stress and anxiety workshops, talks from other students with ASD, sessions on safe drinking and coping with teamwork, and an opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with student accommodation and the campus.

Others offer bespoke support packages. Warwick University will guarantee on-campus accommodation to autistic students, and offers an early arrival induction programme, mentoring to help with managing interaction with other students, and mental health support.

Brighton University’s mental wellbeing support officers help with settling in, offer one-to-one study skills assistance, advise tutors and lecturers on the best way of working with autistic students, and can organise extra time or rest breaks in exams. Leicester University can provide specialist support workers and one-to-one support from a study assistant for autism.