Disability and going to University

hustle90

Hi everyone. I'm 17 and currently at 6 form college in my first year of studying for 3 A levels. I'm hoping to make it to University (Even if I have to do another year of A levels if I fail one), however one thing thats worrying me is my disability.

I'm registered partially sighted/blind. I'm not actually fully blind, however 95% in one eye and around 60% in the other.

I live in London currently and all of my friends that I have are going to University here in London (Brunel), however I do not want to go to University here, as I really hate it here.

I want to go to Southampton or Portsmouth University, however because of my disability, I'm not sure if it's a good idea going to a new University where I know nobody. If I were to stay in London, i'd be going to the same University as my friends. I guess I'm pretty worried about meeting new people and knowing nobody, as it's a lot harder for me to make new friends etc.

What would you advise someone with a disability who is going to Univserity, however not sure whether to stay with friends and go to a University that I'm not that happy with, or going away to another University and making new friends.

Also, how is University with disabled people. Do some Universities have better facilities then others?.

Thanks.

Symbeaux1

Do you have a parent-partnership service near you?? what has the connexions adviser said?? My Son is only 11 and already we have been told about what provision he could expect to deal with his disability when he gets to college/university. I really dont know what the situation all the way down in London is, perhaps speak to your LEA and they should be able to point you in the right direction regarding your options.. Or perhaps an advisor from your school ? Friends are important, but the fact that you have them...proves that you are easily capable of making them and you will do so in the future.. jolly good luck with whatever decision you make, I'm sure you'll be successful.

QuirkyChemistry

Most universities will have support facilities although these can vary. I go to Southampton Uni and I believe they are quite good, although I don't have any particular experience. I would probably say go to a different uni than stay in London. You will (I assume) stay in halls in the first year and meet lots of people there. This is something you would miss out on if you stayed in London. If there is a society you join, even if it's just the one linked to your course, that's another good chance to make friends. People at uni tend to be much more friendly and less judgmental than you may have experienced in the past. As long as you make the effort to socialise then you shouldn't have any trouble making friends. What I would mention at Southampton is their bus network. All the Uni-link buses go from campus and halls to just about wherever you need to go and it is free if you're in halls. This makes getting around easier.

MrsManda

Hi hustle90,
I think it'd do you good to go to university somewhere else. As QuirkyChemistry and Symbeaux1 have said, you shouldn't have any problems making new friends.
All universities have student support services and they help you about for disabled student allowance (DSA) which will pay for any equipment or extra help you need.
I've just been looking at Southampton and Portsmouth's websites and they both seem to have really good student support services.

Southampton's disability website is: HERE
Information about their mentoring service is: HERE

Portsmouth University can be found on DisabledGo, which has access information for all parts of the university. You can find that information HERE
Their disability advice and support website can be found HERE

Follow your dreams, there is plenty of support out there for you and with hard work and a dream you can do anything.

cardiffforthefacup

Portsmouth have a good support system in place and it is a very user friendly uni. I don't think you would have any problems meeting and making new friends, student support will make sure you are not isolated and will help you with all your needs. Most of Portsmouth is flat hardly any hills until you leave the city. Worthwhile checking out as they have open days throughout the year and you could contact the various services, department on the phone as they are quite a friendly bunch down here and not just a faceless corperation

Carrie86_2

Going to University and making new friends can be hard on anyone and you might be suprised A)How many other people there are with various disabilities and How many people without disabilities struggle to settle in. When I started Uni I got in touch with the disability support services straight away - you can even do it as soon as you have your place - and make the most of the services they offer. It's not just things like disabled students allowance, and my Uni at least there are social groups aiming to link you up with people with similar difficulties. I would be against going to a Uni you are not happy with - its a longitme to be somewhere you don't want to and your group of friends might not remain together anyway.