We welcome applications from people with disabilities and are committed to making reasonable adjustments so that all students can participate fully in the life of the College.
Our Student Welfare Lead, Jo Ockwell, is the College Disability contact. Please contact Jo if you have any questions relating to disability.
It’s best if you let Jo know as soon as possible if you require any adjustments, relating to a disability or health condition, including mental health. If you need any adjustments, for example, to college accommodation or teaching, the earlier Jo is aware of your needs, the more likely it is that adjustments can be put in place in time for the start of your studies. Jo will be happy to arrange a Teams call to discuss your needs prior to arrival.
If you have a disability and have not yet done so, it is advisable that you contact the University’s Disability Advisory Service (DAS) as they co-ordinate any support that you may need relating to your teaching and assessments. They can also advise on a range of disability related issues and the Disabled Students’ Allowance. You can register with them by following the instructions here. Contacting them early will ensure that both the College and the University is in the best position to support you when you get here.
The College’s Disability Lead is the Senior Tutor, Steve Rayner. The college operates within the Common Framework for Supporting Disabled Students.
Our building access guide can be found here: Building Access Guide
Accommodation
Although bedrooms in most of the college’s accommodation are not suitable for wheelchair users, wheelchair-accessible bedrooms are available on the college site.
The dining hall and Terrace Bar have lift access. The library, function rooms and chapel are on the ground floor and have level access, although they may not have automatic opening doors. The Middle Common Room is accessed via the lift to the Terrace Bar and via several small steps, so as such it is not wheelchair-accessible.
Somerville is able to provide specific accommodation or equipment for students with a disability / disabilities or a long term health condition/s. Applicants and offer holders should contact the Welfare Lead, Jo Ockwell (welfare.lead@some.ox.ac.uk) prior to your arrival at Somerville to talk to us about your needs.
Continuing students can apply for specific accommodation or equipment separate to the main room ballot through the ‘Application for Specific Accommodation’ Process.