Accommodation arrangements for Students with Disabilities (including those with medical conditions, mental health conditions and autism) at the University of Plymouth
The University is very supportive of students with disabilities and it is clear that living arrangements for students with disabilities at University are extremely important.
Please take some time to look over the following questions and answers which frequently arise forapplicants with disabilities relating to accommodation during the application process:
Q: What is a Disability?
A: An individual is considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if they havea physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Please note that this often includes medical conditions eg: epilepsy, diabetes, chronic fatigue, mental health conditions, autistic spectrum disorders, and specific learning difficulties.
Q: I have a medical condition which I don’t think is a disability. Should I still mention this on my accommodation application and Disability Services forms?
A: Yes please. In terms of study in Higher Educationthe term ‘disability’ covers a range of impairments, medical conditions, mental health issues and specific learning difficulties. Many conditions have implications for accommodation in terms of equipment and support and sometimes, often because applicants have been living at home, these are taken for granted. Please let us know about any conditions that you have so that we can work with you to make appropriate arrangements for you in time; knowing your particular requirements better prepare us for any support you may require.
Q: How soon should I apply for accommodation?
A: The accommodation portal will be open in the New Year. We will announce the portal opening on our accommodation website, via email and on social media. If you have a firm place at the University of Plymouth you will then be able to make an application.
Please ensure you clearly indicate any requirements you have relating to your disability/medical condition as well as detailing your particular disability/medical condition. If you have any questions about accommodation please email the Residence Life Office– or Disability Services–.
Q: University of Plymouth is my insurance choice; can I apply for accommodation
A: You can only apply for accommodation if the University of Plymouth is your firm choice. If we become you firm choice please allow the system 72 hours to update before trying to make an application.
Q: I have a medical condition and I would like to be housed in a place where there is a responsible person present who can offer support and care. Is this possible?
A: All of the University accommodation is designed for independent living and the Hall Team, where present, do not have a care-giving role. Our Hall Officers (HO) and Hall Assistants (HA) can help you settle into the community, make friends and be part of the community in your hall, but they are limited with the level of support they can give residents and may need to refer residents to more appropriate support services such as Disability Services. More information about the roles of Hall Officers (HO) and Hall Assistants can be found at:
If you feel you do need additional support or personal care whilst you are at university, please contact us early in the application process so that we can consider this with you and advise you accordingly. The solution may involve a social services care package, an adapted room and/or contact with your GP to help identify potential options.
Q: How will the University know what adaptations or arrangements I will need in my accommodation?
A. When you apply for halls accommodation with Residence Life you will be asked to complete an online accommodation application, please ensure that you disclose your disability / medical condition and you list all adaptations and requirements relating to your accommodation for example- en-suite bathroom, alerts for hearing impairments, accessible rooms, power assisted doors, call alarms fridge for medication etc.
Providing this information meansthe Residence Life team can work with you to support your transition to halls of residence and explore the support you might need whilst living with us. Please look at the Residence Life webpages
Please respond promptly to any requests for further information so that we can help you. You may need to visit Plymouth to view accommodation prior to starting university. In some cases Disability Services may ask you to provide the name of a medical professional or other specialist support provider who can work with us to provide solutions to your individual requirements.
Q: I need particular living arrangements due to my medical condition (e.g. en-suite room, self-contained studio apartment) but these cost more than I can afford. Can I get any help with this cost?
A: Please contact the Disability Services–,as soon as possible and see the information on our website
Q: I need a fridge in my accommodation to store my medication. Can this be arranged?
A: This provision is available on request to applicants who require a personal fridge for medication purposes and who have secured university-allocated accommodation. Please include this information on your application for accommodation.
If you are intending to obtain accommodation in the private sector and require a personal fridge for medication storage purposes, you maybe able to obtain one via Disabled Students Allowances or please liaise with your private landlord.
Q: I have a hearing loss and will need alerting devices (flashing/vibrating alarms etc.) in my accommodation. Is this possible?
A: This provision is available on request to applicants who require this because of a hearing loss and who have secured university-allocated accommodation. Please liaise with the Residence Life Office and Disability Services as early as possible in the application process to ensure that we can make appropriate arrangements for the start of your studies.
If you are intending to obtain accommodation in the private sector and require alerting devices(flashing/vibrating alarms etc.)please liaise with your private landlord and/or your social services.
Q: My medical condition/disability means that I need undisturbed sleep and a quiet living environment. I am worried that if I live in university-allocated accommodation that it will be too noisy for me. Are there other options?
A:Yes, there are a range of options to consider including private accommodation of various types and sizes, much of which is close in proximity to the University. Please contact the Residence Life team early in the application process and discuss your requirements. Residence Life staff will be please to work with you to identify potential private accommodation for you to view.
You will be asked to select five halls and room types that you would prefer to live in along witha lifestyle profile detailing, for example, if you prefer a noisy or quiet living environment. We will allocate rooms taking into account your preferences in an attempt to place you in a flat with other people with a similar lifestyle profile. Certain flats and areas have been set aside as single sex and alcohol free.
Please note that we cannot guarantee a quiet environment as this depends on the subjective opinion on what quiet is. The university cannot be held liable for the behaviour or actions of other residents and we cannot guarantee we can accommodate you in a quiet area, however every university managed hall has HallAssistants and Hall Officers in place to work with students to resolve any issues that may occur, including noise.
Q: What if I come through Clearing? Will you still be able to cater for my individual requirements?
A: At the point of Clearing, unfortunately accommodation options are more limited and applicants will need to be prepared for the fact that places in university-allocated accommodation might not be available (if this is your preference). The Residence Life team will be pleased to work with you at this point to consider remaining options, taking your requirements into consideration as far as possible. Please contact the Residence Life team and Disability Services as early as possible to discuss your situation.
Q: I am progressing from a Partner College and I have a medical condition or disability. Will I be entitled to any support in finding accommodation?
A: If you are progressing as a partner college student you can apply for halls of residence, and you will also have access to the database of approved accommodation.