Planning for College or University
Planning for College or University
Last checked: July 2026
Scroll down for our checklist of things to think about.
You can read watch and listen to further tips and suggestions from the SMA community in Community Voices: Thinking about University >
You might also want to read Whizz Kidz A-Z of going to University >
The Uni Guide > – helps students make more informed decisions about their higher education choices
Disability Rights UK / Into Higher Education > – is updated every year. It aims to answer common questions including whether colleges or universities will be accessible, how to choose a course and what support will be available.
Gov.UK / find and apply to higher education courses > – has many helpful links
“By attending open days, you can ask lots of questions. You can then look around the campus, talk to the support team in person, look at accessible rooms and accommodation.
You might want to ask in advance for a personal tour of the campus to look at the whole thing, rather than what they might show to any other student. They may say come on a different day to the main open day, as those days can be very busy. You could then ask to meet with the disability advisor / support team at the same time.”
“If possible pre-book an appointment with Student Services and / or a Disability Support Advisor so that you can go through your questions with them. Make a note of the name and contact person you talk to and use them as your ‘go to’ person for any questions you have after your visit.”
“It’s always good to ask questions yourself. If you do want your parents or carers to sometimes speak for you, you must tell people like the Disability Support Team that you give your consent for this. Otherwise they will only talk to you.”
Suggestions of what to find out:
- What you will study
- How many hours of lectures and other forms of teaching and contact there will be?
- Will there be exams or coursework – what balance do you prefer?
- Will there be any fieldtrips? How will your accessibility and support needs be managed?
Most universities offer accessible accommodation, although sometimes they partner with other areas to help provide this. Generally, these rooms are fitted out for disabled students. Make sure to actually see at least one and how well it will meet your needs.
Suggestions of what to find out:
- Is the room and bathroom you would be offered fully accessible?
- What about any communal areas like the kitchen / diner?
- If you are going to need a live in PA – will their room be close by?
- How far is it from the main campus and where you will go for lectures and other activities?
- How many of these rooms are there for disabled students? How early would you need to apply to get one?
- Once you’re there can you stay there right through your studies, or will you be expected to move out? If so when and how often?
If you see the room and think there’s something missing that you may need, then ask if it can be added. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Suggestions of what to find out:
- If you’ll be driving, will there be accessible parking spaces?
- How accessible are the lecture theatres, canteens, leisure activities and the student union?
- How far is it between places?
- Will you have time to get from your room to a lecture and then to the next one?
- Where will you have lunch – how far is that?
Suggestions of what to find out:
- What will be on offer that appeals to you?
- How inclusive are they already?
- Will they make reasonable adjustments if you need them?
- Is there a disabled students’ society, network or committee that might be of interest? Would it offer opportunities for discussion, support and socialising?
If you think you may need some mental health and well-being support, you can ask about this in advance. There may be a waiting list or they may need to contact local services to support you.
If you’re going to move away from home:
- What GP and other health services are available?
- If you’re taking risdiplam or any other medications check with your specialist centre how you will get new prescriptions
- If you’re receiving nusinersen, will travelling to and from your specialist centre still work or would you need to transfer to one closer to Uni?
You may want to ask about what assistive software might be possible if you think you may need it.
If you have had difficulties with reading and processing information, the Disability Support Team can tell you about access to Dyslexia Screenings and Diagnostic Assessments for students with indications of dyslexia or some other specific learning difficulty. If possible, it’s best not to wait to get support until enrolling at university – talk to your parents and teachers now.
Your school or college will support you to make your UCAS application. There’s room on this to add information about what accommodation and other support you’ll need.
You’ll need to start the ball rolling for any Funding and Care Packages you’ll need. See Disabled Students Allowance> and Care Packages for University >.
“If you start getting offers that are conditional on grades, don’t be scared to contact the Uni and ask if you could have an unconditional offer. Explain that:
- it’s going to be very complicated and take time for you to get your funding and care package sorted
- it’s unrealistic to try to do this if you only know where you are going in August and start a month or so later.”
When you do know where you’re going, try to attend any events for new students that are held over the summer before you start. These may be webinars or summer schools. If you will need support to do this contact the Disability Support Team.
You’ll find them below and other community voices if you follow the links in Thinking about University >