Medical conditions

Medical conditions are often unseen and may include HIV, epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, severe asthma, arthritis or chronic fatigue syndrome. We have a rest room at Malet Street for people who are unwell, and locker and shower facilities.

If you have a medical condition that you feel will affect your studies, you are encouraged to contact the Disability Office who will be able to discuss with you what support can be put in place.

The Disability Office can:

  • assist you in applying to Birkbeck, including arranging a pre-application visit
  • assist you with enrolment and registration at Birkbeck and with making the most of the induction process
  • assist you in applying to Student Finance England for the Disabled Students' Allowance. The Disabled Students' Allowance may pay for:
    • personal computers so you can study at home
    • personal assistance to provide note-taking support in lectures and assistance in the Library
    • allowances for books, photocopying, printing and internet costs
  • liaise with the London Borough of Camden to obtain a Green Badge for accessible parking
  • assist you in recruiting personal assistants
  • liaise with Disability IT Support to arrange demonstrations of specialist equipment (e.g. voice-activated software, specialist keyboards and mice)
  • advise on the location of the rest room, locker and shower facilities
  • provide information, advice and training to your lecturers on supporting you effectively
  • liaise with lecturers to request copies of overhead projector transparencies (OHPs), Powerpoint presentations, handouts and lecture notes, where necessary.
  • advise you on what special examination arrangements (link) you may need and assist you in arranging these
  • aim to involve you and all students and the Students’ Union in the development of policy and support services for students with disabilities