Author: Student Communications

Your ultimate Halloween harm reduction guide

Author Student Communications | Posted on

by Becky

Spooky season is here! Halloween should be about great memories, not A&E visits, or rough hangovers. Here’s your quick checklist to look out for yourself and your mates this weekend.

Take it easy and line your stomach

Alcohol affects your body much faster on an empty stomach. Make sure to eat a decent meal before heading out. Swap in water or soft drinks between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated and keep your energy levels steady throughout the night.

Out together, home together

It’s easy to get separated in crowded, dark venues, so look out for each other and make sure no one is left walking home alone. A good way to make sure this happens is to get your phone fully charged before your night out or double-check night bus schedules before you leave.

Check out Bristol Safe Space at Night – run by friendly volunteers from 10pm to 4am in the city centre, it’s a safe, welcoming spot if you ever need a hand—whether that’s charging your phone, picking up period products, or just taking a breather.

Research the Risk, Reduce the Harm

If you or your friends choose to use substances, keeping basic harm reduction practices in mind can significantly reduce risk:

  • Check your substances: illicit drugs can contain unexpected and potentially dangerous adulterants or mis-sold compounds. Using a reagent testing kit allows you to test for unknown agents before making a decision.
  • You can collect a home testing kit at Bower Ashton on Thursday 29 October from 11:00 – 15:00, or visit The Loop’s drug checking service at the Bristol Drugs Project on Saturday 31 October (12:00-20:00) for comprehensive analysis and confidential advice.
  • Start Low and Go Slow: potency can vary wildly. Wait to gauge the effects before considering taking more.
  • Avoid mixing: combining different substances—including alcohol, prescription medication, and illicit drugs—unpredictably increases strain on your body and mind. Check out Drugsand.Me to understand the risks of using more than one substance at a time.
  • Know the signs of an emergency: unresponsiveness, shallow breathing, extreme overheating, or confusion require immediate attention. Bristol is a Harm Reduction City, and our nightlife venues are fully onboard—never hesitate to call 999 or alert venue staff and first aiders. Medical help always comes first: no judgment, no trouble.

Don’t be a creep

Spiking is a serious, illegal act of harm committed by perpetrators—never the fault of the person targeted. Venue staff, security, and local support teams take any attempt to contaminate drinks seriously.

  • If you suspect spiking: report it immediately to bar or venue staff, security, or a welfare officer so they can intervene, support the person affected, and address the perpetrator.
  • Protective tools available: anti-spiking covers and test strips are available at venue bars and in our toolkits as an extra layer of reassurance.

Look out for your mates

If someone in your group starts feeling unwell, anxious, or overly intoxicated, take them to a quiet, well-lit space, offer water if appropriate, and seek help from venue welfare staff or emergency services if you’re concerned.

Grab your harm reduction toolkit next Friday

Want to make sure you’re fully prepared for the weekend? We’ve got you covered. Come along to the Students’ Union Bar (Union 2) on Frenchay Campus next Friday (30 October) between 12:00 and 14:00 to pick up your free harm reduction toolkit.

What’s in the kit?

  • Drink anti-spiking devices: pop the device in the top of your bottle or glass.
  • Unit cups for pre-drinks: know how much you’ve drunk before you head into town.
  • Harm reduction guides: resources on substance effects, mixing risks, and emergency first aid.

Pop by our table, grab your free kit, chat with the team, and equip yourself for a safe, fun Halloween weekend!

Need advice or support?

Remember, student support services and the UWE Drug and Alcohol Service are always here for confidential, non-judgmental advice and support.

    Recipe for a good mental health chat

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    If you’re someone who struggles with your mental health then it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.

    Recent research by Student Minds revealed that one in four students have a diagnosed mental health issue, and 30 per cent said their mental health had got worse since starting university.

    It’s not hard to see why that might be the case. Living away from home for the first time. Trying to make new friends. Juggling socialising, studying and earning money. The pressure of assessments.

    All of these things can mean you might find yourself struggling more than usual.

