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.
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
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 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
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.
Use MyStudentLife to get in touch with us or to submit information or make a request.
Join the Student Advisory Group: We have a group of disabled students that take part in a variety of discussions/surveys to help improve the disabled student experience. Find out more
The start of the academic year can be a busy time as you get settled into student life at UWE Bristol.
This handy guide features some of the most commonly-asked questions to support new and returning students. And remember, if you still need an answer to your question, submit an enquiry on My Student Life.
After you enrol in MYUWE, you’ll be able to access your timetable. Once enrolled and providing timetables have been published, they will show in MYUWE 3 working days later. Your Starting Block timetable will appear automatically.
New students: If you’ve uploaded a photo to MYUWE, your card will be ready 2 working days later from the campus you study at, unless otherwise advised.
I’m confused by the room numbers – how do I find the right room?
If it says on your timetable you’re going to room 2S706, then you’re looking for 2 – Level 2; S – S Block (all blocks have a block letter outside the entrance); 706 – room number. If you have any problems finding your way around, use this campus map.
If I have a question about something where can I go?
You can find an answer or submit an enquiry on My Student Life. Staff at our InfoPoint will also be happy to help you. You can find it in D Block – 1D11.
Life at City Campus 🎨
Where do I catch a bus to town?
We recommend catching buses from Blackmoors Lane rather than anywhere else as they are much more frequent there.
How do I get between Bower Ashton, Arnolfini and Spike Island?
There’s no UWE parking at Arnolfini or Spike Island, so you might want to consider public transport, cycling or walking. Check out this handy cycling map for guidance. If you need help getting around Bower Ashton you can use this map or our interactive map.
Can I park at Bower Ashton?
There’s very limited parking at Bower. If you’re going to park here, you need a permit. If the car park is full, you can try Ashton Court just up the hill (although that’s not free). There’s no UWE Bristol car parking at Arnolfini or Spike Island – you’ll need to use public car parks.
If I have a question about something where can I go?
You can find an answer or submit an enquiry on My Student Life. Staff at our InfoPoint will also be happy to help you. The Bower Ashton one is B Block, opposite the Art Shop. There’s also one on the fourth floor of the Arnolfini.
How can I print?
You can print ordinary things like A4 black and white via Pharos. You’ll be given £15 on your account at the start of the year.
If you want to print something more specialist, visit the Digital Print Bureau in 0C008.
Where can I use specialist software?
There are loads of opportunities for you to access specialist software, depending on what you need it for. This includes the library, and specialist computer suites in D Block, G Block and B block at Bower Ashton, as well as software at the Arnolfini and Spike Island.
Where can I buy art supplies?
Go wild in the Art Shop! You get an £80 materials allowance each year and you can use it at the Art Shop or the Digital Design Studio.
I’ve lost something – where might it be?
Everything makes its way to the Security office in F Block, check here first! Or email uwecard@uwe.ac.uk to find out if something is there.
Life at Glenside 🏥
I’m so confused by the room numbers – how do I find the right room?
If it says on your timetable you’re going to room 1F06, then you’re looking for 1 – Level 1; F – F Block (all blocks have a block letter outside the entrance); 06 – room number. If you have any problems finding your way around, use this map.
How do I order my placement name badge?
New student: If you’ve completed your online registration, a placement name badge will be ordered for you and it’ll be issued at one of your teaching sessions before you start your simulation skills sessions.
Returning student: If you need a replacement placement name badge, email the team and they’ll order one for you and email you when your badge is ready to collect.
How do I order my placement uniform?
If you’ve completed your online registration in MYUWE, you’ll be emailed details of how to order your placement uniform during induction week. If you’ve registered and haven’t received the email, contact the Information Point.
Are there showers and changing rooms at Glenside?
Yes! These can be found in 1E06 and 1E09. You can ask Glenside Reception staff for a code to access the rooms – you’ll need to show your student ID card.
