The Transition Programme is for disabled and neurodivergent students starting at the University of Southampton in the new academic year including students with long-term health conditions, mental health conditions and specific learning differences.
Our Transition Programme 2025 incorporates a range of informative activities to ensure that your support arrangements are in place as you begin your studies. On this page, you can request specialist support, view our upcoming activities as well as find resources, tips and advice to help with the transition to university life.
If you are a parent, guardian or carer, please view our resources and information page designed for students and their supporters.
For more information about the Student Disability and Inclusion team, take a look at the short video below.
COMING SOON - Don't forget to request specialist support - an important step in accessing support such as reasonable adjustments for your course.
View our resources page to assist you and your supporters with your transition to University.
If you are interested in booking timed slots for any of the tours below, please complete our booking page - COMING SOON.
Overview: A Student Ambassador will take you around Highfield Campus showing you important buildings, such as The Student Hub, shops, places to eat, study spaces, and common lecture theatres.
Duration: This tour will last approximately one hour.
Group size: Maximum of 6 attendees per tour.
Dates:
If you would prefer not to book a timed slot, drop-in tours will be running on the following dates and times:
Overview: A Student Ambassador will take you around Avenue Campus, which is usually the main campus for humanities students. The tour will include showing you study spaces, places to eat, social spaces, and the library.
Duration: Tours will last approximately 1 hour.
Group size: Maximum of 6 attendees per tour.
Date: Tuesday 23 September
Overview: A Learning Support Assistant (LSA) will show you how to use the UniLink buses, helping you to navigate the city and travel the routes below. They will also show you points of interest on the way. All routes can be return journeys if requested.
Bus routes:
Duration: Tours will last approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Group size: Maximum of 3 attendees per tour.
Dates:
Overview: A Student Ambassador will take you around the Hartley Library to familiarise you with the layout and the different kinds of study spaces available. You will also be shown how to borrow a book and laptop.
Duration: Tours will last approximately 45 minutes.
Group size: Maximum of 6 attendees per tour.
Dates:
If you are interested in attending any of the events below, please complete our booking page - COMING SOON.
Overview: During Welcome Weekend there are various fun activities set up around Highfield Campus, such as crafts, face painting, outdoor games and live music. We offer early access to the Welcome event where noise levels are generally reduced and queues and crowds are smaller.
An Inclusive Support Ambassador will take you around campus to any activities you wish to take part in. There is no obligation to stay with the group - you are welcome to explore!
Duration: Early access to the Welcome Zone will last approximately 1 hour. After this time, other students will start accessing the event.
Group size: 6 attendees per group.
Dates and times:
Overview: SUSU's Societies Fair is an opportunity to find out about the 250 amazing societies at the University of Southampton. This is your chance to meet like-minded students, chat with society members and sign up for the things that excite you the most.
An Inclusive Support Ambassador will take you around and help you find any societies that you're interested in. There is no obligation to stay with the group - you are welcome to explore!
Duration: Supported access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. Please be aware that the Societies Fair will be open to all students at this time, but typically the first hour tends to be quieter.
Group size: 6 attendees per group.
Date and time: Tuesday 23 September at 09:00.
Overview: The Student Life Fair is an opportunity to learn about the services available to you during your time at University. There will be stalls for essential student services, health and wellbeing support, volunteering opportunities and many more. Whether you're looking for advice, activities or ways to get involved, the Student Life Fair has something for everyone.
An Inclusive Support Ambassador will take you around the fair to visit any services that you're interested in. There is no obligation to stay with the group - you are welcome to explore!
Duration: Supported access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. Please be aware that the Student Life Fair will be open to all students at this time, but typically the first hour tends to be quieter.
Group size: 6 attendees per group.
Date and time: Wednesday 24 September at 10:00.
Overview: The SUSU Team Soton Fair is an opportunity to find out about the 80 incredible sports clubs at the University of Southampton. Meet the teams, get the lowdown on tryouts and training and see how you can get involved - competitively or just for fun.
An Inclusive Learning Support Ambassador will take you around and help you find any clubs that you're interested in. There is no obligation to stay with the group - you are welcome to explore!
Duration: Supported access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. Please be aware that the Team Soton Fair will be open to all students at this time, but typically the first hour tends to be quieter.
Group size: 6 attendees per group.
Date and time: Wednesday 24 September at 09:00.
Overview: Freshers Fair is your ultimate gateway to freebies, fun and fantastic deals! There will be a mix of national brands and local legends all here to welcome you with exclusive discounts, giveaways and awesome opportunities.
