Empowering Futures: Understanding and Navigating the support available at University

On Tuesday 29th April,  students from the College’s Learning Support Department and their families had the opportunity to attend an informative presentation by Georgina Smith from Oxford Brookes University on Student Finance, which included valuable insights into the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). The talk provided a clear and detailed overview of how to navigate student finance and covered what the DSA actually is; how it can help fund students at university; who can apply for  these funds; how to apply and the important deadlines involved.

“The Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a UK government grant designed to help students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health conditions, or specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia or ADHD) cover the extra costs they incur during their studies. Unlike loans, DSA is non-repayable and is available in addition to standard student finance.”

Georgina skilfully guided everyone through the different types of support available via the DSA such as funding for specialist equipment, assistive technology, personal support including note-takers and tutors or exam concessions while at university. She also outlined additional support for travel costs available, other essential resources available and spoke of bursaries and scholarships on offer to students. The session clearly helped to break down the application process, making it much easier for students and their families to understand and navigate.

One of the most valuable parts of the session was the chance for students and parents to ask  questions. Georgina not only answered  general queries about DSA and student finance but dealt with individual queries specific to individual student’s needs. Overall students and parents left feeling more confident and in control of the process, helping students move forward positively with their next steps. Thank you Georgina for your continued support of our department and students!