    Obviously some mental health issues require sustained, professional support, and it’s important that you reach out for the help you need – there’s a whole range of support services available to you here at UWE Bristol. For many of us, there are simple, every day things we can do to ease stresses and anxieties, and one of the most important is just opening up and talking about how you’re feeling.

    For World Mental Health Day, we’re using the opportunity to encourage everyone to take the time to chat with a friend or someone you feel close to. Check in with them, find out how they’re really doing and give both of you the opportunity to open up about your feelings.

    So, what is the recipe for a really good chat?

    • Find a space where you’re comfortable. Don’t pick a time when you’re both busy or rushed, or where there’s loads of people around who might be half listening. Sit down somewhere calm and quiet, and when you’ve got the time to really have a proper chat without interruptions.
    • Start with “how are you reaaally feeling?” We all know how easy it is to just go into autopilot and tell people you’re fine, when someone asks how things are going. You need to make sure the other person knows that you want to dig a bit deeper than that and give them the opportunity to properly open up.
    • Be open and listen. For the chat to be worthwhile, both of you need to be ready to open up and also listen to each other. Why not look up tips on active listening if this is something that you’ve struggled with.
    • Acknowledge each other’s feelings and don’t judge. Shame or fear of judgement can be one of the many reasons why people don’t feel comfortable sharing their feelings. Make sure the person sharing with you knows that they’re in a safe space.
    • Don’t always try and solve the problem, sometimes people just need support. Very often people just want someone to really listen to what they’re saying. That’s all you need to do. However, if the conversation causes you to feel concerned about someone’s wellbeing or safety, then don’t hesitate to seek support. If you have urgent concerns about the welfare of a student or you need support yourself, then you should contact the 24/7 Serious Concerns Line.

    So, in the spirit of World Mental Health Day, why not check in with a friend and take the time to sit down for a proper chat.

    – Student Communications Team

    My career top tip

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    by Nathan

    Exploring career options can feel like trying to explore a deep, dark and unfathomable cave. Vast and sprawling with gloomy, twisting tunnels and an intimidating maw for an entrance. That’s how I felt before I became a Careers Peer Coach. This was the torch I needed to provide light on job searching, careers planning and graduate schemes. I hope to share some tips to help guide your own journey into the cave of careers.

    Spelunking (the sport of walking and climbing in caves) starts with a plan, and the earlier the better. Begin looking inwards, at what you want for your career. What are the current things you want to achieve this year? Maybe you want to secure a place on a graduate scheme, or an internship. Perhaps you’re considering your options of further study. It might be more immediate, as it was with me, you’re looking for a part-time job to gain some money.

    Next, it’s time to figure out how to get it. That means exploring that cavernous world of careers. On the hunt for any sparkling gems that are exactly what you want.

    Cavers need the proper equipment to explore the subterrain, to be safe and efficient. For those of us conducting careers exploration, we need the proper equipment too. That equipment comes in the form of the UWE Career Toolkit. If you’re looking for a tip or a trick to get you heading in the right direction, then there really isn’t a better place I can point you to than the Career Toolkit.

    This is a nifty little web page that acts as guiding rope and as excavating pick for when you’ve found those hidden gems. On there are sections about work experience, placements, CVs and interviews, postgraduate options, international routes, the list is near endless.

    If I could share one of those hidden gems it would be the PDF list found under the ‘Jobs & work experience by degree or occupation’ tab within the ‘Job-searching’ tile. These are a fantastic list of career options by study area that are worth a look. They contain advice on searching for jobs as well as links to employers who have provided graduate places or internships before. Take each tool out as needed and you won’t get lost.

    Hopefully with the Career Toolkit in your pocket, you’ll be feeling confident and able to step into your own cave of careers and find your own sparkling solutions.

    My career top tip

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    by Beatrice

    As a second-year postgraduate studying career development, I started mapping out my direction during my very first term. I knew I wanted to support students through coaching and mentoring in higher education. Because I got clear on that early, I kept a regular eye on the vacancies section in the UWE Careers Toolkit. When the Peer Coach role came up in March, I was ready to jump on it.

