Starting university is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming if you struggle with reading, writing, organisation, or processing information. What many students don’t realise is that there is substantial support available through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) funding which is designed to help you study in a way that plays to your strengths.
If you have a diagnosis of dyslexia, DSA can open the door to a wide range of practical, personalised support. Understanding what’s available can make a huge difference to your confidence and academic experience.
What DSA Can Provide
DSA isn’t a loan — it’s a grant. That means you don’t have to pay it back. It’s there to ensure that students with specific learning differences or disabilities can access university on an equal footing.
If you’re diagnosed with dyslexia, DSA may fund:
Specialist Study Skills Support One‑to‑one sessions with a trained tutor who understands dyslexia and can help you develop strategies for reading, writing, organisation, memory, and academic confidence.
Assistive Technology Software designed to support reading, writing, and organisation, for example, text‑to‑speech, speech‑to‑text, mind‑mapping tools, and note-taking software.
Training to Use Your Software Effectively You won’t just receive the technology, you’ll also get personalised training so you can make the most of it.
Equipment Depending on your needs, this may include a laptop, a printer, etc.
If you are also ADHD or autistic, you could be offered support from a mentor.
Together, these forms of support can reduce stress, improve academic performance, and help you feel more in control of your studies.
Why a Dyslexia Assessment Matters
To access DSA, you’ll need evidence of dyslexia, usually a full diagnostic assessment carried out by a qualified assessor.
A dyslexia assessment doesn’t just confirm whether dyslexia is present. It also provides:
A clear understanding of your strengths
Insight into the areas where you may need support
Recommendations tailored to your learning profile
The documentation required for DSA applications
For many students, the assessment itself is a turning point. It brings clarity, validation, and a sense of direction.
If You Think You Might Be Dyslexic
If in your previous experiences of studying, you found you spent far longer on reading and writing tasks, struggled to organise your workload, or felt overwhelmed by written assignments, dyslexia could be part of the picture.
A diagnostic assessment can help you understand what’s going on and unlock the support you’re entitled to.
If you think you might be dyslexic and would like to explore an assessment, feel free to contact me. I’m always happy to talk through your options and help you take the next step.
You can find further information regarding Disabled Students Allowance here: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa