Autistic at Lancaster
Hello, I have ASD and ADHD and am very seriously considering making Lancaster my firm choice for Biology. What I would like to know is what kind of support is offered and if there are any autistic Lancaster students here, how has your experience been? What support do you receive? Also, at an applicants visit day I went to in February I noticed that is no central students union building or general area for all students to hang out aside from the outdoor square and college bars. Has anyone found this to hinder the process of making friends? A lot of other unis seem to have this kind of space and I’m worried that I will isolate myself as there is no central building to gravitate towards.
Any other advice or comments would be really helpful, I am very scared about starting uni. Also, I will be 20 when I start and am a bit worried about being the oldest in my hall but also not very independant. Oh also, do Lancaster have a screening process for putting people in accommodation together or is it random? And would DSA be able to suggest I have an en-suite room? I would also consider staying on campus for 2nd year, it that considered a bit weird?
I’m really sorry for all the questions, I just like to know what I’m getting myself into.
Any other advice or comments would be really helpful, I am very scared about starting uni. Also, I will be 20 when I start and am a bit worried about being the oldest in my hall but also not very independant. Oh also, do Lancaster have a screening process for putting people in accommodation together or is it random? And would DSA be able to suggest I have an en-suite room? I would also consider staying on campus for 2nd year, it that considered a bit weird?
I’m really sorry for all the questions, I just like to know what I’m getting myself into.
Scroll to see replies
I would say focus on being friendly. No matter where, being friendly appeals to people. Be open (not too open), talk to people, start conversations. Generally be social able.
(edited 5 years ago)
I can't focus on Autism specifically, but in general:
This is true, however there is also the Learning Zone, which can often be used as a social space. In addition, various departments have areas within them that you can work and socialise in. In the first few weeks would be best served by getting to know the people in your flat, the kitchen is a good place to do that, and the people on your course. You can get to know people on your course before lectures and during labs and seminars.
No one will know or care that you're 20 unless you tell them. At worst you'll get 1 curious question, but only out of general nosey-ness. And you definitely won't be the only fresher who has no idea what they're doing
To the best of my knowledge it's random, other than requesting same-sex accommodation. You may be able to contact them to enquire but I don't think they'd be able to help too much, what criteria could you give them that would be any help? Any details you give them relies on them having details about the other people you would be sharing with.
Slightly unusual, but not uncommon.
Original post by Anonymous
no central students union building or general area for all students to hang out aside from the outdoor square and college bars
This is true, however there is also the Learning Zone, which can often be used as a social space. In addition, various departments have areas within them that you can work and socialise in. In the first few weeks would be best served by getting to know the people in your flat, the kitchen is a good place to do that, and the people on your course. You can get to know people on your course before lectures and during labs and seminars.
Original post by Anonymous
I will be 20 when I start and am a bit worried about being the oldest in my hall but also not very independant
No one will know or care that you're 20 unless you tell them. At worst you'll get 1 curious question, but only out of general nosey-ness. And you definitely won't be the only fresher who has no idea what they're doing
Original post by Anonymous
do Lancaster have a screening process for putting people in accommodation together or is it random
To the best of my knowledge it's random, other than requesting same-sex accommodation. You may be able to contact them to enquire but I don't think they'd be able to help too much, what criteria could you give them that would be any help? Any details you give them relies on them having details about the other people you would be sharing with.
Original post by Anonymous
I would also consider staying on campus for 2nd year, it that considered a bit weird?
Slightly unusual, but not uncommon.
I also have ASD and am close to firming Lancaster to do computer science, I'm seriously unprepared though and would love to meet someone in a similar position to I
Original post by Anonymous
Hello, I have ASD and ADHD and am very seriously considering making Lancaster my firm choice for Biology. What I would like to know is what kind of support is offered and if there are any autistic Lancaster students here, how has your experience been? What support do you receive? Also, at an applicants visit day I went to in February I noticed that is no central students union building or general area for all students to hang out aside from the outdoor square and college bars. Has anyone found this to hinder the process of making friends? A lot of other unis seem to have this kind of space and I’m worried that I will isolate myself as there is no central building to gravitate towards.
Any other advice or comments would be really helpful, I am very scared about starting uni. Also, I will be 20 when I start and am a bit worried about being the oldest in my hall but also not very independant. Oh also, do Lancaster have a screening process for putting people in accommodation together or is it random? And would DSA be able to suggest I have an en-suite room? I would also consider staying on campus for 2nd year, it that considered a bit weird?