    To build my confidence and practical skills, I also threw myself into hands-on experience: volunteering with Future Quest at UWE on widening participation activities, and working with an NGO to mentor a Year 12 student through their UCAS process. Combining campus outreach with external volunteering gave me a safe space to test theory in the real world, discover my strengths, and clearly pinpoint my blind spots.

    Another resource in the Careers Toolkit that made a huge difference is free access to LinkedIn Learning. Whenever I wanted to build specific professional skills, such as coaching frameworks, psychology, or data analysis, I treated those courses as zero-pressure “tasters.” They’re a brilliant way to explore new fields, discover what you actually enjoy doing and earn digital certificates to back up your CV and LinkedIn profile.

    If you want to make the most of this academic year without burning out, here are three practical tips that kept me on track:

    Invest one hour a week in “future you”: treat career exploration like a scheduled module. Set aside one quiet window a week to browse UWE vacancies, update a CV draft, or watch a quick LinkedIn Learning module.

    Prioritize by impact, not just deadlines: academic work will always expand to fill your day if you let it. Use a digital calendar or planner to protect specific slots for volunteering, work experience, and rest so your personal development does not get pushed aside.

    Test the waters early: you do not need your whole life mapped out right now. Try a micro-volunteering role, join an NGO initiative, or take an introductory course to see if an area suits you before making big commitments.

    Your degree gives you the qualification, but early action gives you the confidence. Log into the Careers Toolkit this week, pick one small goal, and give yourself a head start.

    Finding part-time work

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    Student living costs are at an all-time high, and in 2024, 58% of students said their maintenance loan doesn’t cover their living costs. With that in mind, you might be thinking about picking up a part-time job to help ease the pressure.

    Here’s a quick guide to finding and balancing work alongside your studies:

    What work can you do?

    Anything you like! But if you’re looking for some ideas, here are some popular jobs among students:

    • Bar work offers flexible evening shifts that fit around lectures. However, be prepared for late nights and some challenging customers.
    • Hospitality jobs in cafes, restaurants, and hotels can be flexible around uni and may come with perks like free food. Just keep in mind the hours can be long and often involve being on your feet.
    • Retail jobs in supermarkets or shops include tasks like stocking shelves, serving customers, and working the till. They’re usually flexible and you can often get extra hours during busy periods like Christmas. Just be aware that weekend work is common and hours can vary.
    • Tutoring involves helping younger students with subjects like maths, English or science. It’s often online, so there are no travel costs, and the pay can be higher than other jobs. Just make sure you’ve got reliable internet and a quiet, private space to work from.

    How do I find work?

    Sort your CV – if you don’t have one yet, there are plenty of free templates online, and Save the Student has a helpful guide to writing a CV. The Careers Team here at UWE can also support you with CV writing and feedback.

    Start your job search – look across a range of platforms to find part time jobs that suit you. Here are some good places to start:

    Apply – make sure each application is tailored to the role. Read the job description carefully, highlight your relevant skills, and double-check for any errors before submitting. Keeping track of your applications can also help you stay organised.

    Prepare for interviews – if you’re invited to an interview, research the company and be ready to talk about your experience, availability, and what makes you a good fit. The UWE Careers Team can support you with mock interviews and helpful advice.

    Balancing work and study

    Balancing a part-time job with your studies can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you manage:

    – Be clear about the hours you’re available and check if your employer can accommodate them

    – Ask if you’ll be able to take time off when needed, especially around exams

    – Use a planner (digital or paper) to stay on top of your uni and work commitments

    – Prioritise rest and relaxation. It’s important for your wellbeing as well as your studies

    Why it’s worth it

    A part-time job can bring in extra money, boost your CV and help you develop useful skills if it fits well around your studies. You could gain experience in teamwork, communication, and time management, while also building confidence and independence. The key is making sure it supports your student life, not overwhelms it.

    Taking control of your inbox

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    First things first – where is your UWE email?

