Story
How to navigate university with CVI
Psychology student and CVIer Molly shares advice from her first year at university and finding success socially, academically and personally.
Starting university is a big step for anyone—it’s exciting but nerve-wracking. For me, it came with an added layer of challenges because I have CVI (Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment). I’m now in my second year studying Psychology at the University of Brighton, and while finding the right university with the best support for my needs was a journey in itself, settling in brought its own set of experiences. You might have already read about how I made my decision to attend a university, but now I want to share what life has really been like at university with CVI—socially, academically and personally.
Moving, meeting new people, and CVI
For my first year at the University of Brighton, I decided to move into the halls of residence on campus. I was very excited about moving out of my home but also a little nervous, as most new students would be. A few weeks before the big move-in day, I was paired with my new flatmates—six other girls who were from all over the UK. We talked on Facebook for a few weeks before moving in together. I found that the process of befriending them on Facebook and chatting was fairly easy. My vision and processing challenges didn’t impact me during this process, and I didn’t feel like I needed to share that I had a visual impairment with them, yet.
When the day came, my parents helped me pack and move my belongings into my new flat with the roommates. However, after settling into my flat, I soon realized that my flatmates were not really my type of people. I found it difficult to socialize with them at times, and on the whole, didn’t jell with them on any level.
When it came to CVI, I only felt comfortable telling a few of them that I was visually impaired. I assumed that they wouldn’t really understand what a visual impairment was, particularly CVI. The people I did tell were polite, but didn’t ask me questions or seem to want to know more about what it was like to live with a visual impairment. Unfortunately, this experience confirmed to me that they didn’t understand, and it discouraged me from going into detail about having CVI or how it impacts me with people outside of my friend group or community.
Outside of my flatmates, I networked through my classes. The COVID-19 pandemic also affected this aspect quite a lot because we were only on campus for at least 6 months before being forced to move back home. This meant that we only saw each other over Zoom or Microsoft Teams, during classes or social events.
Luckily, I already had friends in and around Brighton, since it’s my hometown. I leaned into them, finding community outside of University classes on weekends.
Preparing for academic success with CVI
When it came to my studies, on the other hand, I felt well prepared. Before September classes started, the university’s Disability and Dyslexia Team gave me plenty of information about who to contact for support. They shared guidance on getting a Disabled Students Allowance and reminded me that I could talk to them about anything.
I also visited the campus a few times before classes started, which was very helpful because I got to know places much quicker. There is a student centre on campus where most of the departments are based such as, The Wellbeing Team, The Disability & Dyslexia Team, and The Finance Team. With all essential departments in one place, all I have to do is speak to the receptionist who then calls the person I’m looking for to tell them that I am there, after booking an appointment. The basis of my support had come both from these teams and the university’s school of Applied Social Science, which my subject of study belonged to.
CVI and personalized accommodations
On the academic side of things, I cope really well and am a very organized person. My course leader is extremely supportive and she also has a visual impairment. I’m not sure what her condition is, but I am grateful and relieved to have met someone in education who knows and understands what it’s like to be visually impaired.
One of the most useful elements about Brighton Uni is my Learning Support Plan. This plan so effective because it’s flexible—it can be adapted throughout my degree whenever new challenges arise regarding my studies. It enables me to have certain exam requirements, like doing coursework instead of exams. This means that I don’t have to sit long, intensive exams that would be overwhelming due to my CVI (Unlike in school where this was mandatory!). Instead, I complete coursework in replacement of long exams, allowing me to demonstrate my knowledge in a way that works for me. I am also allowed extensions to deadlines for coursework, if I need it. This ensures that my visual processing challenges don’t put me at a disadvantage. This has all been accepted by my course leader, which has given me more confidence in my ability to find success academically as someone with CVI.
CVI and assistive tech tools that empower me
My Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) has been a game-changer in making my studies more accessible and efficient. Before I even started university, I was trained on specialized software designed to help me learn, read, and work faster, and this has made a huge impact on my academic experience.
Through DSA, I have access to Dragon, an audio recording and dictation software that allows me to speak my thoughts instead of typing. I also use Claroread, a screen-reading software that reads aloud any text that I have highlighted on my screen, like lecture slides, articles, or my own notes. Both of these tech tools reduce visual fatigue, whether it’s screen time or the strain of visually processing large amounts of text.
Also, DSA covers the full cost of these essential tools. I don’t have to pay anything back after I graduate—meaning I can fully focus on my education without financial worry.
Yes, you can pursue university if you have CVI
Overall, I think university is a great thing to consider, especially if you’re pursuing a career in fields like teaching, psychology, or medicine, where a degree is essential. But beyond academics, I strongly believe that one of the benefits of going to university is building a network of potential employers and professionals who can support your career journey.
For people with CVI and other visually impaired people who are thinking of going to university, my biggest advice is to prioritize support over everything else. Choose a university that truly understands and meets your needs—one with strong disability services and an inclusive campus atmosphere. Don’t base your decision on league tables, location convenience, or where your friends are going. At the end of the day, your academic course, the support you receive, and your drive to succeed in your degree will shape your success.
Discover more about transitioning to college as a student with CVI
