Studying for a degree with dyslexia

Sociology student Amy explains how ARU has supported her to succeed in her studies despite having dyslexia.

Prior to university I was told that I needed extra help with my essays and exams. This included extra time and a pink overlay.

However, I was never diagnosed with any learning disabilities. The term ‘dyslexia’ was bandied about often, but it was never fully confirmed.

When I came to university I wanted to make sure they were aware of this, so I emailed the Dyslexia team at ARU back and forth and got things in place before I started.

However, I was still unsure about why it took me longer to write essays and why I need extra time in exams, so I was referred to have an assessment. I was then formally diagnosed with dyslexia.

Finding solutions

Since then I have been given endless support from the team at ARU, from helping with technology grants to general meetings to help with my essay writing.

Studying Sociology, my course is very much essay-based. Having this extra support was vital to help me achieve the best grades possible.

As well as all this one-to-one support, ARU also offers workshops for lots of different academic and writing-related issues which have helped improve my writing style tremendously.

I feel so much more comfortable at ARU knowing that I am getting the most out of my studies!

Amy studies Sociology at ARU in Cambridge. Find out more about this and other degree courses at one of our Open Days.