Freshers Survival Guide:

Loads of disabled students study successfully for a degree and enjoy their time at university. They may meet difficulties and barriers, due to the physical environment (particularly in old buildings) or maybe financial difficulties. But good organisation can help overcome some of them.

Most universities now have a designated adviser to help and support students with disabilities. Otherwise, try the welfare officer, student services officer or your personal tutor – and the library and students’ union may offer support too. If you are a UK student, you should get extra disabled students’ allowances (DSAs) and some universities have targeted bursaries too. Support agencies may be able to help you, eg RNIB or the Dyslexia Institute.

If you are not yet in touch with your local branch of Skill (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities) this is the time to do so. It is a charity promoting opportunities for young people with any kind of impairment in post-16 education, training and employment. Check out its website − www.skill.org.uk − which also has links to Skill Scotland, Skill Wales and Skill Northern Ireland.