    Your UWE email is one of the main ways the University will contact you, so make sure you know how to access it before term gets busy.

    You can access your UWE email:

    • through MYUWE by selecting the envelope icon
    • through Microsoft Outlook using your UWE Bristol account
    • through the UWE Bristol app, which gives you quick access to email alongside things like Blackboard and your timetable

    If you use your phone to regularly check your emails, we recommend downloading the Microsoft Outlook app.

    An overflowing inbox, with new emails coming in faster than you can delete the old ones, can feel like a lot. We get it. And we know you don’t want to be inundated with irrelevant information or unnecessary updates. Which is why we’re working hard to ensure that we are only sending you the stuff you need to know about.

    However, email is still going to be one of your main communication channels as a student and it’s so important that you’re keeping on top of the different info being sent your way. Life as a uni student means taking on new challenges, and one of those might be having to manage a busy inbox for the first time.

    Which emails should I prioritise?

    Not every email needs an immediate response, but there are some you really shouldn’t leave sitting unread. Pay particular attention to emails about:

    • your course, modules or teaching
    • changes to classes or your timetable
    • assessments and academic information
    • registration or your student record
    • student finance
    • IT security, passwords or your UWE account
    • wellbeing, safety or important University updates
    • anything that specifically asks you to complete an action by a deadline

    You’ll also receive emails at key stages of the year. These emails will include information about how you’re engaging with your studies, based on the data available to us, including your attendance at teaching sessions, assessment submissions and other study-related activity. We will also provide tailored information about the services we have here at UWE Bristol which are designed to help you succeed, so they’re worth opening rather than saving for “later”.

    So, we’re here to help! The tips below will help you embrace good habits and become a pro at managing your emails:

    • Get organised – Create folders within your inbox so you can keep related emails together and find important information more easily. You could create folders for individual modules, society updates or correspondence with your landlord. When everything has a place, your inbox will feel much more manageable and less overwhelming.
    • Unsubscribe from emails you don’t need – You have the power to stop many unwanted marketing emails from reaching your inbox. If you no longer find a mailing list useful, take a moment to unsubscribe using the link provided. However, don’t unsubscribe from important university updates. These may include essential information about term dates, academic regulations, IT services, health and wellbeing support, and opportunities available to you. If an email looks suspicious, avoid clicking any links and report it as phishing instead.
    • Don’t let emails build up – Five unread emails can quickly become 50 if you keep putting them off. When you open an email, try to do one of three things: delete it, take action or file it. Don’t be afraid to delete messages you no longer need, but avoid leaving important emails sitting unread.
    • Set some boundaries – Having access to your emails on your phone can help you stay informed while you’re on the go. However, being connected around the clock isn’t always helpful. Try checking your inbox at set times during the day and consider turning off notifications when you’re studying, relaxing or getting ready to sleep.
    • Choose the right way to communicate – Not every conversation needs to happen over email. You could keep your university inbox mainly for academic and official messages, and use platforms such as WhatsApp or Teams for personal or social conversations. If a discussion with your lecturer becomes a lengthy email exchange, it may be quicker and easier to arrange a conversation with them instead.
    • Make the most of your inbox – Email platforms such as Outlook and Gmail include useful features that can help you stay organised, including folders, categories, filters, flags and automatic rules. Take a little time to explore online guides or tutorials and find the tools that work best for you.
    • Ask for help – These tips should make your university inbox easier to manage, but support is available if you get stuck. Visit the UWE Email webpage for further information and guidance.

    Making connections more meaningful

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    We’ve all struggled to connect with other people at one time or another, and university is usually the first step out of the bubble of school or college. Ironically, sometimes the more people you’re surrounded by, the easier it can be to feel lonely! 

    The small, everyday interactions you have all help build a sense of community and belonging. Connecting with people, in whatever capacity, supports your wellbeing – regardless of the number of people you consider friends. In fact, research shows that social connections are just as important to your overall health as exercise is. 

