Before deciding to study at the University of Suffolk, I had struggled to find paid employment. I had completed a traineeship and did some occasional volunteering.  I was out of paid employment, searching for work and I was struggling to find something suitable. 

I was at a job fair in September 2022 at the Novotel in Ipswich, where I came across the University of Suffolk stand and saw on their banner that they did Photography. I'd considered the university a few times over the last 5 or 6 years, but didn't know they did Photography which is my passion. I finished my A-levels in 2016 but had continued Photography in my own time as a hobby and after speaking to Aimee (Access and Participation Officer) I considered it as an option. 

Having previously attended a different university where I studied a different subject and wasn't offered the right support, my mum and I were concerned that I might not cope again. Aimee assured us both that we could visit campus before making any decisions. My mum and I ended up visiting the Uni on two separate occasions where we met two of the Photography academics and toured the photography facilities and wider campus. I also met with a member of the disability and wellbeing team to talk about the additional support available to me to support my needs. I was also encouraged to attend an open day, which I did, and I took my portfolio with me to show the Photography team who were impressed and complimentary. 

When it came to applying, I was reassured by the Photography team that the interview process would be informal and when I found some of the aspects of the UCAS applications challenging, the student life team were supportive and went through it with my mum and I in-person. I also had support with my personal statement and advice on the interview process and portfolio requirements. 

It’s been reassuring to see that the support has been much better for me whilst studying here at the University of Suffolk. I am enjoying my course and have had support whenever I have had any difficult moments. 

Due to my disabilities, I have experienced support from a range of teams at the university, from making the decision to apply, the application and interview process through to regular, weekly face to face support sessions since starting. My tutors have adjusted to my needs and I have the support of a fantastic note taker. The weekly sessions I have are a good opportunity to discuss how my week has been and to get any help and support on my assignments when needed.

As I went through my first semester, I was introduced the Student Life mentors who were able to support me in a variety of ways including with library processes and on photo shoots for a documentary project for my course. In my first semester, I was given the support of notetakers in my lectures to save me writing notes, so I can focus on listening to the tutor. 

Overall, I’ve had some great support from the various support teams at the university when I’ve needed it. All of which I appreciate as my concern with going back to university, was whether I was going to cope. It’s been reassuring to see that the support has been much better this time here at the University Of Suffolk. 

Did you find anything particularly helpful?

The extra support from my notetaker, Samantha, has been invaluable for assignments and other general tasks that I’ve needed assistance with. She’s also available to contact via Microsoft teams which has been a great help when I have a question or concerns.  

My biggest piece of advice is to start an assignment as soon as possible as soon as it's given. I’ve made this mistake of leaving them till later in the semester  and then had to play catch up which I've found stressful, resulting in me in applying for extensions, which I’m automatically entitled to thankfully as part of my reasonable adjustments because of my disability. This semester, my aim has been to start my assignments in plenty of time so I don't have to request any extensions. 

"I can't thank Aimee, Charlotte and Belle enough because they've taken the pressure off of me as Oliver's Mum because his previous experience at the other university was a nightmare. Oliver now has the confidence to do things by himself which he would never have done this before" Oliver's Mum

Photo credit: Tyegan Slaymaker