Southampton’s ‘incredible’ support helps student with autism feel at home

“I first met them at an open day," he says. "They helped me overcome the barriers involved with starting university and have continued to be excellent throughout my degree."

Before he joined the University on the MPhys Physics with Year in Experimental Research course, Euan and his mum had a phone call with the team to find out what his needs and access arrangements were. 

During his time at Southampton, he has attended a number of workshops and group sessions, and also made use of quiet spaces like the Clarkson Rest and Study Room, Hartley Library and the School of Physics and Astronomy's small study space.

“All of this support has helped me with my time management and prioritisation, and helped me avoid burning out,” he adds.

Studying at Southampton

Euan first considered going on to higher education when the University's outreach team visited his school. He then attended an open day, which gave him the opportunity to see the campus and meet the staff.

He says, “I chose Southampton because it was my local university and had excellent facilities and staff."

"The maths modules have developed my skills and intuition, and are invaluable in solving problems and understanding the calculations that make up the core aspects of the degree," he adds.

Euan has made the most of all the extracurricular activities on offer, and has even taken up skydiving.

He says, “Skydiving taught me how to overcome fears and my mental limits, creating a philosophy I now apply to all areas of my life."

He has also joined the University’s string and symphony orchestras, and has played the violin in concerts in Southampton and across Europe.

A future career

Euan has developed his employability and communication skills while studying for his degree by working as a Student Ambassador – carrying out a range of roles at open days and graduation events.

He says, “I have also attended career fairs that have included companies across a wide range of industries, and have been brilliant for deciding what I may or may not want to pursue in the future.”

Euan has also gained experience from a placement in data science with the National Air Traffic Service (NATS). 

“The University Careers Team was really helpful by helping me put together a CV and running a mock interview,” he says.

During his six-week placement at NATS, Euan worked on Project Bluebird – a collaboration between NATS, The Alan Turing Institute and the University of Exeter. 

Project Bluebird focuses on developing and applying in-depth AI research to the scenarios and decisions air traffic controllers make every day, to deal with the increasing demand from more flights and varieties of aircraft.

Euan says the placement has allowed him to consider options beyond university, and build skills which he has then used in his degree.

After he graduates, Euan is keen to pursue a PhD, continuing his interest in space and gravity. Eventually he would like to work in academia or industry.