What support can I access?

Students outside the Student Support building

We provide a wide range of resources and adjustments to help every student get the most out of university, whatever your needs.

Watch this presentation for an overview of support for disabled students, how you can access that support, and information about how you can prepare for your transition to university life.

Check out other webinars to support your transition to Higher Education on our UEA Webinars - Information For Young People and Mature students webinar series. You can find other webinars that may be of interest.

Disabled Students Allowance and other Disability funding

If you are a UK student, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA). Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) is support to cover specific study-related costs you may have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability. It is separate to your student loan and not based on income.

Types of support funded will depend on your need, and may include:

Specialist equipment, for example a computer to run disability related software.
Non-medical helpers, such as mentors, study skills tutors and British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters or specialist note-taker.
Money towards extra travel to attend your course because of your disability.
Other disability-related study support, such as money towards printing consumables.

You can find out how to apply and what you might be eligible to receive through Student Finance England.

Students from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland can apply for DSA through SAAS, SF Wales or SF NI respectively.

If you’re an Apprenticeship Student, Postgraduate Researcher, EU or International student, please contact us at disability@uea.ac.uk  for advice on funding routes.

Disability Support Form

To help us get support in place for you when you arrive at UEA, please complete the Disability Support Form.

Three students and a lecturer looking at a laptop on the table - the lecturer is stood up and one student is in a wheelchair. There is teaching material on the screen behind them

Supporting your studies

At UEA learning is all about the individual. We have a range of experienced wellbeing advisers for mental health, disability and SpLD who will work with you to establish bespoke arrangements to suit your specific needs. This could include (but is not limited to) things like coursework extensions, additional academic support and extra time, scribes, readers or prompts in exams.

If you have a specific learning difference, our SpLD team can offer you specialist tuition and a free screening service.

Within your school of study, you will have an academic advisor who can work with others across your school and the wider university to help you access the most appropriate support. Each school also has a Disability Liaison Officer who will be able to give support and advice tailored to your degree.

I have a disability advisor who is really supportive and helpful whenever I have questions or difficulties. She supported me with getting a parking permit for the car parks at UEA and applying for disability-related financial benefits as well as reasonable adjustments for assignments.

Maddy Radwan, BSc Psychology

Three students walking in the Sportspark foyer, one using a white cane

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

If you have difficulty exiting a building in the event of a fire (for example - using stairs) please let us know so that we can plan to ensure your safety. Please also get in touch with us if you find using stairs challenging on a regular basis because of a disability or health condition.

Two people in security high-vis jackets outside

Notification of Medical Condition (NOMC)

If you have a medical condition or disability that may cause a seizure, anaphylaxis, hypo- or hyperglycaemia or other adverse event, NOMCs can help alert first aiders so they can support you if needed. We work with students to create this document and share it with relevant departments at UEA (for example – accommodation; security).

Person looking down at phone, on chair, plants next to them, tables and desks behind them

Quiet Spaces

If you need a low-sensory space, or wish not to be disturbed, there are lots of quiet spaces you can access.

Our primary Quiet Space is at the heart of campus in Union House, with bean bags to rest or sleep on, headphones to block out sounds and low lighting. A similar relaxation zone, Head Space, can also be found in the Library alongside silent study zones.

The Faith Centre also has Quiet Rooms which can be used by anyone to spend time in contemplation or prayer.

Staff member with laptop chatting to student opposite them

Wellbeing support

We offer one-at-a-time talking therapy sessions when you need them, as well as 24/7 access to our digital self-help platform offering a wide range of resources and guidance.