Top tips on engaging with your studies by the Disability Content Champions
- Understand which study techniques work for you- chances are that over the course of your studies you will identify ways of working that allow you to maximise your concentration and productivity. Developing and using study strategies which work best will surely boost your academic ability and allow you to achieve the grades that you know you are capable of!
- This may include using certain accessibility programmes, planning out your time in advance, and/or adjusting the formatting of your technology and course materials including brightness, font and colour.
- Ask for lecture/seminar materials in advance - getting to see course materials in advance is crucial to getting the most out of any lecture or seminar. Don’t be afraid to contact your tutors prior to a session to ask for materials, explaining that this is a way for you to maximise your learning. It can be really daunting to explain your disability to a lecturer, or make additional requests that set you apart from other students, however, your lecturers will make the necessary adjustments to best support you.
- If you are to access the topic in advance, then you will be able to participate more in discussions, contribute to a richer, more meaningful discourse, and enhance your own and other students’ learning, so everyone wins in the end!
- Find an ‘accountability partner’ who can support you to put in place strategies to reduce periods of procrastination. Why not ask a trusted friend or loved one to be your accountability partner? Together you can set intentions and goals, decide on achievable time frames, and have someone check in on you to monitor your progress.
Other guidance you may find useful:
Accessing support at King’s
Throughout your time at King’s, you’ll be able to access support from our friendly Disability and Inclusion team.
The team can support you with:
- Applying for ‘Personal Assessment Arrangements’ (PAA)– adjustments that are made to support you when taking assessments at King’s.
- Creating a ‘King’s Inclusion Plan’ (KIP) A record of your disability-related study needs and recommended adjustments.
Read our article An overview of the provisions and support you can access for your disability at King’s for a comprehensive overview of the support you can access from the team.
Alongside the Disability and Inclusion team, we’ve got a wide range of other support services at King's who can assist with money and housing queries, visa support and advice, and accessing mental health and pastoral support. For further guidance, read our article What student support services are available at King's?
Connecting with support networks and societies
Joining a society or a network is a great way to meet people who have similar interests and experiences. There are over 250 societies at King’s you can join!
Here are a few to check out:
- KCL ThinkMental
KCL ThinkMental Society is a student society focused on mental health. They regularly host events and talks where students can meet and discuss their experiences over a cup of coffee/or a cup of tea - A great way to meet other students without alcohol involved.
- KCL Neurodiversity and Mental Health Society
- Disabled Students’ Society
- Disabled Student Network
The Disabled Student Network hosts accessible events for students and work with the KCLSU to create a more inclusive society. Most student societies at King’s will have a designated ‘wellbeing lead’ who has received some training to support members and signpost them to appropriate specialist support.
Important to know: If you need support, or have any questions prior to joining, you can contact the Wellbeing lead and speak to them about your experiences or concerns.
To see all of the available clubs and societies at King’s, visit our KCLSU webpages.
Travelling to campus & around London
We’ve included some useful tips when travelling to campus
- Visit ‘AccessAble’ the university’s accessible campus guides. The guides on AccessAble provide images of the King’s buildings, highlight accessible facilities and step free access on each on our campuses.
- Apply for a Freedom Pass!
If you live in a London borough and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply for a Disabled Persons Freedom Pass, which can provide free access to public transport across the Transport for London network. For further guidance on how to submit an application, visit the London Councils webpage.
- Planning assistance for your journey
If you are travelling into London via rail, you may need to request assistance before you travel. Visit the National Rail webpages for guidance on how to plan assistance for your journey.
Other guidance you may find useful:
External resources to support you or a loved one
There are plenty of external sources of information to best support you, or to support those caring for those with diverse/ specific needs.
We’ve included some links to some organisations below:
- Scope – The disability equality charity
- National Autistic Society - The UK's leading charity for people on the autism spectrum and their families.
- Disability Rights UK - The UK’s leading organisation led by, run by, and working for Disabled people
- The ADHD foundation - The UK’s leading neurodiversity charity, offering a strength-based, lifespan service for the 1 in 5 of us who live with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia and Tourette’s syndrome.