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.
For many students, summer is something to look forward to; a break from deadlines, lectures and early starts. But for others, it can feel somewhat difficult.
Whether you’re staying in Bristol while friends head home, or returning to a family environment that feels a bit complicated, loneliness can show up in ways you might not expect.
If you’re staying in Bristol this summer
A quieter campus and fewer familiar faces can feel isolating. But Bristol is still very much alive over the summer and there are ways to stay connected, often without spending much money.
Find low-pressure ways to meet people Look for relaxed, drop-in style activities where there’s no expectation to already know anyone.
Create your own routine Without the structure of lectures, days can blur together. Try building small activities into your week. For example:
A regular study or job-search block
A weekly trip to a café (Stokes Croft and Park Street have lots of great options)
A set time for exercise or a walk
Do something that gets you around people (without pressure) Even being around others can help you feel less isolated, even if you don’t know them personally. For example:
Visiting Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Spending time at St Nicholas Market
Sitting with a book or laptop at a busy café
If you’re going home (and it feels complicated)
Going home isn’t always a simple or comforting experience. Family dynamics, expectations, or feeling like you’ve changed while everything else hasn’t can all contribute to anxiety or loneliness.
Set realistic expectations It’s okay if things don’t feel perfect. Try to avoid putting pressure on yourself to have a ‘perfect summer’ or to fix long-standing dynamics in a short time.
Keep part of your independence Maintaining small elements of your university routine; whether that’s going for a solo coffee, continuing hobbies, or setting aside time for yourself can help you feel grounded.
Stay digitally connected Regular messages, voice notes or video calls with friends in Bristol or elsewhere can remind you that your support network is still there and that these periods of time are just temporary
Small steps that can help, wherever you are Loneliness isn’t always about being physically alone, it’s about feeling disconnected. The good news is that even small actions can help rebuild that sense of connection.
Reach out to existing or old friends in your hometown Sending a simple message like “How are you getting on?” can often lead to more connection than you expect.
Limit comparison Social media can make it seem like everyone else is having an amazing summer. Remember, social media isn’t real: you’re only seeing a highlight reel.
Know when to ask for support If loneliness starts to feel overwhelming or persistent, it’s important to speak to someone.
For many of you, the end of term is more than just a break—it’s the official kick off to festival season. Whether you’re heading to a local day-fest or camping out for a long weekend, we want you to feel confident in knowing how to research the risks and reduce the harm this summer!
Pace yourself (it’s a marathon, not a sprint)
Festivals are high-energy environments. Between the dancing, the walking, and the sensory overload, your body is working harder than usual.
Hydrate: Locate the free water refill points as soon as you arrive and use them.
Refuel: Your brain needs more than just vibes to function. Sit down, grab some food, and take actual breaks away from the speakers.
Be in the know
The Buddy System: Make sure your friends know what you’ve taken, and check in on them, too. If someone feels unwell, knowing exactly what they’ve consumed allows medical teams to help much faster, check out the Drugs Related Emergencies resource.
Map it Out: Before the part starts, familiarise yourself with the medical and welfare tent, knowing where to go in an emergency.
Do your research
If you’re planning to use any substances, including alcohol. It is your responsibility to understand the effects and risks.
Harm reduction guides: You can find advice on how to look after yourself before, during and after, taking certain substances via our harm reduction guide blog series. Downloadable PDF’s are also available on the webpage above.
Leave the Mixing to the DJ: Mixing substances is where the danger increases exponentially.
Alcohol is a Drug: Remember that alcohol interacts with almost everything.
Check Interactions: If you are considering using more than one substance, visit drugsandme for reliable, evidence-based info on how different drugs interact and how to reduce harm.
Out together, home together
Don’t be the person wandering the campsite alone at 3:00 AM.
The “Meeting Spot”: Pick a physical landmark (like a specific food stall—not a flag that moves!) to meet at if you get separated.
The Exit Strategy: Plan your journey home before you’re tired and disoriented. If you’re in a new city, pre-book your taxi or download the local transport maps.
Support and resources
You don’t have to navigate this alone. We are here to support you without judgment:
One-on-One Advice: Want a confidential chat? Book an appointment with UWE’s Drug & Alcohol Practitioner for professional advice, info, and support tailored to you.
Need motivation? Want to get on track with your studies? Looking for help preparing for assessments and deadlines? Your Student Experience Coaches are here to support you.
Holly Adlem (L) and Hannah Embleton-Smith (R)
Your School of Architecture and Environment coaches are Holly Adlem and Hannah Embleton-Smith, and they offer tailored one-to-one coaching sessions designed to help you with the following:
Managing key transitions
Improving time management
Building confidence
Identifying strengths
Enhancing motivation
Reducing anxiety, stress, and overwhelm
Identifying tools and techniques to support progress and overcome barriers.
Each session is student-led, with goals defined by the individual.