    But how often do you wish you could skip the small talk and go straight to being friends with someone? It’s easier to bond over shared interests or experiences, so if you’re already signed up to events, societies or MOVE activities, you’re already on your way. If you’re not, and your study schedule allows, why not try one? 

    Prefer something quieter?

    You don’t need to drink, go clubbing or attend a huge event to meet people. Quieter, low-pressure activities can make it easier to talk naturally and find people with similar interests. 

    • Try a daytime society taster, creative workshop, volunteering session or MOVE activity.
    • Invite someone from your course or accommodation for a coffee, lunch, a walk or a study session. 
    • Look for alcohol-free events and smaller activities where there is already something to focus on. 
    • If large groups feel overwhelming, aim for one small interaction at a time – saying hello before a lecture still counts. 

    Tips for small talk

    The art of small talk is important though, and a skill that will benefit you in your university, personal and professional life, so here’s our top tips to help:

    • Ask open-ended questions. Instead of “did you have a good weekend”, you could ask what someone got up to during it – maybe it’ll turn out you did something similar, or they’ve visited that new spot you’ve been meaning to go to.
    • And then actually listen to the answers! (This one’s important)
    • If you’re asked questions, avoid super short answers; it’s hard to take a conversation anywhere if you don’t give the other person anything to work with. You don’t need to share anything you’re uncomfortable with, but adding a little extra detail can keep the conversation going a little further than just “good thanks, you?” “yeah good, thanks”
    • Respect boundaries. For example, if someone clearly doesn’t want to talk about their family, or dating life– don’t push them to.
    • Don’t take things too personally. You may have caught someone when they just don’t fancy a chat (with anyone), so don’t let this put you off altogether.
    • Be in the moment. Put away your phone – unless it’s relevant to the topic at hand (hello, cute pet pics)
    • If you compliment someone, make sure it’s genuine. Compliments are a great way to start a conversation, or simply brighten someone else’s day – but insincere compliments can have the opposite effect.
    • Make plans with (potential) friends. Especially when everyone is managing a busy workload (or out on placement), it can be easy to shut yourself away a bit. Taking breaks is important though, so factor them into your study schedule and hit two birds with one stone. Had a brief chat with someone after a MOVE class? – ask them if they’re coming to the next one!
    • If you identify as neurodivergent, then come along to one of the Thinking Differently cafes if you haven’t already.
    • Finally – don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, and keep at it! The more you practise, the easier it’ll feel and the more resilient to awkwardness you’ll be. Often the most confident people in the room once felt (or still feel) shy inside!

    Connections don’t always develop into friendships, but it’s not all or nothing – a variety of relationships of all different types makes life more fulfilling and interesting.

    Good luck!

    How to not spend all your money in the first weeks of uni

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    Between finding your way around your new campus, meeting new people, and navigating student life, keeping on top of your budget can easily slip down the list.

    Here’s a quick guide to help you manage your money while enjoying being a UWE Bristol student!

    Local supermarkets

    Bigger supermarkets are usually cheaper than the smaller corner shops, so it’s worth the walk. 💡Top tip: Lidl and Aldi are usually the cheapest, followed by ASDA, then Sainsbury’s (especially if you’ve got a Nectar card). 

    Below are some good options near your campus. 

    Frenchay:

    • ASDA Filton Superstore – located in the Abbeywood Retail Park (15-20 min walk)
    • Lidl – located on Fox Den Road (10-15 min walk)
    • Aldi – located on Fox Den Road (roughly a 15 min walk)
    • Sainsbury’s – located on Fox Den Road (around a 15 min walk)

    Glenside:

    • Lidl – located on Fishponds Road (20-25 min walk) 
    • Morrisons – located on Fishponds Road (20-25 min walk) 
    • Iceland – Channons Hill (15 min walk) 

    City Campus:

    • Aldi – located on North Street (20 min walk) 
    • Sainsbury’s – located on Winterstoke Road (25 min walk) 

    Getting around Bristol

    There are lots of ways to get around, but buses are usually the cheapest and easiest.

