General Information
Location of the University
The University of Warwick was built on a green-field site in the 1960s and has been continuously developed ever since. There are lakes and woods on the very attractive landscaped campus, which is close to the local city of Coventry and the nearby towns of Kenilworth, Leamington Spa and Warwick. We are also within easy reach of Birmingham, Stratford Upon Avon and major attractions such as the NEC.
Information about accessible public transport in the region can be found on the website http://www.centro.org.uk/. Their free accessibility guide 'Getting Around' provides information on accessible bus services, door to door services, trains, taxis, metro, concessionary fares and local information services. The guide is available in large print, braille, audio CD and audio tape formats and can be obtained by telephoning 0121 214 7125 or e-mailing access@centro.org.uk.
The campus
As a campus university, Warwick generally has good access. Much of the Main Campus is level or has a shallow gradient, although the Gibbett Hill Campus does have a sharper gradient and longer climb to it. Westwood campus is also level access.
Accommodation blocks and teaching blocks are in reasonably close proximity and the shops, hairdresser, pharmacy, post office, banks and Students’ Union building are all in the same area (please see the Campus Map for detail).
The Warwick Arts Centre provides a cinema, theatre and concert hall together with the bookshop and a gift shop.
There is a regular bus service to Coventry and to Leamington Spa, which is a popular choice of residence for students of the University. Taxi services are also available.
Warwick Student Union offers a vast range of activities, facilities, entertainments, venues and bars. Access is via lifts and ramps and some venues.
There are also many accessible leisure facilities on campus, with a huge range of societies, activities, music, drama and literary organisations.
Most centrally timetabled lecture theatres also have induction loops and there are portable loops available in the library.
Parking for disabled drivers
Blue badge holders can park on campus under the same regulations as on the public highway.For disabled drivers who are not blue badge holders, a campus parking permit can be arranged.If you would like more information regarding car parking and regulations then please visit the car parking website.
Accommodation
Students with disabilities can apply to stay in campus accommodation for the duration of their course. Rooms can be also allocated to personal assistants/carers and these will be charged at the normal student rate. Information about the halls of residence can be found on the Accommodation website.
If you have specific accommodation requirements because of a disability (ensuite facilities, level access bathroom, other adaptations) we would encourage you to contact Disability Services and also complete the information requested in the Accommodation Application Form. We have a number of accessible rooms, but if you have a disability which means that a room may require additional specific adaptations, then you are advised to contact Disability Services to arrange a visit to the accommodation to ensure that adaptations can be made before the start of the academic year.
The Residential Life team look after every campus hall of residence at Warwick. Residential Staff are all either postgraduate students or full-time University staff and are part of the University's overall support and welfare network. Residential staff members live in the halls with the students and are on-hand every evening to maintain the overall welfare of residents in campus accommodation and are there to discuss any concerns that students may have, and to help with day-to-day issues in halls of residence. Resident staff are a good first point of contact for any issues students might face, and are able to offer informed advice and a sympathetic ear.
Teaching and Learning
The University offers a range of academic support services to students with disabilities or specific learning differences. These services are offered on an individual basis, both through Disability Services and through departments. As well as this, we aim to ensure that all the academic facilities and support available to non-disabled students are fully accessible to students with disabilities. In order to ensure that your individual study needs are met, you should discuss them with Disability Services and your Department before you arrive.
All of the University’s central student computing areas have been designed for or adapted to the needs of students with disabilities. There are computing facilities in other open-access rooms around campus which may not have full access, but it should be possible to arrange access to specific computers as needed. Your own department may be able to give advice on specific IT issues, and the University’s IT Services department are always willing to offer guidance.
The Student Careers and Skills team at the University offers a number of programmes and services for dealing with academic issues such as essay-writing, presentation skills, as well as skill development.
The University has an extensive library and details of the services offered can be found on the Library website. There is a range of assistive technology available in the library and additonal information can be found here. The main library has automatic doors and a lift. Warwick is also home to the Modern Records Centre, which houses a national collection of archive material on industrial relations and trade union matters. Both these libraries are fully wheelchair accessible and have disabled toilet facilities.
The Learning Grid which is an accessible venue in University House open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week over most of the year. Details of the Learning Grid facilities can be found on their website.
Academic and Pastoral Support
Your primary source of academic support will be your Personal Tutor in your department. In addition, the Senior Tutor will advise on any academic difficulties which may arise during your course of study which you are unable to resolve within your department.
The University has a comprehensive network of support services through the Student Support Department.
The Students' Union also has a Welfare and Advice service which can advise on a range of issues.
Campus Safety
Although the University campus is a safe place to be, we still have a number of systems in place to make it as safe as possible through the Security team. We encourage students to look after themselves and take care of their belongings. Further advice and assistance can be provided through the University's Student Support Services and Security teams.
Health Centre
The University Health Centre is located close to the centre of the campus and in the heart of the halls of residence. All students living on campus can register there, and indeed, are encouraged to do so as soon as possible after registration. The Health Centre is accessible and there is parking close by for disabled drivers.
Sport
The University Sports Centre is accessible with a hoist fitted at the Swimming Pool and other facilities. Additional information can be found at the Inclusive Fitness Initiative webpages.
