Hi there, I'm Luna.
I'm a bit like an AI, except instead of making pictures of people with 16 fingers, I can help you find the perfect course and uni.
Would you like some help in your search?
Deciding to go to university was one of the best decisions I've ever made, and I'm glad I didn't let any doubts – because of my disability – get in the way. It hasn't been without challenges, but there's been support and guidance through every stage of the journey.
Before starting, I had no idea what help was available. I thought I'd be facing it alone. I was struck down with a debilitating illness, known as chronic fatigue syndrome or ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), during my first year of college. I struggled through to the end with the help of understanding teachers, but little external support.
At the time of applying to university I didn't even consider myself to be a disabled student, so it didn't occur to me that I would be eligible for any support. Through a recommendation I decided to take a chance and apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance, not realising how invaluable it would prove.
There’s a wide array of medical conditions which are considered for support, from physical disabilities to mental health and learning difficulties, to name but a few. If you start looking, you’ll soon find a wealth of information and support available which could help you.
From my experience, I’ve been treated with nothing but respect and understanding. Nobody tried to stop me from going to university, they just found ways to make it accessible for me. From the DSA Needs Assessor, my personal disability advisor, mentors, and even my lecturers, there was valuable support and guidance wherever I needed it.
Whatever your disability, or any difficulties you might face, I urge you to find out what support is available. It’s best to contact universities or student finance before you start your course, so that the right provisions can be put in place from the beginning. If you’re already a student at university, it’s never too late.
With a focus on independent study throughout higher education, it's important that your needs are met so you can get the most from your time at university. Whether that's through a note-taker in lectures, a tutor, or extra time in exams, there are things you might not have even considered which can make university work for you.
Don't be put off if you have certain needs or a style of learning that doesn't necessarily fit with everyone else's. Being a disabled student doesn't have to be a visible thing, and not everyone fits into the same box – but everyone is entitled to the help they need.
If you think that you may need extra support at university due to a disability, medical condition, or learning difficulty, then look for information on Disabled Students’ Allowance through student finance, or contact the disability services at the university you are interested in.
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