Together, you explore your strengths, challenges, and emotions, and co-develop a practical and realistic action plan to support your personal, academic, and professional growth.
Have you ever taken the time to think about the considerable investment you are making by choosing to study at university? We’re not just talking about the money (although we know that’s significant) – it’s also the time, energy and effort that you are putting into your degree.
We want you to focus on really maximising that investment, and make some choices which will help you get the most out of your time here at UWE.
Start planning and preparing for your future now, so you’re ready to hit the ground running after graduation.
It’s worth remembering that life as a UWE Bristol student gives you access to a huge range of support services and opportunities and it’s worth making the most of these. You’ve already paid for it, so take advantage of it!
Careers and Enterprise – Make the most of our free support service. Your time at uni will fly by, and you want to be in the best possible position when you graduate.
Start your Personalised Career Plan – Fill in a short questionnaire so you can receive tailored careers info, resources and events to help you start planning for your future.
Look at LinkedIn courses – these are free for UWE Bristol students and are a great way of building your skills and enhancing your CV.
Why not travel abroad? – Global experiences are a great way to expand your horizons, meet new people and develop skills you didn’t even know about.
Use social media – Follow @UWECareers on Instagram to find out the latest updates on events, employer drop-ins and workshops.
Innovation and enterprise – Thinking about starting your own business? Get advice and support to develop your enterprise skills.
Volunteering – Use your talents and skills to give something back.
Thinking about your CV? – Start thinking about your future by taking on roles and responsibilities which will not only help you develop and grow, but also look great on your CV. Looking to becoming a student rep, a student ambassador or joining the student consultation panel.
Hopefully all that info has given you something to think about. Remember, you only get out of something what you put in (it sounds like a cliche, but it’s so true).
You’ve made a huge investment to be here – make the most of it!
We want to make sure you’re safe, whatever substance you choose to use. That’s why we’ve created a series of guidance telling you how you to look after yourself, before, during and after using a substance.
So let’s get started…
Ketamine. From a chemical point of view, Ketamine is an anaesthetic, which can make people feel dissociated from mind and body. You might hear it called K, Special K, Super K, Vitamin K and sometimes Wonk or Wobble.
It’s getting a lot of attention in the media at the moment because of the long term effects it can have on your urinary system such as severe abdominal pains, bladder and kidney damage, ulcerative cystitis and incontinence.
Making you aware of the harm Ketamine can cause is important so you can make informed decisions.
So, if you do decide to use Ketamine, how can you reduce the harm?
Before
Checked your Ket?
Sometimes Ket is mixed with other substances making it more dangerous such as Nitazenes.
Reagent kits or WEDINOS can tell you what you’re using.
Speak to your specialist drug and alcohol practitioner for more info on drug checking.
Crush your Ket
Lumps or chunks of Ket are not absorbed through the mucus membrane in the nose.
This can cause irritation and infections.
Crushing it into a fine powder before snorting can help reduce the damage to the nostrils.
Avoid sharing any snorting equipment to prevent the spread of germs and bloodborne viruses.
How much is too much?
Start low and go slow.
A smaller dose = euphoria, sense of calm, disorientation and confusion.
Large doses = risk of “k-hole” (an intense out-of-body or near-death like experience with very realistic visuals), temporary paralysis, greater risk of overdose.
Everyone’s tolerance is different and what might be ok for friends might be too much for you.
If you’re using regularly your tolerance will increase quickly.
During
Ket and alcohol
Ket magnifies the effects of alcohol increasing the risk of falling unconscious.
It reduces the gag reflex which would wake us up if we needed to be sick.
If a friend is going to bed after using Ket and alcohol, put them in the recovery position.
Ket and other drugs
Taking with depressants (GHB/GBL, benzodiazepines such as Valium, or opiates such as heroin) can cause unconsciousness and stop your breathing.
Taking Ket with stimulants (such as cocaine and ecstasy) may overload your heart and increase agitation and anxiety as well as accidents and injury.
Check out Drugsand.me to learn more about the risks of drug combinations.
How can I help a friend who is freaking out?
If somebody is having a bad trip when using Ket take them somewhere quiet where they feel safe.
Try to calm and reassure them (it will pass, the drugs will wear off).
This can take hours, so be patient.
If their breathing becomes very fast, help them control it by breathing through the nose, counting 4 on the in and 6 on the outbreath.
After
Wash your nose out
Wash your nose out with warm water to protect the nostrils from any further damage.
Hydrate and eat well
Drink plenty of water and load up on nutritious food like fruit and vegetables.
Rest
Using any illicit substance disrupts our usual sleep cycle.
Poor quality of sleep can impact on our immune system, mood and resilience to cope with problems or issues.
Speak to someone
If you are feeling anxious or worried in the days after using speak to your friends or someone you feel comfortable discussing it with.
