For students, there are some useful links below to sites that may be of interest:
Student Loans Company
SLC is a non-profit making government-owned organisation that administers loans and grants to students in colleges and universities in the UK. SLC’s mission is to enable people to invest in their futures through further and higher education by providing trusted, transparent, flexible and accessible student finance services. SLC’s vision is to ensure that SLC is widely recognised as enabling student opportunity and delivering an outstanding customer experience in the efficient delivery of the four UK Governments’ further and higher education finance policies.
Student Finance England (SFE)
SFE provides funding for students attending higher education courses in the UK.
Students may be able to borrow money to help pay for university or college tuition fees and to help with living costs. Students might get extra money on top of this, for example if they’re on a low income, are disabled or have children.
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs students have because of a mental health problem, long-term illness or any other disability. This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance students might get. The type of support and how much the students get depends on individual needs – not household income. Students do not need to pay back DSA. Students can get help with the costs of:
• specialist equipment, for example a computer if you need one because of your disability
• non-medical helpers, for example a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter or specialist note taker
• extra travel to attend your course or placement because of your disability
• other disability-related study support, for example having to print additional copies of documents for proof-reading
UCAS – Disabled Students Allowance
UCAS is a trusted platform that allows you to apply to multiple universities using a single application, making the application process much easier in the long run
DSA funds support that will help you succeed in higher education by breaking down the barriers you may otherwise have faced, whether they’re related to your studies, physical access, or wellbeing. Although it’s called an ‘allowance’, you won’t be given any money directly. Instead, when you are awarded DSA, you will have the chance to arrange your support through specific providers, who receive your funding directly from Student Finance England (SFE).
The Student Room
The Student Room: is the UKs Largest online community for school, college and university students. Offering friendly and supportive discussions on everything from GCSEs to University life, from A-levels to UCAS application.
Disability Rights UK
DRUK are disabled people leading change. DRUK is the UKs leading organisation led by, run by, and working for disabled people. DRUK works with disabled people’s organisations, public bodies, businesses and Government across the UK to influence regional and national change for the better rights, accessibility, benefits, quality of life and economic opportunities for disabled people.
National Association of Disability Practitioners
NADP is the Professional Association for disability and inclusivity practitioners in further and higher education in the UK. NADP offers professional memberships to practitioners, information, signposting, training, CPD, opportunities for publishing articles etc…
Association of Non-medical Help Providers
ANMHP is the Professional membership organisation for disability practitioners in further and higher education in the UK. ANMHP gives a voice across the disabled student support sector. Inviting members to be part of a lively online forum where information and ideas are shared. With online access to resources and key documents. ANMHP aims to improve quality and availability of Non-medical learning support for disabled students.
Student Finance Wales
SFW provides funding for students attending higher education courses in the UK.
Students may be able to borrow money to help pay for university or college tuition fees and to help with living costs. Students might get extra money on top of this, for example if they’re on a low income, are disabled or have children.
Samaritans
The Samaritans Charity is available to any person in need of help. Offering a free one-to-one phone line, 24/7, confidential service. If someone is having a difficult time, or knows someone else having a difficult time and needing help. Access to health and wellbeing support workers across the UK. Just talking to someone can help. If you have thoughts of suicide and harm.
Mind Charity
Mind Charity; change minds across England and Wales by making mental health an everyday priority. By standing up to the injustices – in healthcare, in work, in law – which make life harder for those of us with mental health problems. Mind Charity supports minds – by offering help whenever you might need it through information, advice and local services. And connect minds. Bringing together an unstoppable network of individuals and communities – people who care about mental health to make a difference.
Citizens Advice
Online & in-person free advice from Citizens Advice to help find a way forward, whatever the problem. Our research enables us to campaign on issues affecting people.
CAB offers advice and help to millions of people across the UK. CAB national charity and network of local charities offer confidential advice for free. CAB is independent and totally impartial. Offering advice on consumer rights, debt, housing, financial issues etc…
Money Saving Expert
Founder – Martin Lewis. Money Saving Expert provides a website containing a specific student page with advice, guidance, and information for students in the UK. Offering tips and signposting for goods and services, bank accounts, household bills, loans, travel, budgeting, shopping, best deals.
National Autistic Society UK Charity
UKs leading charity for autistic people and their families. Since 1962, the National Autistic Society has been providing support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people. The mission of the charity is to transform lives and change attitudes to help create a society that works for autistic people.
NHS Mental Health
Access information, advice, and guidance for NHS Mental health services available in the UK.
Offering talking therapy services for conditions such depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, PTSD.
Helpful links to health & wellbeing services. Tips and information for self-help. Services available locally, regionally, nationally.
UCAS – UK Universities & Colleges
UCAS offers a research tool to look at all the universities and colleges in the UK offering a large range of higher educational courses. Search tools by – Region, Study Mode, Qualification.