The Student Disability and Inclusion Team offer a variety of events for Autistic students starting at the University of Southampton in the new academic year.
These in-person events are aimed at supporting our Autistic learners through their transition to university. These will be held on our Highfield Campus on the following dates, between 10:00 - 15:00:
Light refreshments such as tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided. Please bring your own water bottles with you to use at our water stations.
If you are unable to attend in-person, we will be hosting a shorter, online event on the following date, between 10:00 - 12:00:
Please note:
Attending one of our transition events does not mean that your place to study at the University of Southampton is guaranteed and confirmed. Your place depends on various factors, such as your offer status (e.g. an unconditional or conditional offer) and whether you meet the grades required when A-Level results are released. We are running one of these events in advance of A-Level results day to allow you plenty of time to prepare for university life.
In the lead up to the events, why not check out our Autism and Uni toolkit, to help you with your preparation to University life:
Please be aware that places are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis and the events are subject to availability. Follow the link below to book your place:
Book on to our transition event
Once you have booked your place, you will receive an initial confirmation email via MSBookings. You will also receive a follow-up email from our team shortly after, with further details such as travel and parking information.
If you are unfamiliar with using MSBookings, please see our handy guidance document below:
Introduction to support for Autistic learners
Delivered by our specialist practitioners, this talk will provide an overview of the support available for our Autistic learners. We will discuss topics such as:
Transitioning to University mini workshop and introduction to student life
Facilitated by our Specialist Practitioners, this mini workshop provides a space to meet other Autistic peers who are considering coming to the University of Southampton. You will have the opportunity to discuss the things you may be excited about, alongside any anxieties you may be feeling about attending university. During the workshop, we'll be discussing how university differs from college, to help you transition to university life.
Following this, our Autistic student ambassadors will provide an overview of what it is like to be Autistic and the University, offering advice from a lived experience perspective.
Introduction to wellbeing support
During this presentation, the Wellbeing Team will explore key wellness strategies for navigating life changes. Empower yourself with knowledge and tools to thrive as you embark on your university journey. We should all take the opportunity to prioritise our wellbeing and succeed academically and personally.
Campus tour (in-person only)
Our student ambassadors will be offering guided tours to specialist locations throughout Highfield Campus, which our Autistic learners have access to. You can visit the Clarkson Rest and Study Room, the Assistive Technology Suite and other wellbeing areas around campus.
We ask that you please only bring 1 or 2 guests maximum with you to the in-person events. This is so we can respect any sensory sensitivities by avoiding large crowds on the day.
The online event is designed specifically for Autistic learners, so should not be booked by guests, such as parents, guardians and supporters.
Details of public transport to Highfield Campus.
View live bus times and available routes. Type your starting location in, and type ‘interchange kiosk, Highfield’ into the end location. This will bring you to the main bus interchange on Highfield Campus.
Closest train stations:
Let's Chat: Settling into University as an Autistic student
(A social and relax event)
The Student Disability and Inclusion team are hosting an informal event for Autistic 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.
Date and time:
Autism Matters workshops
Autism Matters covers a range of topics and social events that have been specifically designed for autistic students (diagnosed or self-diagnosed).
The workshops and socials will be delivered either in-person at Highfield Campus or online via MS Teams and will be facilitated by specialist practitioners with professional knowledge of autism.
These workshops are advertised early on each semester on our internal SharePoint events page. Please note: you can only access this once you are an enrolled student and have set up your I.T account.