So the summer is here! Exams are over! And you may be wondering what to do next. Do you do A Levels? Go to college? Go to university?!
These decisions are completely life-changing and are even more stressful when you have a disability or a chronic illness.
For me personally, I have had a wide range of experience when it comes to education. I have tried EVERYTHING. I have taken a year out, done part-time education, full-time education, self-studying and distance learning. I have had to change my career path and the way I study as a result of my EDS, and I have even left a brick university because of it.
However, that was my experience, and I have spoken to many people who have successfully completed university with their disability and in their own way. My biggest downfall was my complete stubbornness. I hate asking for help and felt that because I wasn't “disabled enough” during my time at university, I therefore, was not entitled to the help.
So here are some tips on how to survive university with a disability.
1. Inform the university as soon as you can.
The best way to do this is to disclose it on your UCAS application! By doing it this way, the university can get in contact with you about the support you need before you even start your course.
2. Speak to your tutor and let them know of your condition.
Now you may think there isn't much point in doing this, especially if your course has quite a lot of students. For example, my university course had 100+ students. It's better to speak to your tutor so they can put a name to a face, but they can also see that you are trying. If you are completely honest with them, explain how your condition affects you, they are less likely to think that you haven't turned up to a lecture because you are hungover.
3. Apply for DSA if needed
This is a big must! This can help you so much, whether it is just a bit of extra income to having a helper attend lectures with you.
4. Speak to your disability officer
Make yourself known to your disability officer, they may be able to provide support for you that you didn't think was possible!
5. Sort out support in lectures and exams
This is something that your disability officer can help with. You can get access to all sort of support that you should have had in secondary school, such as extra time in exams, a reader or a scribe. You can even get access to equipment to help you with your lectures that can come out of your DSA like recording equipment! Every little bit of support you get can go a long way!
6. Ask for help
Please whatever you do, don't do what I did. I was so stubborn that at times I refused help, which looking back is quite silly. If some offers you help, take it! If you need help, ask for it! You are not being a pain or a nuisance. You are paying a lot of money, giving up your time and energy to get your degree, you deserve the help.
7. Do not give up.
If attending mainstream university is not for you, then there are other ways. How about attending a college instead? Classes tend to be smaller so more likely to get support. Or how about Open University, or other means of distance learning?
University was ultimately the best and worst time of my life. I met so many wonderful people and had the experience of living on my own with complete strangers who turned out to be the most amazing people! That is something that money can’t buy, but it wasn't an easy decision for me to leave either!
The point I'm trying to make is that it doesn't matter if you don't graduate at 21 or if you can't get your degree in the way that society or schools say you should. It doesn't matter when you get there in your life, as long as you don't give up.
Sophie xxx
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