As a disabled student, choosing a university in which you feel comfortable and supported is essential to achieve academic success. There are a number of things to consider, such as the location of the university, its resources, and the kind of tools and aids available to students with disabilities. To ensure you don’t have to compromise on your requirements, here are three top tips for choosing a university that’s right for you.
Check its resources and accessibility features
Your university should have all the tools and equipment you need to study effectively, in a way that works for you. For STEM students with disabilities that impact their mobility, this could mean ensuring that labs have wide, wheelchair-accessible aisles, or adjustable-height worktops. It could also mean making sure they’re able to deliver learning material in alternative formats, or that they’ll have an assistant on hand should you need support. It’s a good idea to have questions in mind when visiting your choices on open days.
You’ll want to select a university that already accommodates your needs wherever possible. However, it’s important to remember that you can purchase assistive tools with your funding if you need to, too.
Consider your life outside of university
No matter how well equipped your university is, it’s important to recognise that you’ll also have a life outside of classes. You want to make sure you’ll be able to get the most out of all aspects of your university experience, such as the new social activities available to you. As such, it’s a good idea to consider whether or not these are accessible to you.
Similarly, ensuring that there are good, accessible transport links in the area is crucial. Getting reassurance that you’ll have the means to keep on top of your everyday responsibilities, like going to the shops, can go a long way toward putting your mind at ease during this time of change.
Explore additional ways to seek support
Every student should have access to a support service throughout their time at university. As a disabled student, it’s worth checking that your university is able to offer you the level of support and guidance you need.
Reach out to your university if you’re unsure, and ask about what’s available to you – there may be disability support groups or counselling sessions provided to students. You can also speak to them about other organisations in the area such as charities. While you won’t necessarily need to speak to someone outside of your university or social circle during your studies, it’s worth finding out where you can get additional help should you need it.
Make sure it’s inclusive
Above all else, it’s important to choose a university that promotes inclusivity and has policies that reflect that commitment. You might not find a perfect university, but so long as you find one that’s keen to help disabled students overcome barriers to success, you’ll feel supported throughout your studies.
Author bio: Noah Davies
Noah is a student support worker who is passionate about making academic institutions more inclusive. His role includes supporting disabled students to ensure their accessibility needs are met.