Uni

[L_C_S_2501]

Hi, just wondering if there’s anyone else here recovering from a head injury whilst also trying to do well in university? How do you find it? Have the uni been very understanding?

Thanks 😊

[sospan]

My wife had two concussions whilst in Uni,

The University were brilliant and made plenty of adjustments in terms of time off, extra time for assessments and in exams.

They also arranged for some cognitive testing for her and found that she had been dyslexic and dyspraxic from childhood. When she had her injuries it removed the ability to cope with them.

Once she got the formal diagnosis she was supplied with all sorts of additional assistance - laptop, screen filters, desk and a chair etc. Plus she got additional funding.

It was a struggle but she managed to complete her degree with a 2:3 which isn't bad for someone whom dropped out of full time education in her teens with one gcse

[DawnD123]

Hello, I was in the summer holidays after the first year of my degree as a mature student when I had my SAH. I insisted that I went back at the start of the next term because I knew that it would make me depressed staying at home. I knew at that point I would not get a job because my memory was so bad so I saw it as a way of making my brain work a little harder.

I am not going to lie, it was hard work! The first lecture I went to I wrote down notes went back to my desk straight after and it was like trying to read another persons shorthand that I didn't know.

I did begin to improve very slowly and as the year went on I had several discussions with my head of department who put forward my case to show that I was improving all the time. I was then able to do my second year again and then my final year.

I had the sense to work out that the majority of the overall marks would come from my dissertation so I wrote and rewrote that about 60 times before I handed it in, mainly to stop myself from repeating the same points over and over again.

I was awarded a 2.1

This was a while ago and it was the year before they brought in charges so I was able to get a grant so that may be something else to consider.

I wish you luck in however you decide to go forward

[Binjour]

Hello, I work in a university (and suffered a head injury due to a bike accident). I expect that the university will be supportive. Speak with student services and see what support they can put in place. They will be used to doing this for students with a range of visible and hidden disabilities and learning needs. Explain to them what will help you. You should be assigned a year tutor and a personal tutor. They can provide support and discuss if you are entitled to extra time, reader, scribe or other support. They can advise on extensions for assignments if necessary and mitigating circumstances. Perhaps attend an open day or contact them to chat things through.

[BriegeMcParland]

Im am 3rd year in Uni and not one person knows anything about my brain injury. However, last year i was flagged up and asked if i had any learning impairment or entitlements within the college. It was quiet shameful as it was asked in front of the whole class. Moreover, i just responded no in the moment but was left curious to what they had seen in my work for the question even to be asked. Besides that it shocked me because it has been six years since my injury and through secondary school little support was giving and a lot was based on my own determination and some what ability. It is however, not plain sailing and it is only looking back that there was missed opportunity and support giving.

[Broken_Doll]

Hey!

I am in my first year (a foundation year) at uni. Ensure you apply for disabled students allowance, this will ensure you get any specialist equipment, software, 1-1 mentoring, study skills support & increased time in exams etc.

It is tough, I won’t lie and I’ve got my work cut out entering a profession where perfectly working bodies are associated (Physiotherapy) but I’m ready to be a trailblazer!

Good luck!

Emma