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The University of Southampton
Student Disability & WellbeingPart of Student Services

Transition Programme


Our Transition Programme 2023 has come to an end. If you require specialist support, you can request this at any point during your studies. Please visit our SharePoint site to request specialist support.

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 2023 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.

For more information about the Student Disability and Inclusion team, take a look at the short video below.

student and practitioner meeting

Request specialist support

Request specialist support through the Transition Programme

Request support

We are offering a series of bespoke activities during the Welcome period. These optional activities are designed to support you with the transition to life at the University of Southampton.

Please scroll to the bottom of this page for the campus map, directions to meeting points and other helpful resources for the activities. Please be aware that places are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis.

If you are interested in attending these activities, you can view each one below. Click on the downward-facing arrow symbol on the right-hand side of each activity title to expand. 

Tours

 If you require a bespoke 1:1 tour, please contact us via The Student Hub.

   Activity

Overview and additional informationHow to joinWhere to meet

Highfield Campus Tours







 

Accessible walking tours of Highfield Campus' main support facilities. 

Duration: This tour will last approximately one hour.

Group size: Maximum of 6 attendees per tour.
 

 

 

You do not need to book a place. 

To join a tour, please come to the Wellbeing Centre at any time between 10:00 and 14:00.

Tours leave every 30 minutes.

 

 

Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.

 

Dates: 

  • Thursday 21 September.
  • Friday 22 September.
  • Saturday 23 September.
  • Sunday 24 September.
  • Tuesday 26 September.

Timings: From 10:00 until 14:00.

 

Bus Tours

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public transport orientation. 

Duration: Tours will last approximately 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Route 3 may take longer for those wishing to visit the Sir James Matthews Building.

Group size: Maximum of 4 attendees per tour.

 


The Expression of Interest form for Bus Tours is now closed. Please contact the Student Hub if you would like to arrange a tour. 








 

 

 



Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.

 

 

Bus routes:

Route 1: Highfield Campus to Mayflower Halls, returning to Highfield Campus.

Route 2: Highfield Campus to Wessex Lane Halls, returning to Highfield Campus. This tour can start at Wessex Lane Halls upon request.

Route 3: Highfield Campus to City Centre (Sir James Matthews Building), returning to Highfield Campus.

Dates: 

  • Friday 22 September.
  • Monday 25 September.

Timings: From 10:00 until 14:00.

 

Library Tours

 

 

 

Orientation of Hartley Library.

Duration: Tours will last approximately 1 hour.

Group size: Maximum of 4 attendees per tour.

 

 




You do not need to book a place. 

To join a tour, please come to the Wellbeing Centre at any time between 10:00 and 14:00.

Tours leave every 30 minutes.

 

 



Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.

Dates: 

  • Monday 25 September.
  • Tuesday 26 September.
  • Wednesday 27 September.
Timings: From 10:00 until 14:00.
 

Avenue Campus Tours

 

 

 

Accessible walking tours from Highfield Campus to Avenue Campus.

Duration: Tours will last approximately 1 hour.

Group size: Maximum of 6 attendees per tour.


You do not need to book a place. 

To join a tour, please come to the Wellbeing Centre at either 11:00 or 14:00.

 

 

Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.

Dates: 

  • Saturday 23 September.
  • Sunday 24 September.

Timings: At either 11:00 or 14:00.

 


Winchester School of Arts (WSA) Campus Tours

 

 

Accessible walking tours of WSA Campus.

Duration: Tours will last approximately 1 hour.

Group size: Maximum of 6 attendees per tour.

 

 


You do not need to book a place. 

To join a tour, please come to the WSA Café at either 11:00 or 13:00.

 

 

Meet at the WSA Café, East Side Building, First Floor. Use the WSA Campus map to find the Café.

 

 

 Date: Wednesday 27 September.
 Timings: At either 11:00 or 13:00.

Group Workshops

 If any of the below workshops are fully booked, please contact us via The Student Hub to be added to a waiting list. 

   Autism    Matters

Workshop overview and additional informationHow to joinWhere to meet


Designed for autistic students and those awaiting a diagnosis.

Autism Matters: Welcome to the University of Southampton












 

 

 




Welcome to Southampton University! This session is an introduction to the Autism Matters team, the workshops provided and some of the support available during your time at Southampton University. We will also be welcoming some of our autistic students to provide some tips to navigating life at university too.

Duration: This workshop will last approximately one hour.

Group size: 

For the 14:00 session: 30 attendees. 
For the 18:00 session (online): Unlimited attendance.

The expression of interest form is now closed. To view our upcoming workshops, please visit our events page

 








For the 14:00 session:

Inside The Student Hub, Building 37, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.

For the 18:00 session:

This session will be hosted online via Microsoft Teams. A link to join the Teams meeting will be provided when booking.

