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Student Disability & WellbeingPart of Student Services

Study Support

Two students walking down corridor
Two students walking down corridor

On this page you can find information about the specialist study support that the Student Disability and Inclusion team has to offer, as well as tips and advice on how to prepare for university study.

There are a variety of specialist study support options available for students with specific learning differences (such as dyslexia) and neurodivergent conditions. Find out more about the specialist study support available in the blue boxes below. Some of the following are examples of support are available through recommendation only. 

Specialist Study Support

Additonal Exam Recommendations (AERs)

Students with a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difference may be eligible to receive AERs such as extra time, rest breaks and /or smaller exam rooms.

Specialist Study Skills Support

Specialist study skills support is an opportunity to meet 1:1 with a specialist practitioner for practical support and advice.

Specialist Workshops

A variety of specialist workshops and peer support groups, designed for students who may have a specific learning difference or neurodivergent condition.

Study Support Resources

A range of study resources, designed for students who may have a specific learning difference or neurodivergent condition.

The Academic Skills Hub

Run by our University library, here you will find study advice, informative guides and online workshops.

Assistive Technology Software

Find out more about the software and equipment available and how to access it remotely and across our university sites.

Studying at Home

Find out some of the ways you can make the transition to online learning that little bit easier.

Tips on how to prepare for university study

Preparing for study

It is natural to feel anxious about starting university and there are some things that you can do to help prepare yourself.

It is beneficial to obtain as much information as possible. You could try to find out the following:

  • How many lectures, seminars or alternative learning appointments will you need to attend?
  • What assessed work will you have in your first year? Presentations? Group work? Examination? Essays?
  • Are your lectures recorded and put on the University’s internal portal, Blackboard?
  • What books, articles or other published work would be useful for you to read to help with your course?

You could find this information via your Student Office, through Blackboard, through an information pack given to you when you arrive at the University, a course handbook, the Library or your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT).

Planning

It is also worth thinking about how you will plan your own study, as organisation is important.
  
You could:

  • Plan a study schedule. Organising your study can make you feel more in control and reduce stress levels.  
  • Download apps to help with this. 
  • Try to stay away from distractions but remember to reward yourself when you have achieved a goal.  
  • Use a written planner or online calendar to keep a note of commitments (including personal ones) to help you find a good balance between study and relaxing. 
  • Make little personal goals and deadlines to achieve when working on a larger project.  
  • You could also set your deadlines for any assignments 1-2 days before the actual assignment is due. This gives you some time to make any amendments you need to and also gives you the time to complete this should any unexpected life events occur. 
  • Build a routine that works for you – how long can you concentrate on a task before needing a break? In which environment do you work at your best (bedroom, library, common area)? 
  • Make the most of resources available to you. The Library has access to a range of study skills support that all students can utilise. Student Disability and Inclusion also run specialist study skills support sessions to aid those with a specific learning difference or neurodivergent condition.

Independence

  • Studying at university level involves ‘active learning’, which means that you will have more responsibility for your own study.
  • You will also have less contact time with teaching staff than perhaps you are used to at school/college, as you will be expected to take control of your own learning.
  • There will be more emphasis on researching areas yourself, being self-motivated and managing deadlines. Please do not let this worry you though; you will need to give yourself the time and resources to learn how to do this. 

 

Further useful resources

For further useful resources on how to better prepare yourself for university life, please check out the links below:

Links to external websites

The University cannot accept responsibility for external websites.

Useful Downloads

Student Support Information Sheet
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