Disability and neurodiversity support

As a student at ARU, you can access specialist support through our Disability and Neurodiversity Service.

We can support you if you have:

• a disability
• neurodivergence
• dyslexia 
• a long-term medical or mental health condition.

We can support you when you apply, and while you’re studying here.

Applying to university

When you apply to ARU, we encourage you to tell us about a disability, neurodivergence or health condition. (If you apply through UCAS, you’ll find a section about disability in ‘More About You’.)

We will then contact you to:

• find out a bit more about you
• find out how your condition impacts your learning.

We’ll usually contact you after you select ARU as your firm or insurance choice.

Once we have a bit more information, we’ll email you a Summary of Reasonable Adjustments (or explain why we don’t think reasonable adjustments are needed). Reasonable adjustments could cover, for example, exam and timetabling arrangements.

Check our online guide (below) for full details of how we support you when you apply.

You can contact us if you have questions about your application or starting university. Email [email protected].

If you think you might be neurodiverse but don’t have a confirmed diagnosis, please email [email protected]. We can help you arrange possible screenings and adjustments.

Starting university

Starting university can be exciting but also overwhelming – especially for neurodiverse students.

We offer welcome events to help you settle in at your own pace and make connections with staff and students. These usually take place:

• online, the week before Welcome Week
• on campus, during Welcome Week. 

Studying at ARU

When you start your course, the Disability and Neurodiversity Service offers:

• one-to-one support from staff who understand your needs
• workshops and peer groups to build confidence and community. Everyone is welcome, you don’t need to have a confirmed diagnosis
• study skills and mentoring sessions
• guidance on applying for Disabled Students’ Allowance
• dyslexia screening
• specialist support for degree apprentices.

On campus, you’ll find quiet spaces and sensory-friendly environments.

Take a look at our guide (below) for more information about how we support you when you’re studying here.

The guide includes information about other services and facilities at ARU, such as accommodation, parking, inclusive teaching, and support for health and wellbeing.