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Navigating university as a disabled student
Posted on behalf of: Izzy, Student Ambassador
Last updated: Thursday, 26 September 2024
This post was originally posted on UniBuddy.
Before starting at university, I was worried about how I would cope with the independence of adult life on top of my disabilities. Having been at university for six months, I can say it was the right choice and I am thriving! However at the beginning there was a lot of uncertainty, so I have written a list of things I personally found helpful.
Register with disability advice
This is vital in order to access the support you need while at university. Once you have registered, you will have reasonable adjustments put in place to help complete your course. The adjustments you get will depend on your situation and what would be most helpful for you. You can find more information on the Student Hub.
Register with a local GP
This is important for any student, however as someone who takes medication for my disability, I knew it was important to register as soon as possible. You don’t want to be registering when you’re running out of medication! There is an on campus GP and pharmacy, however you could choose a GP off campus as well.
Maintain contact with family and friends
My family is one of my biggest support systems, so the idea of living away from them was very daunting. I often text my family during the day, and call once a week, which has helped with homesickness. It is also important to make connections at university to prevent isolation: societies and your course are great ways of meeting new people.
Practice self care
Disabilities can be exhausting, so it’s important to take care of yourself. If you often forget to eat or drink the correct amount, it may be helpful to set reminders. Societies are a good way of incorporating hobbies into your week. For example, I’m part of the knitting and crochet society. We meet once a week, which allows me to destress and put time aside for my projects.
Know when to ask for help
There may be times when you will need to ask for help, whether that be academic or personal. It’s important to know what your limits are so you’re not overwhelmed. The Student Centre is the best place to go as they can point you towards the correct team.
Hopefully this helps, or gives you ideas about what would work best for you!
Izzy is a Student Ambassador chatting to prospective students conline via the UniBuddy chat platform.