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Hugh Anderson
Subject: Computing
Institution: Sheffield Hallam University

My name is Hugh Anderson and I am a first year student studying at Sheffield Hallam University. I am also a wheelchair user. I chose Sheffield Hallam as my first choice because I felt both the campus and the city have great wheelchair access.

Another important reason why I choose the university was obviously the course that they were offering. It seemed very interesting and taught what I was keen on learning.

In addition to great facilities and an interesting course, the accommodation was very appealing. If I was accepted into Sheffield Hallam, I would be guaranteed the accommodation I wanted. I chose Leadmill Point, as it was just a five-minute push from my campus, and the disabled room that I would be allocated had plenty of space and easy access. Probably the largest factor in coming to Sheffield was my sport. I play wheelchair basketball, and as well as my choice of university, I was also considering which wheelchair basketball team I would join. Sheffield not only offered what seemed the best course, the best facilities, and the best accommodation, it also offered one of the best wheelchair basketball teams in the country, the Sheffield Steelers.

From the six universities I applied to, I was given conditional offers in all of them, but after seeing a Sheffield Hallam open day, and meeting my potential new wheelchair basketball team, the decision was easy! I was very pleased when they accepted me and I achieved the required grades.

Once I arrived at Sheffield Hallam I was invited to the Disabilities Induction session. In this induction I was informed about the various student support options that the Student Services offered. As I am doing a specialist computing course, I need access to a computer; so student services offered me assistance. This is offered to all students with learning contracts. I was awarded £3,500 worth of equipment, which has been invaluable. If this might apply to you it is important to get an assessment organised well before you arrive at University.

Throughout my first year at Sheffield Hallam, I have always found the staff helpful. I became a Student rep for my class, and later a Faculty rep. I was able to inform the university of the few access issues around the campus and they have always been dealt with quickly.

I have also taken up various roles in the Student’s Union. I am Chairperson for the Disabilities Forum, and most meetings that I organise and chair have items with positive comments about the university. When a negative comment is brought forward, I pass it on to the university, and all issues, if possible, are rectified.

I have not only been busy in my academic studies. My sport has kept me extremely busy, and the university have also been able to help me. Firstly, I was accepted onto the Universities Elite Athlete scheme. This support has been very useful. After joining my new wheelchair basketball team, I was invited to try out for the Under 23 Great Britain (GB) wheelchair basketball team and I was accepted into the GB training squad. There have been many times where I have had GB training at the same time as my timetabled teaching, and the university lecturers have always been willing to help me catch up on missed work, and have never had problems with me going to training. This has been really helpful as my sport is very important to me.

There have been so many great experiences in my short time at Sheffield Hallam. I think my biggest challenge so far has been taking over the Disability Forum. I plan to be chairperson for a while, and I have many aspirations for the group. However, the best part of being in Sheffield Hallam University is that I have had no bad experiences. The transition from home life to living on my own in a huge city (I am originally from a very small town) has been very easy, and extremely enjoyable; helped greatly by the university and their staff.

The best recommendation I can offer other students who are thinking about applying for higher education is simply to go ahead and apply. Coming to university has opened up so many possibilities for me, and has improved my life in so many areas, not just academically, but also with my sport and social life. University is just fantastic!

[Updated 31st January 2006]

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