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Best college for pastoral care?

I heard Fitzwilliam and Peterhouse!? True?
What would be the best college for an applicant with a disability or medical condition?

Reply 1

Troy :0)

chrissy909

I heard Fitzwilliam and Peterhouse!? True?
What would be the best college for an applicant with a disability or medical condition?

I think Cauis might be good for disabled students....on the basis that they've got a ramp for wheelchairs....crap reasoning i know, but perhaps if they've built a wheelchair ramp, then this might be part of a bigger initiative. But generally, I suppose the more modern Colleges would be more disabled-friendly?

In terms of general pastoral care, Emmanuel has to be the best without a doubt. The College office is full of nice people who would bend over backwards for college members. Well, they did for me and most others I've spoken to.

Reply 2

Helenia

20

Troy :0)

In terms of general pastoral care, Emmanuel has to be the best without a doubt. The College office is full of nice people who would bend over backwards for college members. Well, they did for me and most others I've spoken to.

Do you actually have any real objective reason for saying this?

Most colleges have very extensive pastoral care systems in place, involving both Fellows and JCR officers. In addition, the CUSU Welfare scheme is there to fill in any gaps. Ticki would know more about that one. I really wouldn't pick a college based solely on pastoral care though, as it'll be good everywhere.

Provision for students with disabilities is more varied and will of course depend on the disability. The best thing to do would be to contact the college(s) directly and talk things through with them.

Selwyn seem to have a pretty accommodating approach to most things. They are located immediately beside the Sidgwick site, useful for Arts students. I seem to remember that there is a page on the Uni website about access within colleges, how many wheelchair friendly rooms etc that they have.

Reply 4

Helenia

20

Bear in mind that only ~5% of registered disabled people use a wheelchair...

Reply 5

c0co

OP

12

Thanks all. Unless I get severely worse I won't need a wheelchair. Do you know if there are some colleges that would be happier to accept disabled students? My grades (7A*4A GCSE 4 A AS and predicted 4A for A level but now I might only be able to acheive 1 or 2 A's before application). Would Cambridge understand if I couldn't get the grades I was on course to acheive or is there no point in applying to such a competative uni!?

Reply 6

Troy :0)

Helenia

Do you actually have any real objective reason for saying this?

No, quite obviously it was subjective.

Reply 7

Helenia

20

chrissy909

Thanks all. Unless I get severely worse I won't need a wheelchair. Do you know if there are some colleges that would be happier to accept disabled students? My grades (7A*4A GCSE 4 A AS and predicted 4A for A level but now I might only be able to acheive 1 or 2 A's before application). Would Cambridge understand if I couldn't get the grades I was on course to acheive or is there no point in applying to such a competative uni!?

All colleges have to make arrangements for disabled students if they apply. There will be variations in how much they already have provided though, but certainly your disability whatever it is won't count against you.

If your disability is causing interference with your study then they may well understand your extenuating circumstances with regards to your application, though obviously if it's going to continue to interfere during your time at university it might cause problems. Your grades are currently certainly good enough to apply, though nobody can guarantee that anyone will get in for sure.

I've just had a quick look on the Cam website - this resource should answer a lot of your questions and tell you who you should get in touch with to discuss your situation.

Reply 8

minimo

15

I have a disability and required lots of special arrangements and I couldn't have asked Trinity to sort it out any better. :smile:

Reply 9

FadedJade

15

I found Pembroke really helpful, they talked everything through with me, gave me first choice of accom (which i chose for medical reasons purely ;o) )and ive since emailed them (post offer) about different things i might need and theyve been very accommodating and helpful. Obviously it depends on the disability as to how they can help but if you contact them theyll be happy to let you know what they can do.

Reply 10

JHutcher

11

On top of that i know that Jesus has some fantastic facilities for various types of needs. I think the range of responses demonstrates that it shouldn't be an issue when applying to a college. It tends to be those with major physical disabilities that are required to look deeper into colleges.

Justin

Reply 11

Ticki

8

Jesus does really stand out, but Helen's right that most colleges are fairly similar in terms of the provision, and the gaps are filled by the university. I'd find it much easier to answer the question "Worst college for pastoral care?", but I'm not going to. :p:

Reply 12

Alaric

10

Helenia

All colleges have to make arrangements for disabled students if they apply. There will be variations in how much they already have provided though, but certainly your disability whatever it is won't count against you.

I should note onto this that although the DDA is introducing legislation to try and make entrance to university a level playing field there is still a 'reasonability' clause. During discussions with staff from various oxbridge colleges it seems that they're likely to take things such as a listed building's integrity above that of a functioning and inclusive student body, so beware of some fascades of compliance. Those that are in need of substantial care or special conditions are likely to find anywhere fairly ill equiped and prepared despite the legislation requiring that institutions be prepared in advance very few seemingly are.
Hopefully this situation will be slowly improving, especially since two years ago when I was really paying attention; but for the sake of avoiding disappointment and for ensuring your future on-going care requirements are met then I'd always suggest that you make your requirements and circumstances clear throughout any application process to both the College and the DRC.

A.

Reply 13

c0co

OP

12

Alaric

I should note onto this that although the DDA is introducing legislation to try and make entrance to university a level playing field there is still a 'reasonability' clause. During discussions with staff from various oxbridge colleges it seems that they're likely to take things such as a listed building's integrity above that of a functioning and inclusive student body, so beware of some fascades of compliance. Those that are in need of substantial care or special conditions are likely to find anywhere fairly ill equiped and prepared despite the legislation requiring that institutions be prepared in advance very few seemingly are.
Hopefully this situation will be slowly improving, especially since two years ago when I was really paying attention; but for the sake of avoiding disappointment and for ensuring your future on-going care requirements are met then I'd always suggest that you make your requirements and circumstances clear throughout any application process to both the College and the DRC.A.

Thanks! I'll notify the college before I apply. I've been doing some research and it seems that Trinity Hall seems pretty good for pastoral care. It's quite a small college so that's probably better for someone who needs special attention at times. Before I apply though I'll e-mail Tit Hall and perhaps a few of the colleges mentioned above (thanks guys!) and see what they say.
Cambridge seems to take it's special access scheme really seriously so hopefully I'll have a chance!

Best college for pastoral care?

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