Sally, studying English
"This term I have met lots of people from all over the world and tried things I never dreamt I would, such as ice skating, body surfing and after some nerve racking auditions I was accepted to sing in a band!
Being partially sighted has not stopped me from socialising and nobody at Uni has given me a hard time about not being able to see very well. The positive reactions of the other students have really boosted my confidence especially as I was bullied all through school due to having Nystagmus.
On the less positive side.... my marks have been disappointing but that is the case for most of my mates - we are all going to work harder next term! Also the student accommodation has been hard going - it is in an old damp Victorian building and I am on the top floor in an attic conversion. Dragging up my shopping and laundry four flights of stairs is no fun at all but have decided I am going to look for a new place with some friends next year."
David, studying City and Guilds Adult learning support
"I am fluent in French so for the last two years I have been facilitating 'French for fun' conversation evenings in a church hall. In September I enrolled on an adult teaching City and Guilds course because I intend to teach French more formally.
The college is great place to go to each week, there are social activities and the tutor is very supportive. I have met people from many different backgrounds - some are learning to teach in community centres and others to train staff within corporate training departments.
The course emphasises the need to meet every individual's unique learning needs so I feel very included and I have found the group work so rewarding. I have lots to do over the Christmas holiday including preparing for my first micro teaching supervision but am looking forward to the challenge. To be honest I cannot believe I let my sight problem hold me back for so long."
Christelle, studying Physiotherapy
"Embarking on a career in physiotherapy has been a huge step for me. I've had to face my lack of confidence and shyness during group work.
Also, the subject matter is complex, and the learning curve is steep! This term I have studied anatomy and physiology, communication skills, health psychology and exercise science. I've handed in complicated assignments to meet multiple deadlines.
My eye condition is unpredictable and on some days I cannot see very much at all. When we had a session to introduce the clinical placements that happen next term I began to feel that I could not cope. However, I brought my concerns to my personal tutor's attention and she arranged a meeting with the placement supervisor. After a long chat I now feel reassured I will get the support I need and feel they really went out of their way to keep me from feeling isolated.
The lecturers on my course have been great: we had to do a quick piece of work one night and they let me hand in a taped version. Things like that really make all the difference to my perseverance when things get a bit stressful.
And I mustn't forget the other students - they're probably the best bit of all. They have been great at helping me out and some of them throw some brilliant parties. The best one so far: an indoor Hawaiian beach party night!".
Bethan, studying Ceramics
I'm Bethan and I'm in the second year of my Ceramics degree at Cardiff Metropolitan. I'm so glad to be here because this was my first choice and I absolutely love the place, the people and the course.
I am registered blind and moved here straight after I finished my GCSE's. I was so un prepared to be honest and I paid the price. I got here and I'll never forget the feeling as my Mum and Dad drove away and left me all alone in my halls. I didn't know anyone, I didn't know the place and I definitely should have prepared more.
Although I had mobility within uni itself I literally couldn't find the laundrette or the bank or most importantly, the pub! There wasn't any support in respect of this and I suffered because although I was accessing the course fine and doing pretty well, I was actually really struggling to socialise, make friends and look after myself. I wasn't eating well at all and was relying on my parents to wash my clothes every couple of weeks which just wasn't ideal. Luckily, I got some support from Social Services and they came out and put bump ons on the appliances in the flat, did some mobility around the city with me and gave me some support with my independent living skills like cooking and washing up.
The people I met when I first arrived were lovely and helped me loads but I wanted to be independent because that's what I've always been. The first few weeks were challenging but once I got the support I needed I was well on the way. Last year I went out all the time and have made amazing friends here. I'm so happy now but I'd say don't do it the way I did, be more prepared and think about things before your parents drive away and leave them to think about them all on your own.