How UON supports students with disabilities
Since a tender age, I’ve always felt like a nocturnal creature. Now in university, that feeling is even more pronounced. Balancing adulthood and schoolwork isn’t easy when your mind sprints faster than your body can catch up. With ADHD, my nights don’t stay still because thoughts jump, ideas collide, and I often find solace only in the sound of raindrops from my 3-hour playlist. The rain calms me; it quietens the noise in my head and brings a sense of euphoria to an otherwise scattered night.
In those quiet hours, I often think about how far I’ve come and the version of myself I’m still becoming.
Living with ADHD
Living with ADHD affects almost everything I do as a student. Lectures require extra focus, and readings that should take minutes stretch into hours. It feels like trudging through mud most days as I try to gather my thoughts long enough to make them behave. The caffeine that keeps me alert during classes is almost comedic, given the restless nights that brought it on. Still, as a student, I’m learning to find balance and exist in that fragile middle ground between rest and responsibility.
Support at UON
I haven’t had to walk this journey alone. One of the things that has made it easier at the University of Northampton is the support available. My Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) has been a lifeline, someone from my subject area who understands the pressure points and helps me navigate them. When things get overwhelming, they provide that extra layer of academic and personal support I can rely on. Accessing them is simple: in the Student Portal, under My Studies, you can book online tutorials based on your needs.
The ASSIST Team
Beyond the support of my PAT, the university has an entire framework dedicated to students with disabilities. Through ASSIST, students can access personalised guidance, disability advisors, study skills support, mentoring, and even exam arrangements tailored to their needs.
They also help with Academic Inclusion Reports, dyslexia screenings, priority accommodation, emergency plans, and communication with academic tutors. What stands out is how student-centred their approach is; they focus on helping each student grow confidently and independently.
Whether your disability is physical, sensory, mental, or related to learning differences, ASSIST ensures you’re not navigating university life alone.
Registering is simple, and their drop-in sessions mean help is always within reach.
Managing ADHD
On days without classes, I unwind with books by Shakespeare, Brandon Sanderson, and the occasional J.K. Rowling. Their worlds give me breathing space and help me process mine.
Living with a disability isn’t easy, but it isn’t a curse either. Sometimes it is a hidden superpower once you learn to harness it over time. Pursuing my master’s in Project Management isn’t just about academics; it’s about mastering myself, embracing growth, and realising that strength often shines brightest in the dark.
At UON, there is plenty of student support available ranging from financial to mental health and wellbeing support. Please reach out if you need help. You can find out more by visiting an Open Day.
