Support available
Need help while you study at Â鶹Íø due to a disability or mental health condition? Everything you need to know about the support we offer is right here.
Supporting students with disabilities
Whether you’re an undergraduate, postgraduate, UK or international student, we offer individual support to help you thrive while you study.
In this section, you can find out more about learning-based assessments, exam and deadline help, and support provided by the library.
We also provide guidance on how to arrange non-medical help and apply for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).
Request a specific learning difference screening
Think you might have an undiagnosed specific learning difference (SpLD)? We offer free screenings and support with obtaining a full diagnostic assessment for dyslexia.
We cannot fund assessments or screenings if:
- You already hold acceptable evidence for an SpLD
- You are in the last three months of your studies
- You are on an interruption of study or not yet enrolled on your course
You can request a screening for an SpLD by emailing [email protected].
Help with exams and deadlines
If you have a disability or mental health condition, we’ll make appropriate adjustments to support you in examinations. These might include:
- Extra time
- Rest breaks
- The use of a computer or inclusive technology
- A reader and/or scribe
To get extra help with your exams, you need to register with our Disability and Mental Health Service and receive your summary of support needs document (SOSN).
Make an appointment with one of our Disability and Mental Health Advisors to find out more.
Arranging non-medical help
Kingston students can get non-subject-specific, disability-related support from non-medical helpers. This might include:
- Laboratory assistants
- Note-takers
- Practical or library assistants
- British sign language interpreters
- Orientation support
Think you need support from a non-medical helper? Contact our Disability and Mental Health Advisors to make an appointment.
Support for personal care
We don’t provide funding for personal care, medical treatment or assistance with any practical tasks that aren’t directly related to your studies.
Here’s what to do if you’re a UK or international student in need of personal care support while you study.
- Get in touch with your hometown’s local authority as early as you can. They are responsible for assessing and paying for social or personal care support while you are at university.
- They can also help you with financial support applications through the (DWP) or for (PIP).
- You can get more information about state benefits and assistance from .
- Make sure you base your assessment on living independently in a university hall of residence or rented accommodation without parental support.
- After the assessment, social services will create a report recommending the type of support or care package you need, how much it will cost and who will fund it.
- Let the Disability and Mental Health Service and the Accommodation Team know if you need an additional room in halls of residence for a carer.
- If you’re worried that support won’t be in place for when you start your studies, contact the Disability and Mental Health Service as soon as possible.
- If you do not make arrangements for an independent living/personal care package in place before you start at Kingston, we will not be able to do it for you.
- It may not be possible for you to move into or stay in halls of residence or start your programme if:
- The right social care is not in place.
- You don’t provide our Disability and Mental Health Service with relevant information.
- It is not possible or reasonable for the University to provide the assistance you need.
- Make sure you have enough funding for your whole course before you come to the UK.
- You won’t usually be eligible for financial assistance for care from the British government or Â鶹Íø.
- Organise an individual assessment of your care needs in the UK before you get a full quote, as costs can vary depending on the kind of support you require.
- If you want to bring your own personal assistant with you, check our visa information pages for relevant immigration advice.
- Make sure your prescription medication is licensed for use in the UK and plan how you will access it.
- If you want to bring a guide or assistance dog with you, take a look at this advice on .
Support at the library
Support at the library includes:
- Longer book loans
- Book fetching
- Accessible textbooks
- Access to assistive technology PCs
if you need to arrange extra support from our library service, email [email protected].
Disabled Students’ Allowance
Students with disabilities, mental health problems and long-term illnesses might be able to claim Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to support with study-related costs.
Check out the government's to find out more.
Counselling and wellbeing
Our Student Wellbeing team offers a range of services to support you during your time at Â鶹Íø. Services include:
- Self-help guides
- Counselling
- Drop-in sessions
- Listening sessions
- Stress management
Get in touch
Can’t find the information you’re looking for?
You can contact us by telephone on +44 (0)20 8417 6000 (via the Information Centre) or +44 (0)20 8417 9000 (via the switchboard). Alternatively you can contact the disability team via email.
is also available for BSL Users to communicate with us by phone.
Our Disability and Mental Health Advisors offer free appointments to discuss the support available at Â鶹Íø. Current students can book through MyKingston, offer holders and applicants can book via email.
