University and further education

How can my university support me?

Letting your university know about your epilepsy, ideally when you apply, is a great way to help them get the right support in place for you as early as possible. Most universities have a disability or student support officer who can guide you through the process.

Your university will probably want to meet with you to understand your needs. They’ll explain what support they can offer, either directly or through Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs). If you need extra help with day-to-day living, you can also contact local social services for an assessment.

There are many support options, so it’s important to find what works best for you. Start early and take your time to get everything sorted. Your university has a legal obligation to support you, so it's ok to push for what you need. 

Disabled Students’ Allowances

DSAs cover extra education-related costs due to your epilepsy. You can apply at any time, but doing it before you start university means support will be set up more quickly. DSAs don’t cover standard student costs like course fees or accommodation, but they do provide support that’s directly related to your education.

Universities also have a legal duty to make “reasonable adjustments” so you’re not disadvantaged because of your epilepsy. This can include things like lower-cost specialist accommodation.

What Support is Available?

Your support will depend on your assessment. Here are a few examples of what could be offered:

Specialist equipment:

• A dictaphone can help if medication makes you tired or if you have absence seizures during lectures.
• Dictation software can help if you have photosensitive epilepsy, so you can write essays without needing to stare at a screen.
• A laptop and printer let you work from home, which can reduce stress and prevent late nights in the library, a common trigger for seizures.
• Anti-glare screens or software to adjust screen brightness can also help if you're sensitive to light or contrast.

Non-medical helpers:

• A note-taker can attend lectures with you or take notes if you can’t concentrate or have absence seizures.
• A mentor or tutor can provide study support and emotional guidance.

Student Life

University isn’t just about studying – it’s also a time to make new friends, try out different activities, and enjoy the full student experience. Whether you join societies, attend events, or explore your interests, there are plenty of ways to get involved and have fun. Living with epilepsy doesn’t have to hold you back from making the most of your time at university. With the right support in place, you’ll be able to enjoy everything university life has to offer while staying safe and confident!