Preparing for university
Student life can be a challenging experience, but the more prepared you are, the more likely you are to succeed academically
We offer a comprehensive range of information and guidance on how to prepare for university, and how to make sure you get the most out of it once you are here. You can ensure that you are better prepared by reading through this information now and bookmarking it for future use.
We also provide information to specific groups of students who may require specific support and guidance.
- Disabled students
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Specific Learning Difficulties
- Care leavers
Disabled students
We know that having the right support in place, as soon as possible, is key to ensuring that you can get the most from your time at university. If the University of Derby is one of your choices, it is vital that you make contact with us as soon as possible, to discuss the support that you need. Please take the time to look at the support that we provide and how to apply for it.
Autistic Spectrum Disorder
If you have an Autistic Spectrum Disorder you have the opportunity to receive tailored, individual support. You should contact us as soon as possible to discuss the support that you may need.
You can also find information about the types of support we provide, how to apply for support, what to expect in your first week and other information that might be helpful once you have arrived at university.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
We provide information and advice for students with an existing mental health problem who are preparing to come to university. We can start to help you before you even begin your first term, and you can also find advice about how to look after your mental health while you're studying, and how to get support should you need it.
Specific Learning Difficulties
Being prepared for university will help you to maintain your confidence and is key to ensuring that you can get the most from your time with us. You can find advice that will help you with this preparation and information about the support we provide and how to apply for it.
Care leavers
If you are fostered, a care leaver or have had experience of living in care, support and guidance is available from the time of your application through to completion of your studies.
Coming to university can be a daunting experience for many people, and we want to ensure that all our students are supported in the transition into independent life. The University of Derby has a warm, relaxing and friendly atmosphere with a good reputation for being supportive. We are committed to supporting care leavers into higher education.
Further information
For full information about the support available please download our leaflet (pdf 5.0MB), or you can contact our Care Leavers Co-ordinatorPaula Hancock on 01332 593000 or at studentwellbeing@derby.ac.uk.
The links below will take you to our Student Wellbeing Service website, which contains a wealth of additional information to help you make the most of your higher education career:
