Going to university: information, support and advice
September 14, 2020
Starting or returning to university this year presents many challenges for students. Those with M.E. may find themselves able to access remote learning more easily, given the circumstances imposed by the pandemic. But support services may be spread more thinly, and challenging to access. The Guardian reported last week that more than a quarter (27%) of university students "were unable to access online learning during the Covid-19 lockdown, according to new research which suggests that disabled students and those from poorer backgrounds were worst affected."
If you're a student with M.E., we have lots of information and advice to help you navigate your course, and applying for the support you're entitled to.
- Our M.E. and higher education factsheet can be shared with your tutors and/or other university staff, showing the impact of M.E. and support options.
- You can apply for Disabled Student Allowance, which can be used to help pay for the costs of specialist equipment related to your disability, for example a computer if you need one, non-medical helpers, extra travel, and other disability-related costs of studying.
- We have listed other potentially useful organisations in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on our Useful contacts page.
- Pippa Stacey has lots of experience to share in her books University and chronic illness: a survival guide and How to study online, with tips and tricks for getting the most out of remote learning.
Find all this and more in our Student section, or contact our Crisis, Support and Advocacy Team, who can work with you to explore options and potential next steps, as well as share information on self-management of M.E.
