As a student at Brunel University of London, I’ve seen how much our community values diversity and inclusion. Disability History Month gives us the chance to look more closely at how disabled students experience university life, and to ask ourselves what more we can do to ensure everyone feels supported, represented, and included.
Overall, students’ wellbeing at Brunel is positively impacted by their time here. In fact, 64% of students reported being satisfied with their life overall, and most said university had a positive or neutral effect on their physical and mental wellbeing. But when we look at the experiences of disabled students, the picture changes. They were more likely to report that university negatively affected both their physical and mental health, showing us that greater advocacy and support are needed.
The survey also revealed that 1 in 10 students reported low life satisfaction. This was higher among certain groups: 13% of male students, 16% of disabled students, and 26% of mature undergraduates, compared to just 7% of female students and 9% of younger undergraduates. While many students felt university boosted their self-esteem (65%), physical health (55%), and mental health (48%), there were still substantial minorities who reported negative impacts in all three areas. Third-year undergraduates and disabled students were particularly affected, with concerns about sleep habits (57%) standing out as one of the most common wellbeing issues.
When asked about their overall university experience, 58% of students believed they were getting the best Brunel had to offer. For most, this meant not only excellent teaching but also opportunities to socialise, try new things, and grow personally. Yet again, disabled students reported lower agreement (47%) compared to non-disabled peers (62%), highlighting a gap in how inclusive the student experience feels.
Learning experiences were generally positive, with high satisfaction around course content (80%) and library resources (79%). Many praised the library for its extensive collection and welcoming study spaces. However, nearly one in five students expressed dissatisfaction with timetabling (18%) and their academic society (18%). Disabled students were more likely to feel dissatisfied with their academic society (27%), suggesting that more needs to be done to make these spaces accessible and welcoming.
Community is one of Brunel’s greatest strengths, with 60% of students saying they feel part of a diverse and supportive environment. Meeting people from around the world was often described as the best part of studying here. But not everyone shares this sense of belonging. Fifteen percent of students said they did not feel part of the community, with this figure rising to 19% among home students and 28% among disabled students. Some explained that social groups often form along cultural or ethnic lines, which can make it harder to connect widely across campus.
Disability History Month reminds us that inclusion is not just about celebrating diversity, it’s about listening to the voices of those who feel excluded and acting to change that. At Brunel, we have a strong foundation, but the experiences of disabled students show us there is still work to do. This month is a chance to reflect, challenge inequality, and commit to building a university where every student feels they belong.