Disability Learning Support

Who we are

We recognise that disability is experienced in many different ways. At the University of Westminster, we’re committed to creating an inclusive community where everyone feels welcome and diversity is celebrated.

Our friendly team of experienced disability advisers and administrators works alongside you so that you feel supported, included, and able to fully participate in your studies and wider University life.

If you are neurodivergent (for example, if you have dyslexia, ADHD or autism), have a mental health condition, a long term health condition, a sensory impairment, or any other unseen disability such as epilepsy or chronic fatigue, we are here to support you.

How we can help

We’re here to support you at every stage of your student journey. Whether you’re preparing to join us, currently studying, or returning after some time away, you can reach out whenever you need guidance. We’ll make sure you have the guidance and support that help you progress in your studies.

Register for support

To begin arranging your support, please complete our online registration form.

Register online now

If you have supporting documents – such as a letter from your doctor – please include them. If you don’t have documentation yet, that’s absolutely fine. You can still book an appointment with one of our disability advisers.

Meet with a Disability Adviser

During your appointment, we’ll talk with you about your disability and any barriers you’re experiencing in your studies. Together, we’ll explore adjustments and support options that can help reduce or remove these barriers throughout your time at the University.

If your appointment is on Teams or by phone, please ensure you’re in a private and confidential space. If this isn’t possible, we may need to reschedule the appointment.

Book an Engage appointment

If you are an applicant or thinking about applying to the University, please email us at to arrange an appointment. 

Reasonable adjustments and support can include, but are not limited to:

  • Extra time in exams
  • Coursework extensions
  • Extended library book loans
  • Tailored in-class adjustments
  • Support with Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) application process

To ensure your tutors and relevant staff understand how to support you, we share essential information through a Reasonable Adjustment Form (RAF). This document outlines the adjustments you’re entitled to and helps staff put them in place.

The University sets deadlines for arranging exam adjustments for the main assessment periods in January, May and the July re-assessment period.

To ensure your exam adjustments are in place, please complete our online registration form before the relevant deadline. Registering early gives us enough time to review your needs and arrange appropriate support.

January exams: Monday 16 November 2026
May exams: Monday 15 March 2027
July exams: Tuesday 1 June 2027

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in how people's brains work, learn, process information, communicate and interact with the world.

People who are neurodivergent may have one or more neurodevelopmental conditions, including dyslexia, ADHD and autism. These conditions are lifelong, neurological differences that often run in families and are not linked to intelligence.

At university, neurodevelopmental conditions may influence how students learn, process information, communicate, organise tasks, manage attention, respond to sensory environments, navigate social situations and adapt to change.

While neurodevelopmental conditions can present challenges in some areas of study, they are also often linked to unique strengths, perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. Every person’s experience is unique, and strengths and challenges vary from person to person.

Dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia are often grouped together as Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs).

Some disabilities, conditions, or chronic illnesses aren’t immediately visible. This can sometimes make it harder for others to recognise when you need support, understanding, or a bit more time.

The Sunflower lanyard is a simple and voluntary way to let people know that you have a non‑visible disability. By wearing it, you’re signalling that you may appreciate extra help, understanding, or flexibility – without needing to explain your situation.

Wearing a Sunflower lanyard is completely optional.

Where to get one

You can pick up a free Sunflower lanyard from any of the four main campus receptions.

Want to learn more?

Visit the Sunflower Scheme website to explore more about non‑visible disabilities or the Sunflower scheme.

Our contemplation rooms are open to all students, colleagues and visitors – people of all faiths and none. These spaces are designed for quiet reflection, meditation and prayer.

Dedicated prayer rooms with separate male and female entrances are also available. 

As shared spaces, please help maintain a calm and respectful atmosphere. Chairs are provided in all rooms. 

Locations 

35 Marylebone Road 

  • Room B.205 – Sub podium level 2 (two floors below ground). Access via the stairwell near the canteen or by lift. 
  • Access: Open  

309 Regent Street 

  • Room B.29 – Basement level, in the corridor parallel to the Deep End. Accessible by stairs or lift. 
  • Access: Open 

Little Titchfield Street  

  • Faith Room – Basement level 1, down the stairs leading to Portland Hall. 
  • Access: Key required from the security desk by the rear exit 

115 New Cavendish Street 

  • Room CLG 10 – Ground Lower Floor, accessible by stairs or lift. 
  • Access: Open 

Harrow 

  • Room G1.1 – Ground floor of A Block, near the corridor leading from the Watford Road security desk to the Kodak Lecture Theatre. 
  • Access: Open 

For enquiries, contact Yusuf Kaplan, Interfaith Adviser:

Restrooms are available in every University building for students and staff who need a quiet space to rest or recover following a medical issue. Each room includes a bed, sink and sharps box; most also have a phone. 

