How to Request Dyslexia Support at University

Starting university is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming if you're dyslexic. The good news is that UK universities are legally required to provide reasonable adjustments for students with dyslexia. Understanding how to request dyslexia support at university means you can access the help you need from day one.

Many students don't realise how much support is available. Others know they need help but feel unsure about the process. This guide walks you through what to do, when to do it, and how to advocate for yourself effectively.

Understand Your Rights Before You Start

Under the Equality Act 2010, UK universities must make reasonable adjustments for disabled students, including those with dyslexia. This isn't a favour. It's a legal obligation.

You have the right to:

• Extra time in exams (usually 25% more time)
• Use of assistive technology during assessments
• Access to note-taking support or lecture recordings
• Alternative formats for reading materials (large print, digital versions)
• One-to-one support from learning support services
• Exam invigilation in a separate, quieter room

Knowing these rights gives you confidence when you ask for support. You're not asking for special treatment; you're asking for equal access to learning.

Gather Your Evidence Early

Universities will ask for evidence of your dyslexia diagnosis. Start collecting this before you apply or as soon as you arrive on campus.

You'll typically need:

• A formal dyslexia assessment report (Educational Psychology or specialist report)
• Evidence from school (SENCO records, exam access arrangements letters)
• GP records mentioning dyslexia diagnosis
• Previous school exam access arrangements documentation

If you don't have a recent assessment, contact your local authority or your GP. Some universities offer free or subsidised assessments for students who've never been formally diagnosed. It's worth asking about this when you first enquire.

Once you have your evidence ready, keep digital and paper copies organised. You may need to share this with multiple departments (student services, exams office, individual lecturers).

Contact Student Services or Disability Support Immediately

The moment you know you're attending university, contact the Student Services, Disability Support, or Student Support office. Don't wait for induction week.

Look for a department with a name like:

• Disability Support
• Student Wellbeing Service
• Inclusive Learning Support
• Equality and Diversity Office

Most universities have an online form to register your disability. Fill this out as soon as possible. In your message, be clear and straightforward:

• State that you have dyslexia (diagnosed)
• Briefly describe how it affects your learning (reading takes longer, spelling is difficult, organisation challenges)
• List the specific support you need
• Include your contact details and student ID

Example: "I have been formally diagnosed with dyslexia. I need extra time in exams, access to digital copies of reading materials, and support with essay planning. I've attached my assessment report."

Follow up if you don't hear back within a week. Universities are busy, but this is important.

Request a Formal Needs Assessment Meeting

Once Student Services receives your information, you should be invited for a needs assessment appointment. This is a conversation with a learning support specialist who'll understand what actually helps you.

Before the meeting, think about:

• What specific tasks are hardest for you (reading lectures, writing essays, revising from notes)
• What strategies or tools have helped before
• What accommodation would actually make a difference to your learning
• Any other support you might need (mental health, time management, exam technique)

During the meeting, be honest. Say things like "I struggle to read dense academic texts" or "I lose my place when there's too much text on the page." The specialist will suggest accommodations based on your actual needs.

One helpful tool during this process is Dyslexly, a free Chrome extension that helps with reading university materials. It offers OpenDyslexic font, colour overlays, text-to-speech, and word simplification. Many dyslexic students use it alongside university support to make reading and working with digital texts less effortful.

At the end of the meeting, ask for a written summary of agreed accommodations. This becomes your "support plan" for the academic year.

Inform Your Lecturers and Submit Exam Requests

Your university's disability office will usually notify your lecturers about your support needs, but it's worth introducing yourself as well.

At the start of term, email each lecturer something like this:

"Hello, I'm [name] in your [module name] class. I have dyslexia and have been approved for the following accommodation: extra time in exams, access to lecture slides in advance, and digital copies of reading lists. If you have any questions, please let me know. Thank you."

This isn't asking permission; you're informing them of support you're entitled to.

For exams, complete your exam access arrangements request as early as possible, usually before a set deadline (check your university calendar). Submit through the exams office portal. Your disability office can help if you're unsure.

Make sure your approved accommodations are recorded. Check the list before each exam period to confirm everything is in place.

Use Additional Support Services Throughout the Year

Don't just use support during exams. Most universities offer ongoing help:

• One-to-one tutoring for assignment planning, essay structure, and subject-specific help
• Study skills workshops on note-taking, time management, and revision
• Assistive technology training on using text-to-speech, mind-mapping software, and other tools
• Exam technique sessions to practise strategies for managing time and anxiety

Attend these sessions. They're usually free, and they genuinely help. If you find yourself struggling mid-semester, don't wait until exams to ask for more support. Meet with your learning support tutor and discuss what's not working.

Many universities also offer support for schools and educational institutions that includes resources for managing dyslexia at higher education level. If your university is developing inclusive practices, they may have access to resources worth exploring.

Document Everything and Advocate for Yourself

Keep records of every conversation about your support. Save emails, take notes during meetings, and keep copies of your support plan.

If accommodations aren't put in place as agreed (extra time isn't set up, reading materials aren't provided), contact your disability office immediately. Don't just accept it. Politely but firmly point out what was agreed and ask what happened.

If you're not happy with the support you receive, you have a right to complain. Most universities have a student complaints procedure. Use it if you need to.

Remember: asking for support is not weakness. It's advocating for yourself so you can access your education fairly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a formal diagnosis to get support at university? Yes, UK universities require a formal assessment report confirming dyslexia diagnosis. If you don't have one, contact Student Services to ask about free assessments or refer to your GP who can arrange one through the NHS.

What if I'm worried about disclosing my dyslexia to lecturers? Disclosure is confidential and protected. Student Services will usually inform lecturers without using the word "dyslexia" if you prefer. However, most lecturers are supportive and understanding. Disclosure ensures you actually get the support you're entitled to.

Can I get support if I'm diagnosed with dyslexia during university? Absolutely. Contact Student Services as soon as you're diagnosed and submit your assessment report. Support can be backdated in some cases, particularly for exam access arrangements.

What if my exam access arrangements weren't activated in time? Contact your exams office and Student Services immediately. Explain the situation and ask if the arrangements can be applied retrospectively. Keep evidence of when you requested them. Document everything so you can appeal if needed.

Will having dyslexia support on my academic record affect my degree classification? No. Exam access arrangements and academic support do not appear on your transcript or degree certificate. They're about ensuring fair assessment, not lowering standards.