Accommodation Support for Disabled Students

Your rights

Under the Equality Act 2010, it is unlawful to refuse accommodation based on disability. Both universities and private landlords are required to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate your needs. These adjustments can include changes to policies, practices or providing additional equipment and support to facilitate accessibility. Adjustments depend on your individual needs and might mean:

Installing a ramp for a wheelchair user
Adjusting the lighting
Changing the colour of a wall or a door for improved visibility
Installing a grab rail or adapted toilet seats
Adjusting the cost of accessible accommodation to match standard options (applicable to university-owned accommodation only).

Universities must anticipate and plan for the needs of Disabled students, rather than wait for individual requests. This includes providing a range of accessible accommodation options such as rooms with step-free access, ramps and en-suite facilities so these are available for students who might need them.

Private rented accommodation

Private landlords are also required to make reasonable adjustments but are not obligated to make major structural changes to the physical features of a property. Examples of structural changes include widening doorways to accommodate wheelchair access, installing walk-in showers, lowering sinks or adjusting countertop heights in the kitchen. Citizens Advice has useful information on your rights as a private tenant.

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Choosing accommodation for your needs

Each student’s needs are different, so it’s important to plan ahead and think about what will make your accommodation accessible. You should reach out to the university’s Disability Support Service who can assist in finding accommodation to suit your needs, provide guidance on available options and arrange the necessary adjustments.

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Factors to consider when choosing accommodation

When deciding where to live, think about the following factors to ensure your needs are met:

Location and accessibility

If mobility is a concern, look for accommodation close to campus or with easy access to transport links. Consider options such as ground-floor rooms or properties with lifts.

Carer’s room

Students who require a live-in carer/overnight support may need an additional room. Discuss your needs with the university early to understand potential costs and the support available to meet these.

Evacuation procedures

Ensure your accommodation offers accessible evacuation procedures such as step-free routes, visual fire alarms or evacuation chairs. On-site maintenance or support staff can provide peace of mind.

Adapted facilities

Think about the specific adaptations you need, such as:

adapted bathrooms with handrails or wet rooms.
step-free access or widened doorways
en-suite facilities.
adapted kitchens
flashing fire alarms if you have a hearing impairment
If you need equipment like a hoist or motorised wheelchair, you might need a bigger room.

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Accommodation options

University Halls of Residence

University-owned halls are often the first choice for Disabled students due to their proximity to campus and access to on-site support. Universities should prioritise Disabled students when allocating accessible or adapted accommodation. Some universities guarantee accessible accommodation for the duration of your studies if there is a disability-related need. Contact the Disability Support Service and Accommodations Office to confirm policies for staying in halls beyond your first year and confirm application processes.

Private rented accommodation

Some students prefer to live independently, with friends, or carers in private housing. Under the Equality Act 2010, landlords are required to make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of Disabled renters. See the section ‘Your rights’ above for more information.

Living at home

Staying at home can be a practical option for some students. It can save costs, provide family support, and remove the need to find accessible housing. However, consider the time and energy needed for commuting and whether your home environment supports your study needs. You should never feel forced to stay at home because of lack of options.

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Navigating accommodation issues

Accessing suitable accommodation can present particular challenges, such as managing the higher cost of accessible accommodation, arranging personal care or ensuring emergency evacuation plans are in place. Addressing these issues early and understanding the support available can help ease your transition to university life.

This section highlights some of the challenges faced by Disabled students and provides practical guidance on how to secure the adjustments and support you need.

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High cost of accessible accommodation

Accessible or specialist accommodation, such as en-suites rooms, studio flats or rooms with adapted facilities often costs more than standard options.

What the Equality Act says

The Equality Act 2010 requires universities to make reasonable adjustments to ensure Disabled students are not unfairly burdened by higher accommodation costs. This means universities must take steps to mitigate the financial disparity, so you are not penalised for requiring accessible features.