Date: Wednesday 4 October.

Timings: 

  • 14:00 (Highfield Campus).
  • 18:00 (online via Microsoft Teams).
 

Autism Matters: Social, Chat and Relax














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.

Duration: The session will last approximately 3 hours. There is no obligation to attend the full session.

Group size: As this is a drop-in style event, we are unable to estimate numbers of attendees.




You do not need to book a place.

To join the workshop, please come to the location at any time between 14:00 and 16:00.







Inside Building 100 (Centenary Building), Room 7011. 

Use the University's campus map to find Building 100. 






Date: Wednesday 11 October.

Timings: From 14:00 until 16:00.

 

 Neurodivergent   Group Workshops

Workshop overview and additional informationHow to joinWhere to meet


Designed for students with specific learning differences (e.g. dyslexia) and neurodivergent students (e.g. ADHD, autism).

How to get the most out of your lectures










 

 

 

 

 



At University, most of the teaching happens in lectures and seminars. However, it can be difficult to get the most out of them when you have an SpLD, which may make listening, watching and note taking at the same time, something of a challenge. This workshop will provide tips on how to get the full benefit from your lectures, including information on note taking software.

Duration: This workshop will last approximately one hour.

Group size: This workshop will be no bigger than 20 attendees.

 

 




The expression of interest form is now closed. To view our upcoming workshops, please visit our events page.











 





Inside The Student Hub, Building 37, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.











 

 

Dates: 

  • Tuesday 17 October.
  • Thursday 19 October.
Timings: At 11:00.
 

Getting going and organising your time












 

 

 

Starting university can be an exciting experience, but it can also be quite overwhelming, especially during the first few weeks. This workshop will provide tips on organising your time, study essentials and university life. We will also provide information on services available for students to self-access.

Duration: This workshop will last approximately one hour.

Group size: This workshop will be no bigger than 20 attendees.




The expression of interest form is now closed. To view our upcoming workshops, please visit our events page.




 

 

 

 

Inside The Student Hub, Building 37, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.






 

 

Dates:

  • Tuesday 17 October.
  • Thursday 19 October.
Timings: At 12:00.   
    


ADHD Top Tips








 

 

 

 





Come along and meet with one of our practitioners to get some tips for studying, life organisation and managing ADHD symptoms. This will be an interactive session with lots of opportunity to share your experiences of living with ADHD and and things you’ve found useful. 

Duration: This workshop will last approximately one hour.

Group size: This workshop will be no bigger than 20 attendees.





The expression of interest form is now closed. To view our upcoming workshops, please visit our events page.





 



Inside The Student Hub, Building 37, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.





 

Dates:

  • Tuesday 17 October.
  • Thursday 19 October.
Timings: At 14:00.
 

Q&A: Bring any questions that you have for the Neurodiversity Team








 

 

 





Bring any questions that you have for our team. You might want to find out more about: 

  • How to get assessed for a specific learning difference such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia or for autism and ADHD. 
  • How assistive technology can help with your studies. 
  • How to access 1:1 specialist study skills.

Duration: This workshop will last approximately one hour.

Group size: This workshop will be no bigger than 20 attendees. 





The expression of interest form is now closed. To view our upcoming workshops, please visit our events page.












Inside The Student Hub, Building 37, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.






 

 

 Dates:
  • Tuesday 17 October.
  • Thursday 19 October.
 Timings: At 15:00.

 


Wellbeing Workshops

Workshop overview and additional informationHow to joinWhere to meet


Designed to help cope with anxiety and stress and for students who find they are particularly hard on themselves.

Managing anxiety and stress








 

 

 







A member of the Wellbeing Team and a Mental Health Nurse talk through some tools and resources to help manage stress and anxiety throughout the various challenges that may arise during student life.

Duration: This workshop will last approximately one hour.

Group size: This workshop will be no bigger than 8 attendees (usual sessions have 4 or 5 attendees).


You can register your interest using the link below. The workshops are run throughout the year and an invite can be sent for a future group if they become full.

The expression of interest form is now closed.



 

Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.

Further details will be sent after booking.

Dates: 26 October.
Timings: At 17:00.
 

Improving self-esteem








 

 

 

 






The workshop has a focus on promoting self-compassion. It gives an understanding of the internal dialogue that we all have, and how we may benefit from treating ourselves the way a compassionate friend would.

Duration: This workshop will last approximately one hour.

Group size: This workshop will be no bigger than 8 attendees (usual sessions have 4 or 5 attendees).

 



You can register your interest using the link below. The workshops are run throughout the year and an invite can be sent for a future group if they become full.

The expression of interest form is now closed.

 

 

 

 

Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.

Further details will be sent after booking.

Dates: 26 October.
Timings: 12:00.

