University Toolkit: UCAS and student support

Using your UCAS application to access the right support

When completing your UCAS form, it’s important to share that you have type 1 diabetes, so universities can put the right support for you in place early. This is done by ticking the box to say that you have a disability.

Although many people with T1D do not consider themselves to have a disability or be disabled, this is the umbrella term used by the universities. It includes long term medical conditions like type 1 diabetes which means you are entitled to some adjustments and additional support.

By completing this information on your UCAS form, UCAS can share this with the student support or disability services at the university. They can contact you before you start, to discuss any helpful adjustments, and send further information to you automatically about the support available.

Where do I add this information within the UCAS form?

Make sure that you select ‘UK address’ in the address type drop-down list in the ‘where you live’ section of the UCAS form, then enter your address including a UK postcode, before saving your answers for this section.

The drop-down list and free-text box should appear for you to add any support requirements you may have. If this box doesn’t appear, please check that the address details have all been completed correctly and saved.

For type 1 diabetes, you should select the ‘I have a long-term illness or health condition’ option from the drop-down list. If needed, you can declare multiple conditions or support needs at this point.

Within the free-text box you can add details of the support you may need, such as a fridge in your room or keeping your mobile phone with you at all times, including during exams, tests, or assessments. Ask your Diabetes Healthcare Team if you’re unsure what you should include here. Please be aware that you can only type a small amount in this box, up to a maximum of 450 characters.

For further information about how to complete this, please visit the sharing a disability or mental health condition in the UCAS application page on the UCAS website. The advice for disabled students and students with SEND page on the UCAS website also covers all of the disability section questions and includes DSA guides and FAQs.

If you submit your UCAS application without adding information in this box, you can contact UCAS to update your health information and support needs.

If you don’t complete or update this section on the UCAS form when you apply for a university place, you can still notify the student support office either before you arrive at university or make an appointment to see them once you’ve started. The support you require may change throughout your time at university, and you can adjust or add any extra support that you may require as your needs change.

Telling UCAS about your type 1 diabetes is not a disadvantage and will not affect your application.

Identifying it as a disability or long-term health condition simply helps universities understand your needs and put the right support and adjustments in place, so you can focus on making the most of your university experience.

Why should I let the university know about my type 1 diabetes?

By letting the university know about your T1D as early as possible, it makes them aware that there may be some adjustments needed or support that they could offer to help you get the best out of your studies. Some examples of support include:

Accommodation and daily living support

You can request adjustments to student accommodation through support services. By including this information in your application, it can help the university ensure suitable accommodation is arranged on time. For example: 

• An en-suite room, if available, for privacy and easier T1D management
• Access to a mini fridge to safely store your insulin
• A room location that allows quick access if you become unwell 

Adjustments for exams, tests or assessments

Sharing this in your UCAS application helps make sure that any adjustments for exams, tests or assessments are agreed beforehand, so you’re not disadvantaged. 

• You may need to explain that you use an insulin pump, hybrid closed loop (HCL) system, or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) that is linked to your phone, and that these are essential for managing your T1D, not just electronic devices 
• You should highlight that you may need hypo treatments like glucose tablets or drinks with you throughout exams, tests or assessments 
• If you experience a hypo during an exam, assessment or test, you may need a short break and possibly extra time to recover or to complete it 

Hospital appointments and health needs

Regular diabetes clinic appointments are an important part of your care and sometimes can’t be avoided during term time. Universities can offer flexibility with attendance or deadlines if they are aware of your condition early. 

Student Support Services

Student Support Services are a good source of support and advice before you start, and during your time at university. Universities will have an information pack about the services they provide, which can be sent to you on request. 

Student support services may offer you support in various ways, including the areas mentioned above, supporting you in your degree if you feel that your T1D is having an impact on your work, and advising you about Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). 

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

Before you can apply for DSA, you’ll need a letter from your doctor or consultant confirming your type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Once you have this, you can apply through the government website and submit the letter as evidence with your DSA application. It can take several months to arrange, so apply early. If you’re eligible, you’ll be assessed to work out what you need. The support you get depends on your individual needs and not on income.  

Once everything is arranged, the money will be paid either directly to your service/equipment providers, or to your bank account. You don’t have to repay any of the money you receive.

You can get more information about Disabled Students’ Allowance at: 

• England: Help if you’re a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability: Disabled Students’ Allowance – GOV.UK 
• Wales: Extra help available if you are a full-time undergraduate student with a disability | Student Finance Wales 
• Northern Ireland: What is Disabled Students’ Allowance for NI students – Student Finance NI 
• Scotland: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) – SAAS – Funding 

When you arrive at university, there is a lot to think about. Some of the main topics are covered in this toolkit.