Starting university

• Where you would like to be at the end of your studies? 
• Do you have an employment goal in mind?
• Will this course help you to achieve this ambition?
• What grades do you need to achieve to make this desired course choice a reality?

Advance planning and good communication are the key to a successful transition. At university there is usually an expectation that you will be a more independent learner.

• Student Services, including the Additional Learning Support team (ALS).
• A current student with a vision impairment
• Course leaders/personal tutors 
• Staff at the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) including IT support
• A member of the accommodation or pastoral team

Habilitation specialists may also be able to support you with a tour of your new college and help you learn specific routes around campus. To find out how to seek support from a habilitation specialist please contact us, or your local authority. You can also take a look at our mobility training for more details.

• A full or part-time student, studying on undergraduate or post-graduate level courses, including Open University and distance learning programmes
• In receipt of Student Finance, via Student Finance England
• Completing a course which is at least one year in duration, either full or part-time

You will not qualify for DSA if you are:

• An EU student
• Eligible for a Disabled Student Allowance via NHS funding
• In receipt of other funding, such as a social work or a university bursary

Disabled Student Allowance is now made up of several components, which can include areas such as:

• Non-medical helper assistant – to be used for support workers, such as note-taking, sighted guiding and access to learning materials
• Specialist equipment allowance –to be used for specialist equipment, specific to your needs and to support your studies, along with any training needs you may have to use the equipment.  This funding can also be used for warranties and insurance for the equipment. (This is the same level of funding, whether you are a full or part-time student)
• General allowance – to be used for costs associated with your disability, which could include modifying learning materials
• Travel allowance – to be used to pay for additional travel costs, which can include placements

Each of these areas may have a funding cap, depending on whether you are a full or part-time learner.

Laptop computers can still be paid for using via this funding, but there is now an expectation that students will contribute £200 to this equipment.  

• Some universities may reimburse the £200 laptop contribution. Ask your advisor about their policy during your assessment meeting
• All universities in the UK offer a full Microsoft package to all students, so you don’t need to purchase this separately
• SFE will prompt you for any specific evidence they require. Only share photocopies of this evidence with SFE and not the original documents. It is important that you are open and honest about your needs, so the best package of support can be created
• Please remember that the final report you receive is not set in stone and can be amended
• Make sure you highlight any new or additional needs as soon as possible
• It is important to contact a member of the Disabled Student Team at your new place of study if any issues come up

• Course outlines and reading lists made available in advance of your programme’s start date
• Reading lists, which include essential and desirable materials
• Lecture handouts and PowerPoint presentations to be made available in advance of the sessions
• Materials to be sent to you directly, via the university’s intranet, which will offer you an electronic version that you can modify to meet your personal needs
• Obtaining permission to record all teaching sessions using your personal equipment

• Requesting email notifications of any alterations to existing arrangements such as changes to the course, rooms or cancellation of sessions

• Exam adjustments such as extra time, rest breaks or a separate room
• Ensuring the room you have been offered is accessible to your need. 
• Access to library services such as digital books, book fetching or having access to assistive technology
• Adjustments or prioritisation for suitable accommodation such as en-suite or wheelchair accessible accommodation

• How close is it to your learning centres?
• Is it accessible - does it suit your mobility and independent living skills?
• Is there support staff available? 
• How close and accessible are the social and leisure facilities?

Most university placements should offer you priority in your accommodation choice if they are made aware of your needs. For example, you may choose to live in the halls of residence for the duration of your course.

It may be tempting to move out of this accommodation as you progress through your university career, but take some time to consider all factors. You may want to discuss all the options with family members, professionals from the university, or other support professionals so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.

These may include:

• Mobility - such as having to learn new routes, which may be longer and include using public transport
• Independence - would changing your accommodation affect your confidence and independence?
• Independent access to studies - would you need support or a sighted guide to travel to the campus?
• Professional support - if this was removed, how would it impact on your ability to enjoy all that university life brings? 
• Personal safety - Would you feel independent and confident in this new accommodation choice?