My experience with DSA as a London Met student (living with a long-term condition)
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my experience with Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) as a student at London Met, in case it helps anyone going through something similar.
I’ve had nephrotic syndrome since I was six years old, and for the past few years I’ve been on a treatment called Rituximab. Before starting that, I had a really difficult relapse where I had to go on steroids, which had a huge impact on my mental health.
During my first year of university, I had another relapse. The side effects from the steroids were really tough, I struggled with depression, difficulty concentrating, and overall fatigue. That’s when I reached out to DSA, and honestly, I’m so glad I did.
The support I received included:
A rest chair, footrest, lamp, and printer (they also cover ink costs)
An external keyboard and laptop stand to help with posture
A microphone to record lectures
Glean software (for note-taking and organising lectures)
Dictation software (voice-to-text, which really helped me write essays when sitting for long periods was hard)
They even offered me a laptop, but I already had a new one at the time, so I didn’t need it. One of the most helpful parts was that they created an INAR (Individual Needs and Adjustment Report), so my lecturers were aware of my condition and how it might affect me.
The only downside is that I’ve been waiting on a new rest chair since I moved out of my mum’s — hopefully it comes soon!
If you’re unsure whether to apply for DSA, I highly recommend at least looking into it. It made a huge difference for me, both physically and mentally.
Feel free to ask me anything about the process or what it’s been like
I wanted to share my experience with Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) as a student at London Met, in case it helps anyone going through something similar.
I’ve had nephrotic syndrome since I was six years old, and for the past few years I’ve been on a treatment called Rituximab. Before starting that, I had a really difficult relapse where I had to go on steroids, which had a huge impact on my mental health.
During my first year of university, I had another relapse. The side effects from the steroids were really tough, I struggled with depression, difficulty concentrating, and overall fatigue. That’s when I reached out to DSA, and honestly, I’m so glad I did.
The support I received included:
A rest chair, footrest, lamp, and printer (they also cover ink costs)
An external keyboard and laptop stand to help with posture
A microphone to record lectures
Glean software (for note-taking and organising lectures)
Dictation software (voice-to-text, which really helped me write essays when sitting for long periods was hard)
They even offered me a laptop, but I already had a new one at the time, so I didn’t need it. One of the most helpful parts was that they created an INAR (Individual Needs and Adjustment Report), so my lecturers were aware of my condition and how it might affect me.
The only downside is that I’ve been waiting on a new rest chair since I moved out of my mum’s — hopefully it comes soon!
If you’re unsure whether to apply for DSA, I highly recommend at least looking into it. It made a huge difference for me, both physically and mentally.
Feel free to ask me anything about the process or what it’s been like
Reply 1
Hi everyone,
I am a first year (just finished) history student at QMUL. I also used DSA and thought I'd give my experience in case it helps.
I have a physical/mobility disability and chronic pain.
I found the process relatively easy, but you do need to keep track of what is happening when.
I have been given
These, along with the support from the QMUL DDS has meant I can access university. If you have a disability, I recommend applying. I didn't think they would give ergonomic equipment or some of the software. Some of my friends have been offered support they hadn't even thought about. The job of the assessor is to support you. They have experience in certain softwares/things that may help you.
I am a first year (just finished) history student at QMUL. I also used DSA and thought I'd give my experience in case it helps.
I have a physical/mobility disability and chronic pain.
I found the process relatively easy, but you do need to keep track of what is happening when.
I have been given
•
Ergonomic desk equipment (which has been the main reason I could study and do my assignments for university)
•
Taxi allowance (I have a 1 hour ish journey to university with about 25 mins of walking/bus if available). The two closest stations to QMUL are also inaccessible. This means that on bad days I can come to university.
•
Lecture recording (Glean), microphone for recording, read and write software, mind mapping software
These, along with the support from the QMUL DDS has meant I can access university. If you have a disability, I recommend applying. I didn't think they would give ergonomic equipment or some of the software. Some of my friends have been offered support they hadn't even thought about. The job of the assessor is to support you. They have experience in certain softwares/things that may help you.
Reply 2
Original post
by CatLover1Hi everyone,
I am a first year (just finished) history student at QMUL. I also used DSA and thought I'd give my experience in case it helps.
I have a physical/mobility disability and chronic pain.
I found the process relatively easy, but you do need to keep track of what is happening when.
I have been given
These, along with the support from the QMUL DDS has meant I can access university. If you have a disability, I recommend applying. I didn't think they would give ergonomic equipment or some of the software. Some of my friends have been offered support they hadn't even thought about. The job of the assessor is to support you. They have experience in certain softwares/things that may help you.
I am a first year (just finished) history student at QMUL. I also used DSA and thought I'd give my experience in case it helps.
I have a physical/mobility disability and chronic pain.
I found the process relatively easy, but you do need to keep track of what is happening when.
I have been given
•
Ergonomic desk equipment (which has been the main reason I could study and do my assignments for university)
•
Taxi allowance (I have a 1 hour ish journey to university with about 25 mins of walking/bus if available). The two closest stations to QMUL are also inaccessible. This means that on bad days I can come to university.
•
Lecture recording (Glean), microphone for recording, read and write software, mind mapping software
These, along with the support from the QMUL DDS has meant I can access university. If you have a disability, I recommend applying. I didn't think they would give ergonomic equipment or some of the software. Some of my friends have been offered support they hadn't even thought about. The job of the assessor is to support you. They have experience in certain softwares/things that may help you.
Hi there!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It really helps to see how DSA support can look different depending on your needs.
I also received Glean and some ergonomic equipment, and I completely agree, things like the right chair or desk setup make such a big difference when you're trying to study through pain or fatigue.
I hadn’t thought about transport support like a taxi allowance, so that’s really helpful to know! I hope your journey to uni gets easier with that support in place.
Wishing you all the best as you continue your studies 💜
Jhoan
Year 2 - Digital Media
London Metropolitan University
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