Keys can be collected from the building’s reception or front desk. 

Locations 

Harrow 

  • Room JG22 – J Block 
  • Access: key available from Security Desk on Ground Floor, A Block 

Marylebone 

  • Room MG35 

115 New Cavendish Street 

  • Room CG50 

Regent Street 

  • Room G07 

Little Titchfield Street 

  • Room 3.30 

The University offers in-person campus tours to get a taste of student life at Westminster and ask your tour guide any questions you may have.

Tours last about 45 minutes and consist of up to 15 people. The tours are tailored around participants' courses or subjects of interest.

During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to see our fantastic teaching spaces, facilities and more up close. 

If you have specific access requirements and would like support during your visit, we encourage you to let us know when booking your tour so that appropriate arrangements can be considered.

For more information, please visit our Campus tours page

Visiting a campus before starting your studies can help you identify any access requirements and familiarise yourself with the environment. If you have questions about accessibility or disability-related support, please contact us before your visit at .

To help you familiarise yourself with our learning spaces before visiting, video walkthroughs, sensory maps and location maps are available for our Student Centres and libraries.

What is a Library Sensory Map?

Sensory maps are created for each library campus to highlight areas with strong sensory features, including lighting and noise levels, and other environmental factors. 

  • They are designed to support students with sensory sensitivities, including neurodivergent students.
  • They are useful for planning visits and identifying spaces that best suit your sensory preferences and study needs.
  • Maps may identify quiet study areas, busier locations, brighter lighting, accessible routes and other environmental features.
  • These resources can help reduce uncertainty before visiting a new environment and support independent navigation of library and student centre spaces.

For more information, please visit the Library Guides website.

Visiting a library before starting your studies can help you identify any access requirements and familiarise yourself with the environment. If you have questions about accessibility or disability-related support, please contact us before your visit at .

For Home students on eligible courses, much of the support available at University is funded through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). DSA is a non repayable grant that covers disability related support during your studies.

DSA is managed by Student Finance England. You can apply for DSA on its own or alongside your Student Finance application. For full eligibility criteria and application guidance, please visit the DSA website. We strongly recommend applying as early as possible.

To apply for DSA, you will need supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s letter or a diagnostic assessment report. If you do not have this, a relevant professional can complete the DSA Disability Evidence form.

Computer Costs Assistance Scheme

The scheme has closed and will re-open around October 26. 

If this happens, you will be asked to contribute the first £200 towards the cost. The DSA team will provide full details.

You may be eligible for a £200 grant from the University to cover this contribution. If you have questions, please contact the Student Funding team at: or book an appointment via Engage.

Apply for the scheme

Miscellaneous Assistance Scheme

Obtaining supporting evidence for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) application can sometimes involve a fee. If you need documentation such as a GP letter and are charged for it, you may be eligible to reclaim the cost through the Miscellaneous Assistance Scheme.

To apply, you will first need to meet with a disability adviser, who will discuss your circumstances and assess your eligibility for the scheme.

Temporary conditions

If you have a temporary condition, such as a broken hand or another short-term injury, and need exam adjustments, please download and complete the Request for Individual Exam Arrangements for Temporary Conditions Form.

Once completed, submit the form to the Student Centre, along with any required supporting documentation.

Accessing our buildings

For a comprehensive guide to accessibility across all our buildings, please visit AccessAble.

If you are driving to our central London campuses and are a Blue Badge Holder, we recommend applying for the City of Westminster's White Badge scheme, which provides additional parking benefits.

Useful resources

Our Library Guides include a helpful collection of apps and free software to support reading, writing, organisation, and wellbeing.

All our libraries also have a Disability Support Representative available to provide assistance and guidance.

Confidentiality

We appreciate that the information you share with us is personal and may be sensitive. Please be assured that information about your support needs will only be shared with staff directly involved in implementing your support.

Your information will never be shared with other students, and it will not appear on your University transcript or academic references.

How to contact us

To get in touch with the team, you can email us at: [email protected] or raise an enquiry through the Student Centre.

We offer appointments from Monday to Friday, available on campus, via Teams and by phone.

If you are a current student, please book an appointment via Engage.