There is a big, fat stereotype that all literature students love to read and can finish a novel like James Joyce’s Ulysses(1922) in a matter of days— that is, without their brains imploding.  So, you can only imagine how intimidating a degree focused on reading and writing must be for someone with dyslexia.

Most dyslexics tend to be artistically inclined, pursuing more creative careers in art and fashion instead of typical office jobs (Bacon and Bennett 2012). Stephanie Smith, a Fashion Design graduate, recalls how she ultimately decided not to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a Marine Biologist because of all the writing she would face. “It was much easier for me to build a design portfolio than to study all night long for an exam.”

However, just because dyslexic students are underrepresented in more academic subjects, does not mean that pursuing these degrees is impossible.

If you are dyslexic and fancy taking on an English literature degree, it is best to be prepared. Here are five tips that will make you feel more confident and help you conquer that degree.

1.   Audio books save lives— and deadlines!

Unfortunately, lecturers don’t always pick the easiest of reads. It’s almost as though they want you to fail. “Ulysses? Whose silly choice was that?”

You could lock yourself in your room until you’ve finished each book, cover to cover, if that’s how you wish to spend your precious time. Isn’t that what being a dedicated student is all about anyway? No social life. No friends. How else do you expect to get a first on every assignment?

If you’re dyslexic, however, that probably sounds like a death warrant. Don’t fret. Your high school English teacher, Miss Kelly, lied to you when she said it would be impossible to do an English degree with dyslexia. And you should know better than to listen to her. She has three cats, coffee-breath and always smells like moth balls. She doesn’t exactly sound like someone you should be taking advice from.

Remember, audio books save lives— and deadlines! Thank goodness for Amazon.

If you inform your university of your dyslexia, they will most likely give you access to audio books for free. And It would be self-sabotage not to take advantage of this service. Plus, this will not only save you time but also save you from ageing yourself by a decade by trying to keep up with everyone else.

Just because you’re doing an English degree does not mean you have to physically read each book. Be realistic and do what works for you. It will be much easier to understand texts by listening to them instead of having letters jumping around the page. It’s a win-win all around.

2.   Ask for slides ahead of time.

Taking notes whilst listening to your lecturer is as complicated as dating more than one person at the same time. It’s confusing and eventually you will end up writing “Can you see the slides at the back?” instead of “This novel subverts the generic criterion of fantasy.”

It can be a bit daunting to ask your lecturer for slides in person, not to mention the added anxiety of having to explain your dyslexia if you are not comfortable yet. So, if you don’t want to have this conversation face to face, simply drop them an email. Most lecturers will be accommodating, and this will prevent you from having a mini panic attack each time your lecturer changes the slides too fast.

3.   Record the lecture.

Alternatively, you could record the lecture. For some, audio recordings make it easier to process information compared to traditional note taking. So, find out what works best for you.

But don’t get lazy and put your feet up. If you choose this option, make sure you don’t end up taking a nap in the middle of a lecture. This will not go down well.

4.   Friends until the very end.

Lecturers will not accept poor grammar or spelling at university level, especially not from an English student.

Hence, making friends is always a good idea. Not only because you will have someone’s shoulder to cry on when you start to miss your cat, but also you will always have someone willing to proofread your work. What else are friends for?

This will save you from failing all your modules. Plus, humans can sometimes detect mistakes that Microsoft Word often misses.

 

5.   You can’t do that in an exam.

Finally, consider applying for a course that does not require you to take a formal exam. Former literature graduate Aaron Clarke reflects on how much he benefited from this savvy decision:

“I found it easier to write an essay outside of class where I could manage my time and properly check my work. You can’t do that in an exam.”

Coursework will be your saving grace and if you’re smart, start it early.