Four Steps into University

University can be an amazing experience! It can be a chance to make lifelong friends, learn new skills and take the steps towards your dream career. But it can also seem a bit daunting, especially as a blind or partially sighted student.  

You might be wondering where you start, how to apply, how to choose the right accommodation, or how to get support in place. Don’t worry, we are here to help! Our handy ‘Four Steps into University’ guide covers everything you need to get ready for university life. 

The four-step guidance is based on the experiences of 30 young people with vision impairment who have made the jump into Higher Education. It is from the Longitudinal Transitions Study conducted at the Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (VICTAR) at Birmingham University, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, RNIB and Thomas Pocklington Trust. 

This guidance has been adapted from a project funded grant from the Department for Education to National Sensory Impairment Partnership (NatSIP) to provide specialist information, advice, support and training to improve outcomes for young people with sensory impairments. The original guidance was hosted by RNIB. 

You can either read our quick timeline for a simple overview of what to do before university below or go deeper into our four steps for detailed guidance on how to prepare. 

Timeline into university  

Whether you’re in sixth form or college, or returning to education after a break, this timeline begins from the year before you plan to start at university.  

From September: Research and explore – Start exploring courses and universities that fit your goals and lifestyle. Think about location, course structure, and the campus layout. 

From October: Attend open days – Start attending open days for universities that you’re interested in. Whilst you’re there it is a good idea to meet with theDisability Service and consider the accessibility of the campus.  

Before January: Apply through UCAS – Complete your UCAS form with your personal statement and references. If applying to Oxbridge, remember the earlier October deadline. 

From March: Apply for funding – Apply for Student Finance and Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) early to get your support in place before term starts. 

From April: Arrange support and accommodation – Once your DSA is approved, organise your Non-Medical Help support and apply for accommodation that meets your accessibility needs. 

From June: Meet with the Disability Service – Connect with your university’s Disability Service to finalise your support plan and reasonable adjustments. 

September: Get ready to start – Settle in, meet people, and get familiar with your new campus. Some universities offer early arrival for disabled students to ease the transition. 

If you are worried about making the transition to higher education, check out our STEP into Higher Education online sessions, check out our student led podcast which takes your through the university journey or contact our Education Advice Service at EducationAdvice@pocklington.org.ukif you have questions about going to university.