Get to know the Student Disability and Inclusion Team

 

ActivityActivity overview and additional informationHow to joinWhere to meet

Get to know the Student Disability and Inclusion Team





 

 

 

 



Students can join us for a presentation on how the Student Disability and Inclusion team can support you during your time at the University. The 1 hour online session, which will be delivered by Anna and Beth from our Faculty Liaison Team, will include information about key support on offer, as well as contact details for the team and an opportunity to ask questions.

Duration: This presentation will last approximately one hour.

Group size: This presentation will be given to no more than 50 people.

The expression of interest form is now closed.

 

 

This session will be hosted online via Microsoft Teams. A link to join the Teams meeting will be sent to you upon completing our MS Bookings form.






 

Dates and timings: 

  • Monday 11 September at 10:00.
  • Friday 15 September at 14:00.

Let’s Chat: Settling into University with Student Disability and Inclusion

Overview

These informal drop-in sessions will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet other disabled students starting University within their faculties. The events will be facilitated by Anna and Beth from the Student Disability and Inclusion Team. The events aims to provide a space for peers to get to know one another, reflect on any worries and concerns about University and finally, a chance to learn more about how the Student Disability and Inclusion Team can support students during their time at the University of Southampton.

 

ActivityActivity overview and additional informationHow to joinWhere to meet


Lets Chat: Arts and Humanities (Highfield Campus)








 

 

 


This informal drop-in session will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet other disabled students starting University within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (Highfield Campus-based courses). 

Duration: This activity will last 2 hours. 

Group size: As this is a drop-in style event, we are unable to estimate numbers of attendees.


You do not need to book a place.

To join, you can arrive at the Wellbeing Centre at any time between 15:00 and 17:00.





 



Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.



 

Date: Monday 2 October.

Timings: From 15:00 until 17:00.

 

Lets Chat: Arts and Humanities (Winchester School of Arts)








 

 

 

 


This informal drop-in session will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet other disabled students starting University within the Faculty of Arts and Humanities (Winchester School of Arts-based courses).

Duration: This activity will last 2 hours. There is no obligation to attend the full session.

Group size: As this is a drop-in style event, we are unable to estimate numbers of attendees.

You do not need to book a place.

To join, you can arrive at the WSA Café at any time between 14:00 and 16:00.



 

Inside the WSA Café, East Side Building, First Floor.

Use the WSA Campus map to find the Café.

 

 

 

Date: Monday 9 October.

Timings: From 14:00 until 16:00.
 

Lets Chat: Faculty of Medicine











 

 

This informal drop-in session will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet other disabled students starting University within the Faculty of Medicine.

Duration: This activity will last 2 hours. There is no obligation to attend the full session.

Group size: As this is a drop-in style event, we are unable to estimate numbers of attendees.  

 


You do not need to book a place.

To join, you can arrive at the Wellbeing Centre at any time between 10:00 and 12:00.







 

Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.



 

Date: Tuesday 3 October.

Timings: From 10:00 until 12:00. 
 

Lets Chat: Social Sciences












 

 

 

This informal drop-in session will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet other disabled students starting University within the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Duration: This activity will last 2 hours. There is no obligation to attend the full session.

Group size: As this is a drop-in style event, we are unable to estimate numbers of attendees.


You do not need to book a place.

To join, you can arrive at the Wellbeing Centre at any time between 10:00 and 12:00.







Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.




 

Date: Wednesday 4 October

Timings: From 10:00 until 12:00.
 
Let's Chat: Engineering and Physical Sciences










 

 


This informal drop-in session will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet other disabled students starting University within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. 

Group size: As this is a drop-in style event, we are unable to estimate numbers of attendees.

 

 


You do not need to book a place.

To join, you can arrive at the Wellbeing Centre at any time between 3pm and 5pm.





 

 

Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.



Date: Thursday 5 October.

Timings: From 15:00 until 17:00.
 

Let's Chat: Environmental and Life Sciences






 

 

 

 

 


This informal drop-in session will provide an opportunity for attendees to meet other disabled students starting University within the Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences.

Duration: This activity will last 2 hours. There is no obligation to attend the full session.

Group size: As this is a drop-in style event, we are unable to estimate numbers of attendees.


You do not need to book a place.

To join, you can arrive at the Wellbeing Centre at any time between 15:00 and 17:00.





Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.

Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.



Date: Friday 6 October.
Timings: From 15:00 until 17:00.

Parents, Guardians and Supporters Chats

We offer the opportunity for parents, guardians or supporters to have a brief 15-minute online chat with one of our team to answer any general queries, questions or concerns they may have regarding student support.

Please be aware that we will be unable to discuss specific student situations unless permission has been granted to do so by the student. If students would like to provide consent to share, they can get in touch with us via The Student Hub

Dates and timings

Thursday 14th September:

  • 12:00 - 14:00.
  • 18:00 - 20:00.

