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Support Services at the University of Reading

Hello! I’m Ella, a student at the University of Reading, and I have an autism spectrum condition and dyslexia diagnosis. In this thread, I am going to inform you about where to get help whilst at the University of Reading for disabilities.

Let me know if you have any questions!

All the best,
Ella
BSc Ecology

Reply 1

How can I get help for a disability or mental health condition at the University of Reading?

When you apply to university via UCAS, there is the option to declare a disability in the 'More About You' section. Lots of people worry that this will count against them in their university application, but it won't!

If you declare a disability via UCAS and apply to the University of Reading, you will be contacted by the Disability Advisory Service (DAS) prior to enrolment.

If you don't declare a disability via UCAS, you can still contact DAS prior to enrolment, or after enrolment by registering by logging into RISIS (the University of Reading's online portal) using your University username and password.

When you make contact with DAS, you will be asked to provide details about your conditions, the help you require and evidence e.g. diagnosis letters.

Once this has been completed, you will receive an email reply; some students may have a video call set up with an adviser who will then assess your needs.


If you have any questions, please comment on this thread and I will be able to advise.

Ella
BSc Ecology

Reply 2

What support can the University of Reading offer for my disability or mental health condition?

Once you have spoken to the university, they will offer certain adjustments depending on the student's individual needs.

These may include:

Extra time in exams

Rest break in exams

Extended deadlines for coursework

Separate individual exam rooms

Smaller exam rooms

Stickers for coursework so the marker is aware of any disabilities, such as dyslexia

A student mentor social or academic (to help students settle in)

Early start to university for autistic students


Even if you did not have adjustments for exams in school or college, you may still be eligible to have these at university. The adjustments listed above are given to students on an individual basis, so you are not guaranteed to have any or all of these adjustments.

If you have any questions, please comment on this thread and I will be able to advise.

Ella
BSc Ecology

Reply 3

What can I expect when beginning at the University of Reading?

Starting university can be a very stressful time for every student, especially neurodiverse students. Therefore, I wanted to provide a little overview of what to expect in the first week.

If you are staying in university accommodation, you will move in just before Freshers' or Welcome Week (this is the week of university before teaching begins and is designed to help new students settle in and meet people). When you move in, you will be able to unpack your things in your own time and get used to your new dorm.

During Fresher’s/Welcome Week, the Students' Union (SU) holds fairs for society and sports groups so that you can explore what is on offer for socialising. You can get lots of freebies at the fairs! Additionally, the SU offers quiet hours for these events, where there are fewer students.

Once Freshers'/Welcome Week has ended, lectures start and your first year has officially begun. If you would like a more comprehensive overview of the events, please let me know by replying to this thread 🙂

For further information about settling into life as a University of Reading student, check out the Welcome Booklet.

If you have any questions, please comment on this thread and I will be able to advise.

Ella
BSc Ecology

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