Are there student lockers at Glenside?
Lockers for short term use are available in the changing rooms in 1E06 and 1E09. To hire a locker for long term use, please email travel.plan@uwe.ac.uk to request one.
I’ve just started my course at Glenside – I applied for the NHS LSF Training Grant, when will I receive my first payment?
You’ll receive it in November, if:
you started your course in September
you’ve completed your student online registration.
We’ll confirm your attendance to the NHSBSA in early November to release the funds to you. It can take up to 10 working days for payment to be processed once we’ve confirmed your attendance.
I have a timetabled teaching session in room 0SC014 at Glenside – where is it?
0SC014 is located at the back of the Glenside Student Centre (old Student Union) building. It is the big brown wooden building located near car park 10.
How do I contact the Accommodation Office at Glenside?
Glenside Accommodation Service office is located near the Hub in 1H29. Reach them here.
How can I contact Occupational Health Service at Glenside?
If I have a question about something, where can I go?
You can find an answer or submit an enquiry on My Student Life. Staff at our InfoPoint will also be happy to help you. You can find it in Glenside Library in D Block.
Your Course 🎓
I already feel like my course isn’t right for me? Can I switch?
Please don’t rush into a decision, it sometimes takes a while to settle in to university life. First, chat to your programme leader or your academic personal tutor and explain to them what you’re struggling with. They can offer support and guidance. If you’d like more in-depth advice about your options, you can get in touch with a Student Support Adviser.
The Students’ Union runs a student rep system, and ideally look for one student rep for every 25 students on your year of study on your course. They are usually chosen at the start of the academic year, so speak to your programme leader about this if you haven’t already received information about it.
I’m struggling with my course? I feel like I’m behind with the work and need some support.
Use the resources of the UWE Bristol Student Money Service. They have plenty of online information as well as an enquiry form to support and advise you. There are additional resources on Money and Finance, including an enquiry form for tuition fee issues.
My rent is really high and I can’t afford it/I’m struggling with money. What can I do?
Firstly we advise students to apply for all the funding they are eligible for from Student Finance and then apply for the Student Support Fund. Many students also choose to take on part-time work alongside their studies, and sign up to Blackbullion for free money education.
I haven’t managed to find anywhere to live. Who can help me?
Don’t panic – there’s lots of help out there to make sure you find somewhere to live. The Students’ Union can support you, so check out their advice pages.
I’m struggling with my housemates and I really want to move.
I need some help for my mental health. Where can I get the support I need?
If you’re struggling with your mental health and wellbeing then please don’t hesitate in reaching out for support. Download the Wisdom app, which offers live chat and video calls with counsellors. Also check out our Wellbeing Service webpage which includes a range of self-help resources and guidance.
I’m concerned about my drug or alcohol use at the moment, and really feel like I could do with some help.
UWE Bristol does not condone or condemn the use of drugs including alcohol; we are focused on providing students with the knowledge to be safe and feel supported. We operate a policy of harm reduction that prioritises the welfare and wellbeing of our students and wider community. We have a free Drugs and Alcohol Service if you would like support from a professional.
I’m looking for support following sexual assault?
We have an Anti-Sexual Violence Service here at UWE Bristol which provides a non-judgemental, inclusive and confidential safe space for you to seek support if you have experienced sexual trauma of any kind, even if you don’t want to report something.
Disability Support 🫱🏼🫲🏾
I have a disability and feel nervous about how this will be managed during my time at university.
Please don’t be nervous, there is a whole range of support available to you. If you haven’t already done so, make sure you have disclosed your disability to the Disability Service. This Disability Support Guide covers everything you need to know.
I am neurodivergent, and would like to know what support is available to me.
I want to start thinking about my future career, as well as looking for part-time work or internships while I study. Who can help with this?
There are so many opportunities available here for you at UWE Bristol:
You can find part-time and term-time roles that work around your studies by visiting the JobShop.
