I am studying Integrated Health and Social Care BSc. I have worked in the industry most of working life, but due to chronic illness and disability I came to university to change my work role while still in the same field. I am currently in my final year of study.

I had to leave work due to ill health and disability and was at a loss of what to do. My daughter said ‘go to university and learn something new’. I thought I was not educated enough, and with my autism and dyslexia it won’t work.

But it kept playing through my mind so I Googled how I would apply. I got sent to UCAS and I saw an advert to apply to the University of Bedfordshire through Clearing. So I took the step and applied.

Learning! I know that sounds corny, but I was always told I was ‘stupid’ and unable to learn when I was at school due to my learning difficulties as I am autistic, dyslexic, have ADHD, and am physically disabled but I always want to learn.

I have become very confident, and I feel even at my age I have grown. I really enjoy helping people and my peers and I enjoy how welcoming the campus is.

I came to learn different higher management roles, but I now feel I would prefer a support role to support students either at a campus or as a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) support worker.

The course is career focused. We are given all the tools to learn and grow but really it has to start within yourself, you need to want to learn so you can use all the tools and information that will help you in the future. The Careers & Employability team have been superb, they are constantly offering volunteering roles.

Look at all available courses, read up on them, look online, look on UCAS, the prospectus, and talk to staff and other students at Open Days, so you can find out as much information and can decide either what you thought you wanted isn’t the case, or it can really light a fire under you to do what you’re passionate about. If you’re still unsure, starting with a Foundation year gives you the opportunity to see if it’s right for you.

And at the end of the day, it is you who is going to complete this course, so make sure you are picking it for the right reasons.