Disabled students: Support with transition to university

Some universities and colleges offer summer schools, orientation events and taster courses to help you manage the change, particularly if you find this challenging.

For example, some events are specifically designed to help autistic students or students with anxiety to meet other students and staff, and familiarise themselves with the campus and facilities. If you’re moving away from home, you may be able to arrive early to settle in before the start of term.

• If you’re moving away, have you thought about how you will get there and transport your equipment?
• If you’re staying at home, have you planned your journey or budgeted for public transport?
• If your disability means you need to use your own vehicle, have you spoken to the university about parking arrangements?

• Checking what equipment you will need (e.g. books for your course, kitchen equipment if you are moving away).
• Getting on with pre-reading for the course – make the most of your time now to get ahead.
• Check your eligibility for free healthcare, including sight tests, dental treatment, and prescriptions. Be aware this differs depending on your age, where you live in the UK, and if you have certain health conditions. You can check eligibility for help with health costs on the NHS website.
• Building your academic skills – this short online course from FutureLearn can help you boost your study skills before you go.
• Learning how to set and manage a budget.
• Brushing up on your cooking skills if you’ll be catering for yourself.
• Making sure you know where to go for help on different matters (e.g. accommodation issues, help with managing deadlines and workload, mental health and wellbeing).
• Finding out if there are any community groups (e.g. on Facebook) where you can connect with other new students before you go.

It’s good to be prepared and know have some ideas on what to expect, so the Know Before You Go guide from Student Minds is a great resource to help you get ready. You might also find their Transitions Guide useful to help you navigate university life.

If your support needs or adjustment requirements change at any time after you've applied and discussed your arrangements, (e.g. if there is a change to your health), let the disability adviser or support team know as soon as possible.

If you've applied for Disabled Students’ Allowance, mention this to your disability adviser and also contact your needs assessment centre to discuss any changes. You can find the details of your needs assessment centre on your needs assessment, which will have been emailed to you. If you are unable to find it, your disability adviser can help.