InfoHub is your first stop for careers advice, job listings, and help finding internships.
I want to start thinking about my career in the creative industries – how can I do this?
Learn how to talk about your creative skills and experience in a way employers understand. We offer regular sessions to explore freelancing, running your own business, building your CV, covering letters, and confidence. UWE Careers & Enterprise Padlet
Use our Showcase website to develop your online presence and portfolio.
Hey everyone! I’m Imogen, a second year studying sociology and one of the neurodivergent advocates at UWE, as part of the widening participation team.
At the end of my first year I stumbled across the advertisement for the advocacy role in my emails. There were roles for mature student advocates, race equity advocates and neurodiversity advocates. I decided to apply as I knew a lot about neurodiversity. My friends, family and partner (and myself) are neurodivergent. I am passionate about social change, and I am very aware about what support is available. The role is flexible, catering to students at 2-4 hours per week, online or in-person, with 3 to 4 other advocates on each team. I have been working as an advocate for this academic year now, alongside my studies. It is a rewarding role. I have had many opportunities and gained valuable experience. I have particularly enjoyed writing content for newsletters and talking about my experiences at widening access calls to prospective students. I am better at knowing what study methods work for me, and feel much more confident in my abilities as I finish my second year.
With exam and deadline season in full swing, I wanted to share a few study tips that have helped me throughout my time at uni as a neurodivergent student. Whether you’re neurodivergent too or just looking for new ways to stay organised and motivated, I hope you find something useful here!
📋 Make Lists
It might sound simple, but honestly – lists save me. Trying to remember everything in my head never works, so I write a daily ‘to-do’ list with every task I need to get done. And I mean everything. I include achievable things like ‘get out of bed’ or ‘go to my lecture’ because some days, those are big wins too. Ticking them off gives me a little boost and keeps me feeling productive.
📆 Use a Calendar
I live by my calendar. I schedule all my study sessions, but instead of blocking out a vague ‘study time’, I’ll be specific – like ‘check essay conclusion’ or ‘revise topic 3 notes’. It makes my workload feel way more manageable. I personally use Google Calendar because it’s linked to my personal email and lets me combine everything in one place – study sessions, lectures, meetings, and reminders.
🧘 Schedule Breaks
This one’s important: don’t forget to rest. When I get hyper-focused on a task, I can easily forget to eat, stretch, or breathe. Even if you’re someone who thrives on last-minute cramming (no judgement), try to build in small breaks to recharge. Your wellbeing matters just as much as your grades.
🤝 Try Body Doubling
If you haven’t heard of this before, body doubling is a productivity technique where you work in the presence of someone else to help you stay on track. It’s especially popular among people with ADHD, but it works for anyone. I like meeting a friend at the library in the morning – having somewhere to be and someone there makes it easier to get moving. Pro tip: aim for the quiet study areas if you’re easily distracted!
I hope these tips resonate with you, and if you’re finding things tough or need a little extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the services available at UWE:
Interested in being part of this supportive community? Whether you’re looking for peer support, a place to share your experiences, or simply want to connect with others, the CHSS Advocate Programme is here for you. To join a group or attend one of our meetups, follow the link to our online space and sign up!
It is important that you look after yourself. University can put different demands on you at different times of the year, and that can be difficult to manage. Understanding how to look after yourself is important.
We’re the Access and Learning Strategies team and we host monthly group sessions offering a safe place to meet other autistic students. The groups are hosted by Specialist Mentors who are there to facilitate the session and answer any questions you may have about support or your studies.
Plus, each month we invite a guest speaker who can support you with university life and help you build on your strengths. There’s also time for you to discuss any topics that you feel are important.
Take a look at our upcoming support sessions – we host them at both Frenchay and Bower Ashton campus. The groups are friendly and welcoming, and we’d love to see you there!
If you are a student with specific learning differences, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, you are autistic or your studies are affected by mental health, support is available on our webpage.