University support

Universities might offer:

Rent adjustment policies which subsidise the cost difference between accessible and standard accommodation. These policies vary between institutions so check with your Disability Support Service or Accommodation Office for details. The approach to rent adjustment varies between universities.
Grants and Bursaries to help offset higher accommodation costs.

Other financial support

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA): might help cover the additional costs of accommodation incurred directly because of your disability - provided the accommodation is not owned by the university or managed by its agent.

Universal Credit (UC): If eligible as a full-time student, your award can include a housing element to help with rent. In addition, UC can cover the cost of a non-resident carer’s room to stay overnight.

To qualify for UC as a full-time student, you must:

receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and
have a Limited Capability for Work or Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) decision made before starting your full-time course.

The assessment process, known as the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), determines how your health condition or disability affects your ability to work. This process can be time consuming - while some assessments are completed within a few months, others may take longer. Therefore, it is important that you initiate the UC claim well in advance of your course start date to ensure eligibility is established beforehand. See our WCA factsheet for detailed guidance on what this involves.

You can also read the government guidance on claiming UC as a student and our guide on claiming UC as a disabled claimant.

Seek advice from a welfare rights service to understand your entitlement.

Charitable grants: Details of trusts to contact are in our Funding from Charitable Trusts factsheet.

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Arranging personal care and support

Organising personal care when you go to university can be complicated. Personal care and support is the practical help you need for your daily life, such as support with cooking, using the toilet, washing, dressing and taking medicine. At university, you might also need assistance with tasks such as cleaning, shopping and transport in order to remain independent.

Social services have a legal responsibility to meet the day-to-day needs of Disabled people. Your care package should be funded by the local authority where you’re ‘ordinarily resident. This is normally the area you have the strongest links to such as the area you come from, where you plan to return to during holidays or after graduation.

You should start this process with your local authority 9–12 months before starting university to ensure your care is in place.

Steps to take

Reach out to your local authority's social services department well in advance—ideally 9–12 months before your university start date—to discuss your transition into higher education and care needs.
Request a care assessment to evaluate the level of support required while at university.
Work with social services to create a care plan that outlines the support you'll receive. Make sure it aligns with your university schedule and living arrangements.
Coordinate with your university about your care plan to facilitate any necessary support.

If you have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan

An EHC plan is a legally binding document for children and young people up to 25 years old who require additional support beyond what is normally provided in educational settings. It details the desired outcomes across education, health and social care. However, EHC plans do not extend to university-level education. Your EHC plan will cease. You will need to engage with adult social services to arrange the necessary personal care support.

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Accommodation and funding for an overnight carer’s room

If you require an overnight carer while attending university, it’s important to address the accommodation arrangements and the costs of the carer’s room early as possible. In most cases, this applies to a non-resident carer who stays overnight as part of your care package. Disputes can arise over who should cover the cost of a carer’s room when university accommodation is involved.

Responsibility for funding the carer’s room can involve both the local authority and the university, depending on the circumstances and support framework in place. You might need to advocate for your rights under the Care Act 2014 and the Equality Act 2010 to ensure both the local authority and the university fulfil their respective responsibilities.

Clear and early communication between you, your local authority, and the university is essential to clarify responsibilities and avoid delays.

Local authority responsibilities

Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities are legally responsible for meeting assessed care needs, including those requiring overnight care. If your care package specifies the need for a carer to provide overnight support, the local authority is generally expected to cover the associated costs as part of your care plan. This funding is part of their obligation to ensure your care needs are met in a way that enables you to live independently and safely.

University responsibilities

Some universities offer subsidies or reduced costs for carer’s rooms required as part of their reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010. In some cases, they might waive the expense entirely. You should contact the university’s Disability Support Service and Accommodation Office to understand to explore the adjustments they can make.

Universal Credit

If you are eligible for UC as a student, your award can include a housing element towards the cost of rent. This is also extended to the cost of a non-resident carer’s room. For information on UC eligibility rules, please refer to the ‘Other financial support’ section under ‘High Cost of Accessible Accommodation’ above.

