According to government data published in 2021, just over 332,000 UK students in higher education said they had a disability of some kind – this figure accounts for around 17% of the home student population. Institutions are becoming more educated on how to support SEND students, but it remains the individual’s responsibility to seek out the necessary assistance throughout their time in higher education.

To help you make the leap from secondary school or college to university, we’ve created this short guide. From knowing where to find support to staying on top of your finances, here are some of the most important aspects of starting higher education to consider.

Choosing where to go

Once you have your heart set on entering higher education, you’ll need to start thinking about where you want to study. There are so many factors to consider when choosing an institution: location, quality of teaching, student services, entry requirements and the campus.

For SEND students, there are some extra things to keep in mind; it’s important to get a comprehensive understanding of the services offered by each university to support any additional needs when it comes to your learning and lifestyle. While most universities across the country will meet and often exceed accessibility standards – they’re legally obliged to try and support SEND students – some will naturally be better suited to your needs than others.

It’s always a good idea to get in touch with each option’s disability support service as they will be able to address any questions or concerns you may have. It’s also important to attend an open day to get a sense of the layout and how comfortable you might feel studying and living there.

Organise your finances

There’s no getting around the fact that going to university is an expensive endeavour. To help manage the financial burden of higher education, all students have the opportunity to apply for student finance. In most cases, this will consist of two loans: maintenance and tuition fees. However, as a SEND student, you might be eligible for additional support in the shape of the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA).

This grant is offered to students studying undergraduate, postgraduate or doctorate degrees and, unlike with your maintenance and tuition fees loans, doesn’t need to be repaid. Certain criteria must be met in order to be eligible for the DSA, and you’ll be asked to provide evidence as part of your application. This could be a diagnostic report or Disability Evidence Form from a medical professional – the requirements will be clearly outlined on your form. The terms of the grant dictate that the funds you receive must exclusively be used for items or services that directly support your educational needs, such as extra travel costs or specialised equipment.

Know where to go for advice

Heading off to university, although exciting, can also be a lonely time. Despite being surrounded by thousands of other students going through similar experiences, being away from home – potentially for the first time – and starting an entirely new life is a lot to deal with. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. To make the transition that much easier, it’s imperative you know who to talk to should you need a helping hand. On top of all the general services available to the entire student population, SEND students have access to more specialised services that can support them in all different aspects of university life.

One contact to keep in mind is the Disabled Students Helpline. This service is designed to support students with a range of different matters, from financial assistance to telling people about your disability. As well as over-the-phone advice, they offer plenty of online resources where you can quickly find answers to your questions. There are lots more charitable organisations across the UK dedicated to supporting students throughout their higher education. If you’re unsure where to start, get in touch with your university or UCAS; if they’re unable to provide you with the information themselves, they’ll point you in the right direction.

Take the next steps

Starting university is an unsettling time, but with the right preparation and support structure in place, you can make the most of the many exciting opportunities that await you.