An Inclusive Learning Support Ambassador will take you around to visit any stalls that you're interested in. There is no obligation to stay with the group - you are welcome to explore!
Duration: Supported access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. Please be aware that the Freshers Fair will be open to all students at this time, but typically the first hour tends to be quieter.
Group size: 6 attendees per group.
Date and time: Thursday 25 September at 09:00.
Overview: The Nightlife Fair is your insider guide to buzzing pubs and clubs around Southampton city. Meet the venues, grab some exclusive deals and snap up cool giveaways while you're at it.
An Inclusive Learning Support Ambassador will take you around and help you find any deals and giveaways that you're interested in. There is no obligation to stay with the group - you are welcome to explore!
Duration: Supported access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. Please be aware that the Nightlife Fair will be open to all students at this time, but typically the first hour tends to be quieter.
Group size: 6 attendees per group.
Date and time: Friday 26 September at 10:00.
If you are interested in attending any of the events below, please complete our booking page - COMING SOON.
Overview: This online presentation will include information about the Student Disability and Inclusion Team’s support offer advice and guidance on how to contact the team and an opportunity to ask any questions.
Duration: This presentation will last approximately one hour.
Group size: This presentation will be given to no more than 50 people.
Dates and times:
Overview: The Student Disability and Inclusion team are hosting an informal event for disabled and neurodivergent students to meet peers as they embark on their university journey together. There will be craft activities and board games. Tea, coffee and some snacks will be provided. Students will also have the opportunity to speak to some of our current students about their time at the University of Southampton so far.
Duration: This event will last 2 hours.
Group size: Maximum of 25 attendees.
Dates and times:
Overview: Welcome to Southampton! This workshop is for students with ADHD and those interested in finding out more. We'll look at how to manage the change from college to uni, making the most of Semester 1 and Top Tips from practitioners and students. A relaxed informal session, you are welcome to eat, drink, fidget and be you There will be plenty of opportunities to share your experiences and ask questions if you want.
Duration: This in-person session will last 2 hours.
Group size: Maximum of 25 attendees.
Date and time: Wednesday 8 October - 14:00 - 16:00.
Overview: We know that coming to study at university for the first time or a new course can feel daunting. There is a lot to think about! In this workshop, we will explore a range of study skills related areas to help you settle into your university studies and make a positive start. For example, we will explore different note-making strategies and how to develop a consistent system that can aid coursework and revision. We will also consider areas such time-management, prioritisation and navigating university systems.
Duration: This in-person session will last 2 hours.
Group size: Maximum of 25 attendees.
Date and time: Tuesday 14 October - 14:00 - 16:00.
Overview: Welcome to Southampton University! This session will provide you with an introduction to the Autism Matters team, the workshops provided and some of the support available during your time at Southampton University. You will have a chance to meet Rob who runs the workshop series and ask him any questions at the end.
Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to get to know one another with board games and drinks - you do not need to attend the social space afterwards to attend the Welcome session.
Duration: This in-person session will last 2 hours.
Group size: Maximum of 25 attendees.
Date and time: Wednesday 15 October - 14:00 - 16:00.
Overview: Welcome to Southampton University! This session will provide you with an introduction to the Autism Matters team, the workshops provided and some of the support available during your time at Southampton University.
Duration: This online workshop will last 1 hour.
Group size: Maximum of 30 attendees.
Date and time: Wednesday 22 October - 17:00 - 18:00.
Overview: This is an informal session for all autistic students and those awaiting diagnosis. This is a chance to relax, meet other autistic students, play board games, and chat with our Specialist Practitioners about any concerns you may have. You are welcome to bring along any of your own board games or activities to the session too!
Duration: This in-person session will last 2 hours.
Group size: Maximum of 25 attendees.
Date and time: Wednesday 29 October - 14:00 - 16:00.
Overview: Have you thought about applying for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)? Come along to our DSA chat drop-ins, where our dedicated DSA support team will be available to answer your questions about the application process and the support you could access if you're eligible. We can also book a 1-hour bespoke session with you, if suitable, for a later date.
Duration: Each session lasts approximately 10-15 minutes.
Group size: 1-1 individual session with a member of the team.
Location: COMING SOON.
Dates and times:
Saturday 20 September - Tuesday 23 September:
The meeting point for transition activities will be sent to students when their bookings are confirmed following completion of the expression of interest form. For activities that don't need booking, the meeting point has been given in the description above and guides to these locations are below.
Use the University’s digital campus map to help you navigate your way to the meeting point. Alternatively, you can use our maps and directions below.
For most activities, the Student Disability and Inclusion Team will be wearing dark blue t-shirts. You can see the design of the t-shirt below.