I’m really sorry for all the questions, I just like to know what I’m getting myself into.
Any other advice or comments would be really helpful, I am very scared about starting uni. Also, I will be 20 when I start and am a bit worried about being the oldest in my hall but also not very independant. Oh also, do Lancaster have a screening process for putting people in accommodation together or is it random? And would DSA be able to suggest I have an en-suite room? I would also consider staying on campus for 2nd year, it that considered a bit weird?
I’m really sorry for all the questions, I just like to know what I’m getting myself into.
I can't speak to the ASD side of things, but if you've got outstanding questions, you could try contacting the Transitions Team at Lancaster (I think [email protected] is their email). Off the top of my head, they provide a 'settling in' programme for new students and I think some consideration is given to your accommodation needs. They might be able to put you in touch with ASD students who are happy to share their experiences with you.
Once you've been assessed by the university's assessment centre, an Inclusive Learning and Support Plan will be attached to your student profile. That details any support you're supposed to get from the university. I've found that tutors vary in how they use it - some have asked if I need anything that would help, others haven't.
Considering there are postgraduates who live on campus, it's not weird at all to stay there beyond your first year. I'd say that the trade-offs - and these are only observations, as I commute to Lancaster - are i) the expense of living on campus; ii) the lack of any campus activity outside of term-time; and iii) what looks like chaos if you need to get a morning bus to campus.
Undergrads seem to do okay with socialising and things to do, either around their college or sometimes through societies (although it probably helps if you like sport). My experience as a postgrad trying to socialise is a bit different, so probably wouldn't give you much meaningful insight.
One significant issue I've found is the lack of available suitable study space, if you need somewhere aurally and visually quiet (or near-silent) and secluded.
Hello again, sorry for the incredibly delayed response. Thank you all for your feedback which I find very useful and informative. I have now firmed Lancaster and am really excited to start.
What was your final decision? Have you considered the smart start programme they run? I’ll be applying for it in June.
Original post by Anonymous
I also have ASD and am close to firming Lancaster to do computer science, I'm seriously unprepared though and would love to meet someone in a similar position to I
What was your final decision? Have you considered the smart start programme they run? I’ll be applying for it in June.
Original post by Anonymous
Hello again, sorry for the incredibly delayed response. Thank you all for your feedback which I find very useful and informative. I have now firmed Lancaster and am really excited to start.
What was your final decision? Have you considered the smart start programme they run? I’ll be applying for it in June.
What was your final decision? Have you considered the smart start programme they run? I’ll be applying for it in June.
Sorry for the late reply, I have firmed it
Is that the program where you get a taste for uni life over a weekend in September? If so, I think I have applied for it so we might see each other! I'm quite worried about it all judging by my own views on my academic and social abilities but eh, it can't be that bad :P
Do you know what accommodation you will choose?
Original post by Anonymous
Sorry for the late reply, I have firmed it
Is that the program where you get a taste for uni life over a weekend in September? If so, I think I have applied for it so we might see each other! I'm quite worried about it all judging by my own views on my academic and social abilities but eh, it can't be that bad :P
Do you know what accommodation you will choose?
Is that the program where you get a taste for uni life over a weekend in September? If so, I think I have applied for it so we might see each other! I'm quite worried about it all judging by my own views on my academic and social abilities but eh, it can't be that bad :P
Do you know what accommodation you will choose?
Yeah it is, I said I’m interested in the disability registration form but I think they do applications as well in June. I’m quite worried as well, but I think the pre-entry thing will help loads with meeting people and getting used to a new city/campus so far away.
I’m not sure which accommodation I’ll choose yet as I find that they don’t have many pictures on their website and the ones that are there are often quite old pictures. How about you?
So sorry about not replying for ages, I didn't seem to get the notification for this reply....
I'm going in 2 weeks on Friday to view the accommodation and do the disability assessment so will probably end up deciding then on which accommodation to go for, I'll definitely tell you I choose!
Have you decided on which university to go for yet? (you probably have) :P
I'm also 20 by the way, really hope you go on the early thing
I'm going in 2 weeks on Friday to view the accommodation and do the disability assessment so will probably end up deciding then on which accommodation to go for, I'll definitely tell you I choose!
Have you decided on which university to go for yet? (you probably have) :P
I'm also 20 by the way, really hope you go on the early thing
Original post by Anonymous
Yeah it is, I said I’m interested in the disability registration form but I think they do applications as well in June. I’m quite worried as well, but I think the pre-entry thing will help loads with meeting people and getting used to a new city/campus so far away.