Friday 15th September:

  • 14:00 - 16:00.
  • 18:00 - 19:00.

How to book
The online booking system is now closed
. Sessions will be hosted online via Microsoft Teams and a link to join the Teams meeting will be sent to you when you complete your booking.

Microsoft Bookings guidance 
If you are unfamiliar with using Microsoft Bookings, please see our ’how to’ guidance document.

Understanding the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)

View our on-demand presentation, which provides support and advice about DSA: 

Presentation with voice-over: An overview of DSA.

We have created a guidance on how to apply for DSA if you are funded by Student Finance England.

View our step-by-step guide on accessing DSA: 

We also offer DSA support sessions if you have questions about the DSA process or are having difficulty with your application or accessing your suppliers. 


One to one in-person or online Support Sessions:
Email us your availability for a one-to-one and your preference of either an in-person or online meeting to studenthub@soton.ac.uk and we will schedule this in.


DSA Drop-in
You can bring any of your DSA queries to us at our DSA Drop-in.

In-person session: Wednesdays 10:00-11:00 and 14:00-15:00 (excluding University closure) in The Student Hub, Building 37, Highfield.

MS Teams session: Tuesdays at 10:00 - 11:30 (excluding University closure). Please contact us on studenthub@soton.ac.uk so we can provide you with the Teams link.

Early access to Welcome and SUSU events

 

Activity

Activity overview and additional informationHow to joinWhere to meet

Welcome Weekend










 

 


Early access to the Welcome Zone. During Welcome Weekend there are several fun activities for you to get involved in across 4 different zones at Highfield Campus. 

Duration: Early access to the Welcome Zone will last approximately 1 hour. After this time, other students will start accessing the event.

Group size:  Approximately 6 to 7 attendees per group.

 



You do not need to book a place.

To join, you can arrive at the Wellbeing Centre just before 11:00.




 



Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.


Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.




Dates: 

  • Saturday 23 September.
  • Sunday 24 September.
Timings: 11:00 until 12:00. 
 

SUSU Student Life Fair












Early access to the SUSU Student Life Fair. The Fair is an opportunity to learn about the services available to you during your time at University.

Duration: Early access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. After this time, other students will start accessing the event.

Group size: Approximately 6 to 7 attendees per group.

You do not need to book a place.

To join, you can arrive at the Wellbeing Centre just before 10:00.

 

Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.


Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.

Dates: Wednesday 27 September.

Timings: 10:00 until 11:00.
 

SUSU Bun Fight














Early access to the Bun Fight. If you are interested in joining a club or society then the Bun Fight is for you. It's full of clubs and societies looking to give you information about themselves and sign you up.

Duration: Early access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. After this time, other students will begin accessing the event. 

Group size: Approximately 6 to 7 attendees per group. 

Register your place through the SUSU website.









Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.


Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.



Dates: Thursday 28 September.

Timings: 09:30 until 10:15.

 

SUSU Freshers' Fair





 





Early access to the Freshers' Fair. The Freshers' Fair is where lots of external companies come with their 'freebies' to engage you with their brands.

Duration: Early access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. After this time, other students will begin accessing the event. 

Group size: Approximately 6 to 7 attendees per group.

Register your place through the SUSU website.






Inside the Wellbeing Centre, House 28, University Road, Highfield Campus. Please look for our team who will be wearing dark blue t-shirts.


Use the map to find the Wellbeing Centre.

Dates: Friday 29 September.

Timings: 09:30 until 10:15.
two students with an ipad

Transitioning to University Life

View our resources page to assist you and your supporters with your transition to University.

Useful resources

Support available throughout your studies

Please take the time to review the wealth of support available throughout your studies in the blue boxes below:

Disability Support

Find out more about the range of disability support on offer throughout your course.

Wellbeing Support

View the range of wellbeing support available to you through the Student Wellbeing Team.

Useful resources for the Transition Programme activities

Maps and directions

The meeting point for most transition activities will be either in the Wellbeing Centre or in The Student Hub. Some events, such as the Let's Chat events, will take place at the Faith and Reflection Centre Café.

Use the University’s digital campus map to help you navigate your way to the meeting points. Alternatively, you can use our maps and directions below.

Directions to The Student HubMap to The Student Hub
Directions to the Wellbeing CentreMap to the Wellbeing Centre
Directions to the Faith and Reflection Centre CaféMap to the Faith and Reflection Centre Café
Microsoft Bookings guidance

If your activity is bookable through Microsoft Bookings and you are unfamiliar with this platform, please view our 'how to' guide below.

How to use Microsoft Bookings
How to find us at the meeting point for your activity

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. 

Student Disability and Inclusion T-shirt Design
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