Going to University

Why Go to University?

Going to university can open up lots of exciting opportunities. It’s a place where you can learn more about the subjects you enjoy, make new friends, and discover what you’re good at. University can also help you become more independent, build confidence, and plan for your future.

Many people choose university because it can:

Improve your job opportunities – some careers need a degree, and studying can help you get the skills employers look for.
Help you grow – you’ll learn how to manage your time, work with others, and make decisions for yourself.
Offer new experiences – from clubs and societies to meeting people with similar interests.
Give you extra support – universities must provide help for students with SEND, so you can access your course and enjoy student life.

This video shows young people talking about why they went to university

University isn’t the right choice for everyone, but it can be a great way to learn, explore, and build your future. This section will help you discover whether it might be right for you.

If you are a young person who has SEND and you have decided that you would like to go to university, that is brilliant, as there is a lot of support to help you get there.

You can ask your college to help you with the UCAS application process.
You can declare your disability, which will help a university to ensure that support is in place. Make sure to share as much information as you feel comfortable with, to help your university support you the best they can. Declaring this information will not have a negative impact on your application and can only help you.
The UCAS website has more detailed information regarding this point and there is a link in the next section.

If you are a young person who has SEND and you have decided that you would like to go to university, that is brilliant, as there is a lot of support to help you get there.

You can ask your college to help you with the UCAS application process.
You can declare your disability, which will help a university to ensure that support is in place. Make sure to share as much information as you feel comfortable with, to help your university support you the best they can. Declaring this information will not have a negative impact on your application and can only help you.
The UCAS website has more detailed information regarding this point and there is a link in the next section.

Universities have a legal duty to support students who have SEND. Examples of things a university can do to help you with your studies might include:

Getting notes of lectures in advance.
Ensuring course materials are in a format you can understand.
Making lectures accessible, for example by providing scribes or interpreters or assistive technology.
Giving you extra time to complete coursework or exams.
Allocating a support worker who can help you plan and organise your studies.
Providing accessible buildings and study rooms.

These changes are called reasonable adjustments.

Universities have a legal duty to support students who have SEND. Examples of things a university can do to help you with your studies might include:

Getting notes of lectures in advance.
Ensuring course materials are in a format you can understand.
Making lectures accessible, for example by providing scribes or interpreters or assistive technology.
Giving you extra time to complete coursework or exams.
Allocating a support worker who can help you plan and organise your studies.
Providing accessible buildings and study rooms.

These changes are called reasonable adjustments.

For students with disabilities, it's important to make sure you've applied for the right funding and that the right people know what you need.

You can read more about the support (including financial support) that you can get at university at Disabled Students Advice and Financial Support at UCAS

What is Disabled Students’ Allowance?

The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) gives you financial support to cover your study-related costs at university. You can apply for this allowance if you have a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.

Disabled Students' Allowance is extra money for higher education students.

To assess the financial support, you will first need an assessment.

Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability

Here you can learn more about eligibility an see how to apply.

The allowance can be claimed on its own or in addition to other student finance that you are entitled to. The nature of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs not your household income.

Some universities offer specialist mentoring services for students who receive DSA. Qualified mentors will meet with you regularly to ensure that you get the best from your university experience.

For students with disabilities, it's important to make sure you've applied for the right funding and that the right people know what you need.

You can read more about the support (including financial support) that you can get at university at Disabled Students Advice and Financial Support at UCAS

What is Disabled Students’ Allowance?

Disabled Students' Allowance is extra money for higher education students.

To assess the financial support, you will first need an assessment.

Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability

Here you can learn more about eligibility an see how to apply.

Some universities offer specialist mentoring services for students who receive DSA. Qualified mentors will meet with you regularly to ensure that you get the best from your university experience.

.pcg-collapsible.default-mode { display: none !important; } .pcg-collapsible.no-script-mode { display: block !important; }

Our local university offer

Each university will have a disability policy that describes the support they provide to students.

Here are some examples from our local universities. This does not mean that you cannot go out of the local area to attend university; it just gives you some information on the help available.

If you want to explore universities further away you can find further advice at Whatuni.

Southampton University

Disability support

Learning and Disability support at Southampton University

Enabling Services recognise that students who have disabilities may have additional needs and require assistance to reach their full potential at the University of Southampton. We support a range of disabilities and health conditions. Find out more information here.

Going to University

In this section