How can I tell the university?

On your application form

If you are applying to university you're encouraged to make a formal disclosure in the 'More about you' section on your UCAS application form by selecting the option(s) which  best describes any physical and/or mental health condition, long term illness, or learning difference you may live with. UCAS has some useful information for students with physical or mental health conditions. 

The UCAS form asks:

Would you consider yourself as living with any of the following:

  • I have a learning difference (e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, or AD(H)D)
  • I have a hearing impairment (e.g. deafness or partial hearing)
  • I have a mental health condition, concern or disorder (e.g. anxiety or depression)
  • I have a physical impairment or challenges with mobility, or dexterity (e.g. climbing stairs or uneven surfaces, using a keyboard or laboratory equipment)
  • I have a long-term illness or health condition (this may involve pain or cause fatigue, loss of concentration or breathing difficulties - including any effects from taking associated medication.)
  • I have a social, behavioural or communication impairment (e.g. an autistic spectrum condition, Tourette's Syndrome, or speech and language difficulties including stammering)
  • I have a visual impairment uncorrected by glasses (e.g. blindness or partial sight)
  • I have a condition or impairment not listed
  • None of these apply to me
  • I prefer not to say.

This information is then shared with those arranging support (e.g. the student support team, disability adviser). They may get in touch to discuss the support you need or to send you more information.

Personal statement

Some applicants choose to talk about their mental health in their personal statement - this can be an empowering way to talk about how you have already overcome barriers to study, or you may think it's important to explain why you want to study a particular course. However, this is not the right place to discuss your support needs (e.g. if you are likely to need exam accommodations, or think you might need some additional support) - you'll normally be contacted separately to ask about these if you have indicated you have a mental health condition on your application form.

Information shared about your mental health condition in your personal statement will not be read by support services staff. This is likely to only be read by admissions staff and although saved, will not be recorded on your notes.

Sharing information when you are already at uni

Different universities have different processes, but you should normally register with the student services team (see our page for more info about the different support available). Many will have some kind of registration form, or you may be able to speak to someone at a drop-in session. 

You can choose to tell your tutor, or other member of staff in the first instance, but specialist support, and exam accommodations normally need you to register with a separate team.