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Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs)

A Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) is a safety plan designed to ensure that you can evacuate your accommodation or university buildings safely in emergencies. It outlines:

The location of your room and proximity to exits.
Accessible evacuation routes and any required adjustments like step-free paths or evacuation lifts.
Equipment needed like evacuation chairs or visual alert systems.
Roles of staff involved in the evacuation process.

After accepting your accommodation offer, contact your University’s Disability Support Service and Accommodation Office about setting up a PEEP.

You should be invited to attend a meeting to discuss your needs and identify potential evacuation challenges. This might include an assessment of your accommodation and the surrounding facilities.

The PEEP is written up and shared with relevant staff, like the fire warden, security staff and the accommodation manager. You should also ask for a copy.

Make sure the PEEP is reviewed annually or whenever there is a change in your circumstances like moving rooms or any changes in your disability. A well-prepared PEEP ensures everyone understands their role, making the evacuation process efficient and effective.

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Assistance and emotional support animals (ESAs) in accommodation

Most universities prohibit students from keeping animals in accommodation due to concerns with shared living spaces, hygiene and potential distress of other students. However, exceptions must be made for assistance animals, and requests for ESAs should be considered as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010.

Assistance animals

Assistance animals such as guide dogs for visual impairments or hearing dogs for deaf students, are legally recognised under the Equality Act. Universities and accommodation providers must make reasonable adjustments to ensure these animals are permitted. Accommodation must be adapted to support you and the animal, such as allocating accessible flats or providing nearby outdoor spaces.

ESAs

While ESAs are not legally recognised in the same way as assistance animals, they should still be considered as a reasonable adjustment if they provide essential support related to your disability.

Requests for ESAs are usually assessed on a case-by-case basis. A blanket refusal might constitute a breach of the Equality Act. When considering a request, the university must balance your needs with practical considerations, such as noise and hygiene in shared living spaces, or the impact on other residents such as allergies or phobias.

Universities can refuse a request for an ESA if it would cause significant practical difficulties or undue disruption to others.

Requesting an adjustment for an assistance animal or ESA

Start by requesting a copy of the university’s policy on assistance and emotional support animals. This will help you understand their procedures, any documentation required, and the timeline for submitting a request.
Contact the Disability Support Service and Accommodation Office as early as possible to discuss your needs. Notifying them early ensures there is enough time to make necessary arrangements.
Provide supporting evidence
1. For assistance animals, submit evidence of training and necessity.
2. For ESAs, provide a letter or report from a medical professional outlining their role in supporting your disability.
Work with Disability Support Service and the Accommodations office to address practical concerns, such as access to outdoor spaces and cleaning arrangements and minimising disruption in shared living areas.
If your request is denied or delayed, ask for a clear explanation. Ensure the decision aligns with the Equality Acts reasonable adjustments requirements.

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Further advice

You can reach out to the following organisations if you require additional support and information about your rights:

Disability Rights UK – Disabled Students Helpline

The helpline provides free, confidential advice and information to disabled students, apprentices, their families and professionals supporting them.

Email: students@disabilityrightsuk.org

Phone: 0330 995 0414.

The phone line is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 11am and 1pm.

For more resources and guidance, visit out website at www.disabilityrightsuk.org

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice provides free and confidential, advice on various issues, including housing.

Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Adviceline (England): 0800 144 8848

Use the local service search tool to locate your nearest Citizens Advice office.

Shelter

Shelter is a housing and homelessness charity offering advice and support.

Website: www.shelter.org.uk

Free Housing Advice Helpline: 0808 800 4444

Open 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday, and 8 am to 5 pm on weekends.

Find your nearest Shelter service using their local services locator.

Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)

EASS offers advice on discrimination and human rights issues.

Website: www.equalityadvisoryservice.com

Helpline: 0808 800 0082

Open 9 am to 7 pm, Monday to Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays.

Email: Use the contact form available on their website.

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15th January 2025

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