    First Bus: First Bus is the main bus company in Bristol, it offers several routes connecting UWE campuses with the city centre and surrounding areas. The First Bus app has live bus times and a journey planner. As a student, you can get discounted ticket prices on the app.

    May showing the First Bus UWE network of routes between campuses and key parts of the city.

    M1/M3/M4 Metrobus: Metrobus services (M1, M3, M4) are rapid routes that connect Frenchay Campus to the city centre and Cribbs Causeway. They run late too, which is perfect for getting home after a night out.

    You can also hire e-scooters and e-bikes around the city which are great for quick trips and easy to use. Just download the Dott app, ensure you’re signed up for student discount, find a ride nearby, and go 🛴.

    Food and drink on campus

    Making your own food is always the cheapest option, but we get it, Freshers’ Week is hectic. Check out how to keep your food and drink spend low on Frenchay campus, Glenside Campus and City Campus.

    And of course, if you’ve been organised and got yourself to a supermarket, here are some great student-friendly recipes to get you started: BBC Good Food or Mob’s Easy & Cheap Student Recipes. 

    Your University Health Centre

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    Did you know we have our very own doctors’ surgery right in the heart of Frenchay Campus?

    It’s open to all UWE Bristol students, no matter which campus you’re studying at.

    Register before you need an appointment: register online with the University Health Centre. 

    Registering with the Health Centre 

    You can stay registered with us for your whole time at university, which means you won’t have to worry about finding another doctor as you move in your second and third year. 

    Plus, as we work in partnership with The Old School Surgery in Fishponds, registering with us means you’ll be automatically registered with them too. Effectively you’re getting two doctors’ surgeries for one! 

    Registering now means that we’ll be able to get your records from your previous GP so that we’re ready to treat you if you need us. It also means you won’t have to worry about going through the registration process or finding a walk-in centre when you actually need to see a doctor – you can just book an appointment with us without all the extra hassle. 

    And don’t worry – you can still see your previous GP if you go home for the holidays. You’ll just need to see them as a temporary patient. It won’t affect your registration with us in Bristol and you can easily re-register with them if you move back home once you’ve finished your course. 

    Booking appointments

    So why register with us? 

    We make it really easy for you to book appointments that fit around your lectures – you can do it online using our Klinik access system. We offer routine appointments booking up to two weeks in advance, however, if you have an urgent medical need we also offer same-day telephone calls or face-to-face appointments once your Klinik form has been triaged. 

    Who you can see

    We have a vast clinical team based at the Health Centre, consisting of GPs, nurses, mental health nurses, phlebotomists, first contact physiotherapists, sexual health nurses and clinical pharmacists. The clinician you see or speak to will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing following your Klinik form being triaged. 

    Services available

    We offer all of your standard GP services, including appointments, blood tests, travel vaccines, sexual health advice and free chlamydia screening kits. 

    We can arrange your MenACWY vaccination if you are in your first year and under the age of 25, which protects you against four different causes of meningitis and septicaemia. If you didn’t have it before you arrived we really recommend that you have it. 

    Mental health and wellbeing support 

    The Health Centre works in partnership with the University’s Wellbeing Service, offering you support for your mental health and wellbeing. We’ll refer you to other services in and around Bristol where required, to make sure you get all the medical help you need.

    When you might not need a GP 

    Remember that some common minor health concerns like coughs, colds, hayfever or an upset stomach don’t need to be seen by a doctor, unless they last for more than a week. Pop in to talk to your local pharmacist for advice – they’re experts who can recommend certain medications that you can take without a prescription. If the doctors’ surgery or pharmacy is closed, you can call NHS 111 for urgent medical advice.

    International students

    If you’re an international student our healthcare system may be different to what you’re used to – don’t worry, we’re here to explain everything you need to know and can provide a translator. Most services such as GP consultations and emergency treatment are free for everyone. You may need to pay for prescriptions, dental treatment and sight tests – although most students can get these at a reduced cost or free (just complete an application form).

    Dentists and opticians

    Doctors’ surgeries don’t provide eye tests or dental check ups – you can find an optician or a dentist through the NHS website.

