Students with a disability

The University of Cambridge welcomes applications from people with disabilities and/or a chronic illness. The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) is an essential first contact for you, offering advice, information and support to students with a disability. Should you decide to apply to Cambridge we strongly recommend that you disclose your disability in your UCAS application. This is so we can contact you to discuss your specific needs in advance and ensure appropriate adjustments are in place, such as scheduling interviews in accessible rooms. Disclosure means that you have access to all the support you are entitled to, in order to get the most out of your student experience.

• Applying to Cambridge
• Location and accessibility
• Accommodation
• Study and academic support
• Examination arrangements
• Support with specific learning difficulties (including dyslexia)
• Financial support
• Further information

Alternative formats
If you would like any of our publications in an alternative format (e.g. large print), please contact the Cambridge Admissions Office to discuss your requirements. Cambridge Admissions Office (CAO) Fitzwilliam House 32 Trumpington Street Cambridge CB2 1QY Telephone: 01223 333308 Email: admissions@cam.ac.uk

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Applying to Cambridge

For those considering Cambridge, arrangements can be made for informal visits to Colleges and/or departments within the University and we can also put you in touch with other disabled students who are studying here.

For advice about your application and to discuss your specific requirements you should contact the admissions office at one of the undergraduate Colleges as soon as possible. Prospective students with severe mobility and/or sensory impairments are encouraged to visit Cambridge to assess the suitability of their intended College and department before making their application.

Should you decide to apply to Cambridge we strongly recommend that you disclose your disability in your UCAS application so we can contact you to discuss your specific needs and ensure appropriate adjustments are in place such as scheduling interviews in accessible rooms. Please do not worry that your application will be disadvantaged by doing so.

Location and accessibility

Cambridge is a collegiate university, so students are based in Colleges for day-to-day living and go to a faculty or department for lectures, practical work etc. You’ll need to consider the location and facilities of these in relation to each other when deciding which College to apply to. Cambridge itself is an historic city with some narrow and cobbled streets.

For those considering Cambridge, arrangements can be made for informal visits to Colleges and/or departments within the University. For advice about your application and to discuss your specific requirements you should contact the admissions office at one of the undergraduate Colleges as soon as possible. Prospective students with severe mobility and/or sensory impairments are encouraged to visit Cambridge to assess the suitability of their intended College and department before making their application.

• Maps are available showing access facilties for disabled visitors to the New Museums, Downing, and Sidgwick sites. See www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/disability/guide/maps/.

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Accommodation

Accommodation is provided by each College. If you have a disability, you’re advised to apply to a specific College rather than make an open application. You should discuss your specific requirements with the College to which you are intending to apply. Applicants with mobility impairments are encouraged to visit Cambridge prior to making an application. As well as access within the College itself, the distance from the department should also be considered.

Study and academic support

With your agreement, the DRC will liaise with relevant staff within the University before you begin your studies to ensure that appropriate support is in place. You may require support workers such as note-takers or interpreters. The DRC runs a Non-Medical Assistance Scheme, which you can use to be matched up with the appropriate support.

Examination arrangements

If you have a disability or chronic illness you may require specific arrangements for examinations; such as additional time, someone to write on your behalf and/or specialist equipment. The DRC team can advise on how these arrangements are organised with the Board of Examinations.

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Support for students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) including Dyslexia and Dyspraxia

If you have a Specific Learning Difficulty you will need to have an up-to-date, full Educational Psychologist assessment as evidence for obtaining appropriate adjustments for your course of study. Information and advice about assessments is available from the DRC’s SpLD adviser.

Financial support

UK students are eligible to apply for the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). It is important that you begin the application process for your DSA as soon as possible to ensure your funding is in place for the start of term. In addition, once at Cambridge, there are specific grants that disabled students may apply for.

Further information

• Read the DRC’s Access Guide, available via their website, in printed form or on tape
• Listen to a podcast for disabled people thinking about applying to Cambridge from the DRC.
• Download the leaflet: What if I have a disability?
• See the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities website for general information and advice on finance and applying to university: www.skill.org.uk

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