University can be a time of immense growth, learning, and new experiences. It can also bring its own set of challenges—especially when you’re living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The good news is that support is available, and you don’t have to face these challenges alone. This guide will walk you through the key steps to finding the help you need through accessing practical adjustments at your university.
Living with OCD at University
OCD is a mental health condition defined by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions), which can significantly impact daily life. Managing OCD at university can often feel isolating—being away from home, balancing academic pressures, and adjusting to new routines may all make it harder to cope.
OCD can affect your ability to concentrate on assignments, meet deadlines, and fully enjoy the social side of student life. These challenges are real, and they can feel overwhelming at times. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone—support is available to help you navigate university life while managing your mental health.
Whether it’s through university services, accessing therapy, or connecting with others who understand what you’re going through, there are a growing number of ways to get support for OCD. Some options may require you to advocate for yourself to access them, but you don’t have to do it all on your own.
Finding Support
UK universities offer two main types of support to help students with OCD manage their studies and mental health:
- Disability Support Services
- Wellbeing and Mental Health Services
Additionally, the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is a financial grant that can provide extra support for costs related to your disability. Below, we’ll explore how these services and resources can help.
Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services are designed to help remove barriers to education by offering tailored “reasonable adjustments” based on your needs. These adjustments can include:
- Extensions for assignments or extra time in exams.
- Flexibility with attendance requirements.
- Access to assistive technology, such as organisation or writing software.
If you’re not sure what adjustments you might need, don’t worry—disability teams are there to work with you to figure this out. Anything that makes your studies more manageable is worth asking about. For inspiration, Disability Rights UK has a useful list of examples, but there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. If costs are involved, your university’s disability service can help you apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) to cover these.
You’re also in control of how much you share. Registering with the disability service doesn’t mean everyone will know about your OCD. It’s your choice who is informed. For example, you might choose to only tell a personal tutor or academic advisor, who can liaise with others on a need-to-know basis.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
DSA is a grant that helps cover specific costs related to your disability. It complements the support offered by Disability Support Services by focusing on financial assistance for additional resources you may need, such as:
- Specialist equipment, such as software or a laptop.
- Support from a study mentor or non-medical helper.
- Travel costs if public transport isn’t suitable for you.
How to apply:
- In England, apply through Student Finance England.
- In Wales, apply through Student Finance Wales.
- In Scotland, apply through the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
- In Northern Ireland, apply through Student Finance Northern Ireland.
Your university’s disability team can help you with the application, including gathering evidence and attending your needs assessment.
Documentation
In most cases, you don’t need a formal diagnosis to access support. Instead, you’ll usually be asked for medical evidence—this could be a letter from your GP or another healthcare professional. The letter doesn’t need to go into detail about your specific symptoms, but it should explain how OCD affects your daily life and studies. The exact documentation requirements may vary depending on your university and which UK nation you’re studying in, so it’s a good idea to check with your university’s disability support service for guidance.
Your Rights Under the Law
In England, Scotland, and Wales, your rights are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which requires universities to provide reasonable adjustments and protects you from discrimination based on disability. This includes a proactive duty for institutions to anticipate and address the needs of disabled students, ensuring an inclusive environment.
In Northern Ireland, similar protections are provided under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). While the DDA offers comparable safeguards, it focuses more on responding to specific requests for support rather than the anticipatory duty outlined in the Equality Act. Universities are still required to provide reasonable adjustments and avoid discrimination, but the approach may feel more reactive.
Across the UK, universities are legally obligated to work with you to create a supportive and accessible environment, while respecting your privacy and ensuring that only those you choose are informed about your circumstances.
Wellbeing and Mental Health Services
Universities also offer wellbeing services to support your mental health and help you stay on top of things. These services might include:
- Counselling or drop-in advice sessions.
- Workshops on managing stress or building study skills.
- Peer support groups or buddy systems.
These services are there to help you feel supported in all aspects of university life, not just your studies. Some students find workshops or peer support especially useful, as they offer practical tips and a chance to connect with others in a similar situation.
Every university offers slightly different services, so it’s worth taking some time to explore what’s available to you. You can check out Student Space for information on the specific support available at your university.
Accessing Treatment
If your university offers therapy or counselling for OCD, it’s important to know that the only clinically recommended treatment for OCD is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Unfortunately, university wellbeing services may not always provide this, and not all staff may be fully aware of the specific treatment needs for OCD.
If this is the case, you can speak to your GP to request an assessment for OCD and explore treatment options through the NHS. The way you access treatment may vary depending on where you live in the UK:
- England: You may be referred to the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) program, which offers CBT with ERP. Waiting times can be long, but some universities collaborate with IAPT to provide faster access.
- Scotland: Mental health services are more integrated with primary care, and there is no direct equivalent to IAPT. Accessing CBT with ERP may involve longer waiting periods, though some universities partner with local NHS boards.
- Wales: The system is similar to England but without IAPT. Some universities work with third-sector organisations to fill gaps in mental health services, which can be helpful if you’re waiting for NHS treatment.
- Northern Ireland: Mental health services face greater strain compared to the rest of the UK, with fewer OCD specialists available. You may need to rely more on university-provided services or advocate strongly for your needs through local NHS pathways.
These differences can affect the speed and availability of treatment, so it’s worth consulting your GP and exploring your university’s wellbeing services for additional support. If you’d like more detailed guidance on accessing treatment or navigating the NHS, get in touch with our Helpline.
Got any questions?
You can get in touch with our Helpline by filling out the contact form below, or give us a call on 0300 636 5478.