Going to university

Going to university or college straight from school, or after a gap year, can be a daunting experience. It’s certainly exciting to embrace independence, but there are a lot of things to think about, which will include:

• what you want to study
• where you want to study it
• how far away from home you want to be
• finances
• finding a new GP
• getting help from student disability advisor

Download our factsheet 'Going to university or college'

What and where to study

You’ll find you have more choice in what to study than you had at school so you might want to try something new that interests you.

Then you have a think about the kind of environment you want to study in. Do you prefer a campus, where everything is on one site but further from the town centre, or a city-based university or college, where you’re in the middle of town?

You should always arrange to visit a place before you apply there. You can get a feel for the place, meet with a student disability advisor and ask other students questions about what it’s like.

Specialist advice

Every university has at least one disability advisor. They are available as the first point of contact for any student or potential student who has a disability or special need, and can talk you through your options. SKILL: the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities is an independent charity that promotes opportunities for people with any kind of disability. It is a great source of advice and information.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) includes a section on educational needs. It removes any barriers to learning for disabled people and makes access, transport or other provisions where necessary. The disability student advisor will be able to tell you how this act can affect you.

Benefits and finance

When you were living at home, your parents may have been receiving benefits for you. Some may still apply, but you will have to report your change in circumstances to social services. There is a Disabled Students Allowance, which you may be able to claim while you are at university. For more info, contact SKILL or the university’s department for disabled students.

Managing your time

All that freedom at university or college takes time and discipline to manage well. It’s important to pace yourself. Stress makes arthritis worse, so if you leave all your work until right before your exams there could be trouble.

As with school, make your tutors aware of your arthritis and what support you might need (like getting all the notes from a lecture written during the class or having extra time in exams).

Having fun

All new students are nervous about making friends. Most universities and colleges have dozens of societies and clubs you can get involved in. It’s a great way to meet people, and gives you the opportunity to try new things.

Whether you want to tell people about your arthritis is your choice. Remember though that having arthritis is part of who you are, and there is no need at all to be ashamed and embarrassed.

If you are at all anxious, or finding it difficult to cope, speak to the student disability advisor, or counselling service.