Tips for starting university as a disabled student

Great question! Starting university is an exciting journey, and here are some tips to help make your transition smoother:
Essential Tips for Starting University:
Campus Life:

Remember: Your university experience is what you make of it. Don't hesitate to reach out for support when needed! 💫
Feel free to ask any specific questions about these tips or other aspects of university life! 😊
Maery
biological sciences

Hi there,
I am starting university after a gap year in September 2025.
I am a disabled student who uses a wheelchair and has an assistance dog.
I would love some tips for starting uni please! I think I have pretty much everything on my list in terms of packing but tips would be really helpful.
Thanks in advance

Hi @FikaFunt ,
Most universities should be very accessible and accommodating, but it is worth getting in touch with them to make sure that they are aware of anything they need to do to make sure things are accessible for you, e.g. making sure you can access lectures and seminars and that there is accessible access to anything you need.
I am sure you have already, but also contact your accommodation just to check that they have ensured everything is sorted for you as sometimes the things you put on your initial application form can get lost so it might be worth just checking that they have sorted you the correct room if you haven't already (and if you are staying in halls).
In terms of freshers, there will be lots of fun things to do and lots of freshers fairs which I always say are worth going to as you can look at societies, volunteering opportunities and also just freebie fairs are fun too! If you are unsure, just contact your uni and make sure they have made this accessible but I don't see why they wouldn't have done this!
I agree that it might be a good idea to go to the town/city you will be living in and have a look round to familiarise yourself. I always say this as I did this and I found it really helped me when I moved in!
Another good idea is to join some social media group chats before you start uni as you might meet some people this way! There will often be groups on Facebook and other social media where you can meet other students on your course or your accommodation so this is a good idea as you might meet some people here!
I also always say that its good to try and see if you can speak to anybody that does your course if you wanted to know if there was anything you needed to get/do to be full prepared. Some universities use something called the 'ambassador platform' so it might be worth looking on there to see if you can see anyone.
I hope some of this helps!
Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