According to the law, universities must try their best to support students who have SEND.

Example of things a university can do to help you with your studies might include:

• Making sure class materials are available in a format you can understand.
• Giving you extra time to complete coursework or exams.
• Providing extra support around study skills, how to use computer software, the library etc.
• Assigning you a support worker who can help you organise your studies.
• Arranging for specialist equipment

These changes are called “reasonable adjustments”. They make sure that young people with SEND have the same access to a university education.

You can read more about your rights to reasonable adjustments from the websites below:

• Disability Rights UK’s factsheet on adjustments for disabled students
• The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service's (UCAS) guidance for disabled students

If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), this will no longer apply when you go to university. It can, however, be a good idea to share your plan with the university you want to go to. This will help them understand your needs and make sure the right reasonable adjustments are put into place.

When all young people apply for university, they can apply for student finance. This is a loan which covers the cost of your course and helps with living expenses. You will pay this back over time, once you have graduated and start working.

Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA)

If you are a student with a disability, you may also be entitled to a Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA). This is extra money available to buy any specialist equipment or support needed to meet your needs whilst you study. For more information on Disabled Student’s Allowance help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability please visit Disabled Students' Allowance.

Hardship funds

Some universities have money available in case you have difficulty paying for your studies. These are called hardship funds. Universities have different rules around who can apply for this money and how much you can get. For more information, you can contact the university, or visit University and college hardship funds.