If things aren’t going well or you come across things that are more difficult to manage than you thought (because of your disability) go back and speak to Student Wellbeing again.  They can change your agreement or put new support in place for you at any time.

Managing with academic work

At the start of the year it can sometimes be shocking how much there is to do and getting used to the new structure (or lack of it!)  You might have lots of choice that you are not used to as well as making friends.

Don’t worry if in the first couple of weeks you are a bit shell shocked by the shear amount of information you receive!

You are expected to do a lot more study in your own time than at school and this can involve a lot of reading.

Try to plan this into your day and be quite strict or it can be easy to get distracted by other things such as going out with friends.
Also remember to use any specialist support and/or technology you can get from Disabled Students’ Allowance e.g. reading software and mind mapping.  This really helps.

Use a recording device when you can to help you remember all the information you are given in lectures and don’t be afraid to ask questions (if not during the lecture, afterwards).

If you are not used to using different software and technology spend some time getting to know your way around Canvas (the virtual learning environment).  Practice lots and blow any frustrations into a cup of tea!

It doesn’t always happen but sometimes lecturers might forget you have a Study Needs Agreement from Student Wellbeing and that you need adjustments.  If ever this happens to you speak out.  Student Wellbeing will help you to sort this – don’t feel you have to confront your lecturers yourself.