    Remember, we’re here to help you so that you can get on with your studies and fully enjoy your university experience – so register with us now!

    Disabled student support at UWE Bristol: 10 things you need to know

    Author Student Communications | Posted on

    Take a look at the video above by our Disability Team on the 10 things you need to know.

    1. You belong at UWE Bristol

    We welcome disabled students at UWE Bristol. Around 10,000 students have disclosed a disability, long‑term health condition, mental health condition, or are neurodivergent. Being disabled is a normal part of our student community, and support is available to help you take part fully in your course and university life.

    2. You need to request reasonable adjustments

    If you haven’t already, you can contact us to upload evidence, and request reasonable adjustments. You can also contact us via MyStudentLife if:

    • you don’t have evidence
    • your circumstances change
    • you have questions about support
    • you’re not sure what adjustments might help

    There are deadlines in place for you to apply for reasonable adjustments to exams and to coursework deadlines. Make sure you request reasonable adjustments before the deadline.

    3. You need to apply before adjustment deadlines

    There are deadlines in place for you to apply for reasonable adjustments to exams and to coursework deadlines. Make sure you request reasonable adjustments before the deadline.

    You can check which reasonable adjustments you have in place on your student record.

    4. Coursework deadline adjustments

    If you have a coursework deadline adjustment, you will need to request it separately for each individual coursework submission. Use our Reasonable adjustment to coursework deadline request form.

    Please ensure that you apply before 14:00 on the original deadline date. Requests that are received during the late submission window will not be accepted.

    5. If you want to inform your teaching staff, create an impact statement

    An impact statement is a short paragraph that explains how your disability affects you in your studies. It helps your teaching staff understand what support you might need, without you having to explain your situation repeatedly.

    Take a look at our example impact statements and create one that works for you.

    6. You need to keep a check on your disability information on MYUWE

    You can view your disability information on MYUWE, including:

    • your disability disclosure(s)
    • your impact statement
    • any reasonable adjustments that are in place

    You can check this information as soon as you are registered.  It’s worth checking regularly and letting us know if anything needs updating.

    7. You can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) if you’re eligible

    If you’re a UK student, you may be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This is government funding that can pay for:

    • specialist equipment (for example, software or ergonomic equipment)
    • study‑related support
    • training to use the equipment

    The process includes a needs assessment to look at what will help you most. Apply for DSA >

    8. Library and placement support is available to you

    The Library offers a range of inclusive study support, including:

    • accessible learning resources (including alternative formats)
    • skills sessions open to all students
    • one to one help and guidance on all aspects of using the library, study skills and assistive technology

    Library services for disabled users >

    If you are on a Health or Education programme that has a professional placement element and you are a disabled student or the primary carer of a disabled person, support is available:

    • If you are neurodivergent, please read our Neurodivergence Placement Guidance for Students.
    • If you are concerned about your mental health on placement, please find advice and strategies in our wellbeing placement guidance: Wellbeing placement guidance
    • If you need bespoke reasonable adjustments to access your placement, please speak to your tutor to request an Access to Placement Plan. They will have a detailed conversation with you to discuss any barriers.

    9. Careers support for disabled students

    UWE Careers and Enterprise offers tailored support for disabled students, including guidance on:

    • Developing your career ideas and making plans
    • Access to work, and finding work and placements
    • Talking about disability in applications or interviews and sharing your needs with employers
    • Understanding your rights at work
    • Positive action schemes

    You can access appointments, resources and specialist advice through the UWE Career Toolkit.

    10. Support at The Students’ Union

    UWE Students’ Union clubs and societies aim to be inclusive and accessible. All of our sports clubs and large societies have a Participation and Equality Officer who can help with access arrangements and make sure you can get involved in activities you’re interested in.

    Each year, the Students’ Union has a Disabled Students’ Officer who represents disabled students and works to improve access, inclusion, and student experience across UWE.

    They can raise issues affecting disabled students, work on campaigns and projects and help make change happen.

    Need more information or want to get in touch?