Case Studies

Studying at University can be challenging for all students. Several of our students have written about their experience of studying at the University of Hull.

Charlene Sutton studying Accounting

I came to Hull in 2003 fit and well and had no disabilities. I had a brain tumour in January 2004 and it was removed. Since then I have suffered many disabilities. I came back to university in September 2004 and registered disabled. It was odd at first but I had so much support from Disability Services and my disability tutor. Many thanks to them - studying is hard anyway but under my circumstances it was even harder. In spite of my difficulties studying is bearable and it’s all down to the support I had.  Thanks to Disability Services and my disability tutor.

Synnove Hansen studying Psychology

I returned to education after a couple of decades so am a very mature student! I chose to come 400 miles north to Hull because of its friendly campus and reassurance from the Disability Services. Having had agoraphobia for a while it was like leaving home for the first time! Environment was important to me. I’d had no support for the phobia and it was refreshing to find awareness and support at Hull. Disability Services are always to hand for my hiccups or worries that may arise and do their best to resolve problems quickly. I had little confidence when I first came to Hull but found my feet after a couple of months. Nothing is easy in life but choosing to come to Hull University has been a rich, challenging and rewarding experience.

Beth Saxton studying Philosophy

I found out I had dyslexia in my final year at University as well as having Dyspraxia and Irlens syndrome. This came as a shock and I felt like a failure. I thought I was the only one who had these conditions. I reserved an appointment to visit someone at Disability Services. I was dreading this as I was worried that they would not understand me. My disability tutor was brilliant, she answered all my questions (and there were many!). I only ever saw her twice but her advice will stay with me for life. Having a disability doesn’t mean you are stupid, or special or slow or incapable of doing things you really want to do; it means you are determined, hardworking and human. Don’t worry about going to Disability Services it really is better to go for help than to give up at the first hurdle.

Thomas Hoy studying History

I have been told that by the Graduate School that at 82 years of age I have been Hull University’s oldest student.  Any misgivings I may have had about the reception I might receive on campus were soon dispelled. Everyone went out of their way to make me feel “one of the crowd”.

Cancer has left me with only half a jaw.  All my food has to be liquidised. That presented no problem to the chefs at Staff House.  Walking extremely slowly with the aid of two sticks meant that I was frequently being stopped and asked if I needed any help.

All the staff at Disability Service have been most helpful organising the computer printing of my dissertation and arranging its submission. I appreciate the kindness and willingness to help me at all times.

Anne Whittleton studying Certificate in Regional and Local History

I suffer from muscle problems and arthritis in my spine and other joints which means that I tire quickly and have difficulty in writing for any length of time.  Disability Services understood my needs instantly. They advised me of what assistance was available to me; I had no ideas that such help was available.  They helped me to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance.  This has enable me to buy a home computer and other aids which make studying and essay writing as painless as possible.

I cannot thank those concerned enough; they are enabling me to fulfil an ambition that I thought I could only ever dream about. I hope to progress and ultimately gain a degree.