Anyone at University with Dyslexia? Do you cope?

Anyone at University with Dyslexia? Do you cope?

Hi, I’m starting Uni in September and really worried how my dyslexia will affect my studies.
My University has a dyslexia centre who I’m sure will support me, but I just wondered how do other uni students with dyslexia cope?
Cheers.

Reply 1

Spacecam

Yes.

The University offers alot of support - most Unis have a DSO (Disability Support Office) and SSO (Student Support Office).

You can also get a disability allowance from your local education authority for when you go to Uni so you can buy a computer, dictaphone etc.

It just takes me longer than everyone else to do essays/write up lectures etc etc. It's do-able.

Reply 2

vnupe

StudyHard_LiveBetter

I see words jumbled up and then have to blink to see them in their correct form, I also see sentences in a mixed up format... additionally what I think doesn't always translate onto the paper correctly the first time, so I have to constantly read over what I wrote or typed in order to ensure that what I wrote conveys what I was thinking...

It had not been easy and at time it was very frustrating, but definitely with help and preparation it can be managed, so don't despair and don't see it as a hinderance, it can be overcome... good luck

Reply 3

Jayjayjay

I am not dyslexic but I know a few people who are and they get a lot of support from the university and LEA. They do not seem to be unhappy or even behind and as far as I know are managing at uni just fine.

:smile:

Do not worry too much, just ensure that the university, support service etc are aware of the issue so you can get the extra time or any help you may need.

Reply 4

username94219

AAAirz

Id be happy with the free computer and what not.

It's not all that great - believe me!!!!

OP yes I have dyslexia and I have found the support pants tbh! I was given a study skills tutor = rubbish! Everytime I went with some work for her to proof read she would try and take out the main important parts and add crap. I let her do that once with my work and I came out with a poor mark, ie 54! Ever since that I didn't let her touch anymore of my work and I get my mum to proof read for me instead . .well I ditched the tutor last year anyway. I have been doing just fine tbh, abit behind but other than that alright.

Reply 5

fire2burn

At Hull Uni there's a fair amount of support for dyslexic students, they're eligible for dicta-phones and laptops with specialist software as well note takers for lectures. You also get extended time on essays, more time in exams, and and a study support supervisor too. My friend with dyslexia really struggled with his A levels because his school 6th form wasn't understanding, now he's notching up high 2:1's and 1sts thanks to the support he's had :smile:

I wouldn't worry about dyslexia getting in the way, there should be plenty of support available to ensure that you reach your full potential.

Note: I myself am not dyslexic but I sit on the disabled students committee so have met many people who have it and have heard their experiences.

Reply 6

hypocriticaljap

StudyHard_LiveBetter

apply for DSA. You will need an assessment for it.

Reply 7

StudyHard_LiveBetter

Thanks so much guys! :smile:

Reply 8

green_pixie13

Hello there,
I've only just joined, so am late replying to this, but thaught i would put my pennys-worth in!
I am in my first year of uni- I've always struggled with dyslexia however no other school bothered to put me through a text, but the university picked up straight away and were extremely good to help me!
I suppose it varies depending on the subject you study.
I study photography, so its al coursework based, and i dont need to sit exams. however there is ALOT of written work, this year ive had to do 2 big essays, 6 research books which also involves alot or wrighting, reading and other such research. Because I had the screening in november I have only had recently recieved all my support equipment its a length process but both my uni and DSA were extremely helpful and supostive! The quality of support you recieve from the uni depends on the uni so i advice you look into it.
Before christmas i rcieved 3 1st's because of support i recieved from the uni. However work load is getting harder, but ive recieved a laptop which has alot of software to help me, and it truely does help. i also had colour screening so i will revieve glasses to help with my reading, and i had a learning support lady check my essays over!
Its definatly worth applying for and you do recieve alot of help, what your entitled too really depends on the course you study :smile:

This is how it happened for me:
I had a initial test
Was called in to talk to a learning support officer, she referred me to the disabilities guy who is so extremely helpful.
He organised a full test (you have proberly had this) so this lengthy process wont apply to you
I saw the educational psychologist who wrote the report.
My Disabilities guy sent it off to DSA
DSA requested i had an support equipment assesment
it took about 2 hours and they basically show you all the support avalable and what works best for you
they get quotes from diffrent suppliers
you aprove the report and quote this then gets sent to DSA
DSA write to you with a response to this report, and if they agree you can recieve it you call the number provided and arrange a delievery date for the equipment.
Additional support varies :smile:

Hope that helps
x

Reply 9

warp2125

I got told not to apply.. but im gonna apply anyway. to hell with people that say we cant do it.....

Reply 10

Treason

I havn't had many problems with my dyslexia at uni, though doing a math baised subject helps! DSA was a doddle to get once I got my diagnostic report. Screw the people who say dyslexics can't succed at university, there talking b*****xs.

Reply 11

LilMissGeek

first of all I have struggled at university with my dyslexia but not as much as in my final year.

The laptop they gave me didnt work and i couldnt use it so i had to spend my own money building my own because they wouldnt do anything about it(fyi i am a computer science student). Microsoft word kept non responding and losing my work which for me is the worst thing as i find it so hard to write things down i can talk knowledgeably about the subject and program software perfectly fine but i just cant put it into a good written form.

With the help of a dyslexic tutor my writing skills have improved dramatically. i have done really well in my modules so far in my final year but having to do modules and a final year project has been a really big struggle.

if i was to rethink my university life i think i would have done a hnd followed by a top up year as you do your final year project (dissertation) separately.

i have had to work alot harder than everyone else just to keep up and my advice to anyone is start early on your assignments and get what you want to say down first then use that to develop your report. i struggled with wanting the first draft to be the final draft.

also for your final year project no matter what your tutors say of your doing a programming assignment starting to think about the program and start coding sooner rather than later as it will help you more than trying to do the research first then while creating your project do the research along side it.