We provide advice and support to disabled students, this includes those with physical disabilities, medical conditions, sensory impairments, autistic spectrum conditions and specific learning difficulties like dyslexia. We can also support you to apply for DSA if you need to. Support can include study skills sessions, adapted materials, assistive technology, assistance with mobility and signposting to relevant external support providers.

Disabled Students’ Allowance, or DSA as you will hear it be called, is a grant paid by your funding body that can help to support you during your time studying with us. DSA is not a loan, so you do not have to pay this back. It can pay for services, support and equipment. You can be eligible for this grant if you have a physical disability, learning difficulty, mental health condition or sensory impairment. You can find out more about if you qualify for this through the government website, or by looking on YourDSA.

We provide a range of services and resources to help you develop the skills you need for academic success. There’s weekly sessions, one-to-one support and resources available via our UC Hub and Student Support Google Classroom. We can also provide advice on reasonable adjustments to teaching, assessments, and exams and referral to other support services.

We have a team of qualified counsellors who can support students if they experience difficulties with their mental health while studying. The support offered includes short term counselling, referral and signposting information, reasonable adjustments and support with applying for DSA (Disabled Students’ Allowance). Students will also be informed of external support and resources available to them in their initial assessment. This includes self-care tips, self-help strategies, external support groups, helplines and online support. Mentor support is also available to students who may need support adjusting to college. If you are struggling at college, we can help you to communicate with tutors about how they can best support you.

We offer a variety of services to improve your employability and prepare you for your desired career path after you study. Access practical tips from getting a part-time job to finding graduate positions, from learning how to craft the perfect CV to connecting with industry and from joining our Student Ambassadors programme to finding volunteering opportunities.

Our support includes:

• One-to-one appointments on CVs, cover letters, personal statements and interview preparation
• Support with searching for a job and proofreading your applications
• Access to key information and resources to equip you with the knowledge to succeed
• Regular workshops to develop your employability skills

There is financial support and advice available to you to ensure you feel prepared financially whilst you study. If you are struggling to understand how student finance works, you need to find out what funding you may be eligible for, or you need help to manage your money, Student Support can help.

We can help you:

• Apply for Student Finance England
• Work out what you are eligible for, and ensure you receive your full entitlements
• Look at possible emergency help if you are in financial difficulty or struggling with cash flow.
• Work out a budget and understand your income and expenditure.
• We can contact Student Finance on your behalf, with your permission.
• We can refer you to other agencies for more in depth help if you have debts etc.