Take a break
Regular Ket use can cause damage to the bladder and urinary tract.
It can also affect memory and mental sharpness because of the dissociative effects of Ket.
It can therefore negatively affect work, education, and relationships.
If you have more questions, need support or want to make a change to your Ketamine use, just get in touch. You can find out more about me and the UWE drug and alcohol service on our drugs and alcohol webpage.
This year I am really looking forward to making the most of my third year at university. Securing my role as a student career coach has allowed me to widen my network within UWE and consider alternative career options that I otherwise would not have been aware of.
Within this role, I have been able to connect with students and support them with their career goals, which has been rewarding. The opportunity to develop my own skills, while helping students to unlock their own potential, has inspired me to continue positively impacting students here at UWE.
I have found it beneficial to work alongside my degree as I have been able to become more self-aware of my strengths and areas for improvement. Gaining work experience can be valuable as it allows you to cultivate a higher level of self-awareness that is essential for personal growth, career development, and academic success. You also develop transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and time-management, which can enhance employability.
Even if your work experience is not directly linked to your degree, having a part-time job will allow you to discover what you enjoy and don’t, boost confidence, and allow you to start building a professional network.
If you are balancing a part-time job alongside your studies, it is important to plan effectively so that you can continue to succeed in your studies.
Here are a few top tips to help you manage your workload and studies:
Plan effectively – make sure to plan well ahead and create a schedule so that you stay on top of lectures, shifts, studying, and breaks.
Set clear goals – setting targets for yourself can help to keep you accountable and focused on tasks.
Know your limits – don’t take on more than you can manage and only accept shifts that you are able to work. If work is getting overwhelming, speak to your manager about reducing your hours or taking a break. Alternatively, if your university life is making you feel overwhelmed or stressed seek support.
Take breaks – it’s important to prioritise your health and wellbeing so please remember to take breaks and do not push yourself too hard.
If you’ve watched the hit Netflix show Adolescence you’ll know the very real consequences of getting drawn into extreme misogynistic content online.
These influencers and chatroom communities prey on people’s vulnerabilities, offering answers and solutions to complex issues that are so common amongst young people today.
Loneliness. Low self-esteem. Anger issues. Depression. These sorts of feelings are completely normal and there is a wide range of support available to help you manage these without turning to potentially harmful content on social media.
Loneliness and building your confidence
Meeting people, making friends, forming relationships – all this can feel tricky, especially when you’re at university. The social skills needed to build a community around you aren’t always something that comes naturally to everyone. In fact, it can feel impossible at times.
Getting out and about is key to making those connections, even if this means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. If you experience social anxiety, or don’t feel confident in social situations there are some small steps you can take to overcome this and feel more confident.
If you’re starting to feel depressed, angry or frustrated about your life then it’s natural to seek out support online.
So much of our life is now spent online, and social media and chatrooms can feel like an easy way to find like-minded people if you’re struggling with your in-person friendships and relationships.
The risk is that some of these online communities can lead you to more extreme content, and before you know it your algorithm is feeding you videos that play on your anxieties and insecurities.
If it’s starting to become a problem for you then take a step away. Speak to people in real life, reset your recommendations and actively protect yourself from content which is designed to make you feel worse in the long run.
Mental health support
We know that some men find it hard to reach out for mental health support, and that stereotypes and expectations can be really harmful.
There are a number of support options available both through UWE and across the community, which cater specifically to men and their mental health. We’ve pulled together the best of these resources including local groups which offer a space for men to talk openly and support each other.
You can also access the UWE Wellbeing Service for more structured mental health support if you’re suffering with anxiety, depression, feelings of low self-esteem and many other issues.
We also understand the additional pressures or challenges you might experience at university, if you have little or no family support, or if you are caring for ill or disabled family members. If this is you, UWE Cares can support you in a number of ways, from providing information and guidance, to specialist careers support and finance through our bursary and accommodation support.
Whatever it is you are struggling with, there are support options available to you, both here at UWE and within our Bristol community.
More and more students identify as LGBTQ+. Each year, 40,000 LGBT+ students1 apply to UK higher education. Many take the opportunity of being at university to come out and explore their identities more broadly than they have felt able to do before.
This year’s theme for LGBTQ+ History Month is Activism and Social Change, and we can take this opportunity to remember all the incredible activists who have worked tirelessly to ensure that LGBTQ+ people enjoy the rights that they do today, without losing sight of all the work there is left to do.
Exploring a new identity and community can be an exciting time and it can also be a time of confusion and uncertainty. How do you connect with a new community to develop your sense of belonging?
Coaching can be a great opportunity to unpack your experience in a safe and confidential space, knowing that your identity will be respected and affirmed.
It can take a long time to find what feels like it fits, and that’s how we can help you to explore this further. Find out more about what coaching is, how we can help you and how to book a coaching session Student Experience Coaches – Study support | UWE Bristol.
