Starting university can be exciting, but there can be a lot to think about, plan for, and organise. Especially if you have a disability or a health condition to consider.

Have a look at our guide to help you with your transition into university life and studies as an undergraduate or postgraduate student:

​​☐​ Contact Student Services about your disability/ learning difference/ health condition/ mental health condition as soon as you can. This means we can explore what support and reasonable adjustments may be helpful.

• For more information and to access the UEA Disability Support Form please visit our Disability Support page.

​​☐​ Explore Disabled Students’ Allowance and equivalent support.

• Eligible students can access funded support via the Student Finance England Disabled Student’s Allowance.

• If you are an Apprentice, International student, or are not eligible for DSA, please contact: disability@uea.ac.uk.

• Apply as soon as you can – you don’t need to wait till you start your course.

​​☐​ Apply for accommodation and let the team know your requirements and room adaptation needs as soon as possible.

• ​If you need support with arriving on campus and moving luggage to your accommodation, please do get in touch as soon as possible to discuss this by emailing disability@uea.ac.uk.

• For students moving into accommodation who would like to avoid the peak time, and get settled in during a quieter time, please email accom@uea.ac.uk to indicate this preference.

​​☐​ Check out the UEA Resource Centre on tips for preparing for university life, such as budgeting.

​​☐​ Get more familiar with the campus to help you prepare for arrival by attending an Open Day, a Quiet Mini Open Day open day or check out our Virtual Tours.

​​☐​ Think about transport

• Will you be commuting to campus? Students can access our campus via local bus routes including the park and ride.

• Some students may need to park a car on campus for disability-related reasons. Once students enrol, they can apply for a parking permit with evidence. Please contact transport@uea.ac.uk if you have any questions.

​​☐​ Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) and Access to Buildings

• Make contact with Student Services if you may have difficulty exiting a building in event of a fire, such as difficulty getting downstairs, and we will arrange for Safety Services to get in touch with you.

• Please also get in touch with us if you can use stairs in an emergency but may struggle using stairs on a regular basis because of your disability or health condition.

​​☐​ Register with a local GP

• It is important to contact The University Medical Centre (UMS) in advance if you have medication so you can discuss options regarding your prescriptions.

​​☐​ Get a Buddy

• Check out buddy(su).

• This is a Student Union run peer-support scheme designed to help students feel supported with life at UEA. buddy(su) matches students with volunteers who have been at the University for at least a year and who are able to offer advice and friendship, helping new students navigate through the new challenges of university life.

​​☐​ Check out UEA Student Union clubs and societies at UEA, including our Disabled Students' Community and Neurodivergent Society.

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