Step One: Choosing a University

The process of choosing a university is really exciting but it can feel like a big decision. When you are planning to go to university you there are some things you can do to help you choose which university is right for you.

Things to Think About

Choosing a university is a big step, especially as a blind or partially sighted student. Thinking through key questions can help you narrow down your options and find a university that suits your academic goals and day-to-day needs.

• Think about what university you would like to be at. For example, would you prefer somewhere that is central to a town so that you are close to access local shops? Or would you be more comfortable in a rural, quieter location? Don’t let location put you off from choosing somewhere you love. For tips about navigation in new cities, check out ourGetting Around with Tech
• Is the university you are applying to a city or a campus university? City universities may have multiple buildings in different areas resulting in more travel. Campus universities are usually more contained, with all the buildings located on site and may be more accessible. You will still have toget across the campusto travel between buildings, and some campuses may still present mobility challenges. Check out Times Higher Education’s guide tocampus versus city universities here.
• Discuss the possible course options with yourcareer’s advise,subject teachers/lecturers, support staff and parents. Try and think about what you are passionate about learning, career goals and what qualifications you will need to achieve this.
• Be mindful of course structure and materials as some courses require lab work or rely on visual analysis. Do not be put off by any assumptions about your vision impairment though, most courses can be made accessible with the appropriate support or technology.
• Every university should have aDisability Service who can provide additional support. Contact them in advance of any open days and ask them any questions. This can vary from arranging individual visits, accessibility information on accommodation, learning facilities or any other general questions you may have.

Check out our Through Our Eyes podcast episode onchoosing a university and picking a coursewhere our Student Voices share their experience and give some practical tips for making your decision.

Going to Open Days

Attending open days is one of the best ways to get a feel for a university, but if you’re blind or partially sighted, a little extra planning can make the experience far more useful and enjoyable. These visits give you the chance to explore not only the course content, but also the campus layout, accommodation, and general accessibility.

Top Tip!

Download our list ofuseful questionsto ask when you visit a university to give you a better idea of the support you can expect.

It is important to remember these decisions are faced by all students. Listen to our Through Our Eyes podcast episode all aboutuniversity open daysor join ourStudent Facebook Communityto hear other students’ experiences and ask questions.