Starting university when you have dyslexia is daunting, with the emphasis on individual learning proving a challenge for anybody, never mind an individual with dyslexia.
It’s important not to let dyslexia hold you back when it comes to your university studies, so you need to make sure you’re given the chance that you deserve to prove your fantastic ability. Luckily, there’s a lot of support out there for people with dyslexia at university and with an estimated 1 in 10 people being dyslexic, you are most certainly not alone.
We’re here to answer some of the most common questions people have when it comes to what support is accessible to dyslexic students and the next steps you should take to make sure you're given the opportunity that you deserve.
How do I get tested for dyslexia?
It’s surprisingly common to go through the whole of secondary school and sixth form without being diagnosed, only to find out as an adult that you’ve had dyslexia all along. Here are some signs to look out for if you think you have dyslexia but are yet to be diagnosed. To get officially diagnosed, your college or university will be able to point you in the right direction. Another option is to go to your local GP to discuss your concerns.
If you're unsure and want to try a self-assessment before taking the next steps then there are resources available online, such as this tool here. You’ll be asked a series of questions and the assessment will calculate how likely it is that you are dyslexic. These tests are for your own use only and you will need to be properly assessed before applying for any special circumstances.
Am I entitled to a university grant if I have dyslexia?
If you’re dyslexic, you can apply for a Disabled Students Allowance. This grant doesn’t have to be paid back and is calculated based on your individual needs rather than your household income.
You will need to go to an assessment centre which you should only book after you apply. Find out the specific requirements that you must meet in order to be able to apply here.
To apply, you need to go through Student Finance. If you’ve already applied, log in to your student finance account and you should find the application on your ‘to-do’ list. If it isn’t there, then you need to change your circumstances. If you haven’t yet applied to student finance, apply for it here, fill in your circumstances and follow the instructions to apply for DSA.
Am I entitled to a laptop at university if I have dyslexia?
When you’re assessed, it will be decided whether or not a laptop will be useful to you and whether you need one based on your individual circumstances. If it’s agreed that you’re in need of a new laptop then you still have to pay the first £200. What you receive depends on your individual circumstances and can range from specialist software (such as speech-to-text) to extra time for exams.
What learning support can I get at university if I have dyslexia?
Universities tend to offer a lot of support to dyslexic students but this varies depending on both the university and the individual at hand. Some of the most common forms of support are extra time in exams, extra time to write essays, a learning support tutor and assistive technology.
If you don’t feel like you’re being offered enough support at your university then it’s worth contacting your personal tutor to discuss this with them. If your university isn’t offering the support you were promised and you can’t access any help, then you should contact Disability Rights UK, who have specific points of contact for university students.
Are you worried that having dyslexia will hold you back? Here are some famous dyslexic people who have achieved greatness:
- Albert Einstein
- Steven Spielberg
- Mohammad Ali
- Richard Branson
- Jennifer Aniston
- Leonardo Da Vinci
Looks like you’re in good company!
Whatever you do, don’t be disheartened by any barriers you face as a result of having dyslexia. In the words of Albert Einstein, “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
Are you a dyslexic student? How are you coping? Join the Student Hut Community today to get access to exclusive tips, tricks and paid surveys. You'll get 1000 reward points for signing up.
