FAQ for prospective students

Going to University is a life-changing and amazing thing to do, and will hopefully feel like a new and exciting chapter in your life.

Student Services - Three people sat on steps looking at a laptop and talking.

Going to University is a life-changing and amazing thing to do, and will hopefully feel like a new and exciting chapter in your life. You will have lots of opportunity to meet new people, study your chosen subject and develop your independent living skills. However starting University can also seem like a daunting and challenging task for some students.

It may be the first time you have lived away from home, or lived with others. You are likely to experience brand new ways of learning, including independent study. You may also have to learn to navigate your way around a brand new city. As well as all of this, you will need to learn how to become an independent adult which means taking care of yourself completely, from laundry and cooking to managing your own time.

We realise that moving away from home for the first time can be a big change and there are many things you will want to consider before making that commitment.

FAQ

What services does the Student Wellbeing Centre provide?

The Student Wellbeing Centre has three services which all enrolled students at the University of Lincoln can access. These are:

The Wellbeing Service – supports all students of the University with any wellbeing-related concerns. This may include queries surrounding a diagnosis or if you need a confidential safe place to talk about anything which may cause emotional or psychological distress
The Counselling Service – Counselling is a talking and listening process that helps you to focus on and understand the concerns that are troubling you.
The Chaplaincy Service – The Multi-Faith Chaplaincy Service and Friendship Centre offer pastoral care, a confidential listening ear and spiritual support to anyone in our University community, no matter whether you consider yourself religious or not.

When should I let the University know that I have a disability, medical condition, mental health condition or specific learning difference?

You should state on your UCAS application if you have a disability, medical condition, mental health condition or specific learning difference (SpLD). The Student Wellbeing Centre will then contact you by email to discuss your needs and give you some more information about our services including possible support for when you enrol.

If you haven’t stated on your UCAS application that you have a disability, medical condition, mental health condition or SpLD, then please contact the Student Wellbeing Centre as soon as you have confirmed the University of Lincoln as your first or second choice. We will then contact you by email to discuss your disability and any support that you may need.

If you receive an unconditional offer from the University of Lincoln and have declared a disability, medical condition, mental health condition or SpLD on your UCAS application, our team within the Student Wellbeing Centre will contact you to discuss creating a Personalised Academic Study Support plan after you have enrolled, once we have received evidence of your diagnosis.

Do I need to provide evidence of my disability, medical, mental health condition or SpLD?

Yes, if you would like to access certain support through the Wellbeing Service. Upon receipt of medical evidence we can then create a Personalised Academic Study Support plan with you, which can help you with your academic studies. We will invite you in to create a Personalised Academic Study Support plan when you enrol.

For more on Personalised Academic Study Support.

Medical evidence can include Doctors/Consultant/Practitioners letters as well as Educational Psychologist and Needs Assessment reports. These reports need to be completed by fully qualified practitioners.

Your evidence needs to clearly state your diagnosis and how your condition affects you, including information on how it may impact you engaging with all aspects of your academic studies.

Guide for Providing Suitable Medical Evidence

When should I apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances?

We also encourage students with a diagnosed disability or medical condition to apply for Disabled Student’s Allowances (DSAs) as early as they can. You may claim DSAs in addition to your student finance loans and grants.

Although not a monetary fund, DSAs provide funding for specific equipment, non-medical help and general allowances which are recommended by an Assessor and agreed by the Student’s sponsor. The amount you will receive depends on your individual needs and not on your household income.

I have specific requirements and need a certain type of accommodation. Can I get help for this?

If you can provide medical evidence of your condition, and there is a legitimate need for prioritised accommodation, the Student Wellbeing Centre will be able to correspond with Residential Services to support your application for this. You will still need to apply for accommodation as normal.

It is important to remember, that the Student Wellbeing Centre is unable to recommend specific buildings but will work with the Residential Services Team to secure an appropriate style of room based on your needs.

We can also help students with mobility issues to get any additional requirements they may need put into place.

I don’t have a Disability or Medical condition but I feel like I need support. What can I do?

Any student enrolled at the University of Lincoln is more than welcome to come and speak to our team through one of our First Contact appointments. We will be able to give you advice and support and help you to access the correct services.

You can find out more about our First Contact Appointments and access the contact form by clicking here.