I’m not sure which accommodation I’ll choose yet as I find that they don’t have many pictures on their website and the ones that are there are often quite old pictures. How about you?
I’m not sure which accommodation I’ll choose yet as I find that they don’t have many pictures on their website and the ones that are there are often quite old pictures. How about you?
No worries!
I did get to see some of the accommodation during an open day. Is the disability assessment the needs assessment for DSA? I did mine here in London, it's a long way to travel to Lancaster! In fact I just got all the software/hardware given to me delivered today!
I firmed Lancaster ages ago, are you still deciding? For accommodation I made Furness and Fylde my preferences as they are quite close to the centre of campus and seem pretty relaxed.
I just sent in my application for the pre-entry thing a couple of weeks ago, it would be nice to see each other if we both got in! (I don't know if there's any way to message someone who is anonymous without knowing their username by revealing it in the thread?)
I did get to see some of the accommodation during an open day. Is the disability assessment the needs assessment for DSA? I did mine here in London, it's a long way to travel to Lancaster! In fact I just got all the software/hardware given to me delivered today!
I firmed Lancaster ages ago, are you still deciding? For accommodation I made Furness and Fylde my preferences as they are quite close to the centre of campus and seem pretty relaxed.
I just sent in my application for the pre-entry thing a couple of weeks ago, it would be nice to see each other if we both got in! (I don't know if there's any way to message someone who is anonymous without knowing their username by revealing it in the thread?)
Original post by Anonymous
So sorry about not replying for ages, I didn't seem to get the notification for this reply....
I'm going in 2 weeks on Friday to view the accommodation and do the disability assessment so will probably end up deciding then on which accommodation to go for, I'll definitely tell you I choose!
Have you decided on which university to go for yet? (you probably have) :P
I'm also 20 by the way, really hope you go on the early thing
I'm going in 2 weeks on Friday to view the accommodation and do the disability assessment so will probably end up deciding then on which accommodation to go for, I'll definitely tell you I choose!
Have you decided on which university to go for yet? (you probably have) :P
I'm also 20 by the way, really hope you go on the early thing
Yeah I was referring to the DSA needs assessment sorry, going on Friday to do it at the university for some reason although I don't live as far as you, just south of Manchester
Thanks for telling me where you picked, I may do the same haha. I would suggest that you say your username but that's a bit unfair if you do and I don't so yeah, (username: ikeo) really hope that we can see each other there!!
Thanks for telling me where you picked, I may do the same haha. I would suggest that you say your username but that's a bit unfair if you do and I don't so yeah, (username: ikeo) really hope that we can see each other there!!
Original post by Anonymous
No worries!
I did get to see some of the accommodation during an open day. Is the disability assessment the needs assessment for DSA? I did mine here in London, it's a long way to travel to Lancaster! In fact I just got all the software/hardware given to me delivered today!
I firmed Lancaster ages ago, are you still deciding? For accommodation I made Furness and Fylde my preferences as they are quite close to the centre of campus and seem pretty relaxed.
I just sent in my application for the pre-entry thing a couple of weeks ago, it would be nice to see each other if we both got in! (I don't know if there's any way to message someone who is anonymous without knowing their username by revealing it in the thread?)
I did get to see some of the accommodation during an open day. Is the disability assessment the needs assessment for DSA? I did mine here in London, it's a long way to travel to Lancaster! In fact I just got all the software/hardware given to me delivered today!
I firmed Lancaster ages ago, are you still deciding? For accommodation I made Furness and Fylde my preferences as they are quite close to the centre of campus and seem pretty relaxed.
I just sent in my application for the pre-entry thing a couple of weeks ago, it would be nice to see each other if we both got in! (I don't know if there's any way to message someone who is anonymous without knowing their username by revealing it in the thread?)
Hello,
My name's Charlotte and I just finished 2nd year at Lancaster.
Please let me know if you have any questions, specifically about the transitions team.
I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but essentially it's a team within the university who aim to help and support students with settling in, particularly those with autism. I volunteer with this team and there is a mentoring system where an older student like myself pairs up with and meets with a student who may be struggling (it's self referral so you don't have to do it!). My mentee is a first year studying Biology and I see her every week, help her with anything she needs, provide an ear so she can talk about whatever she wants and generally make sure she's okay! The transitions team also run weekly meetings for students with autism to meet up as well as wellbeing walks together and tea and cake events. To answer some of your questions: there is a central students union building you're welcome to hang out in, as well the learning zone where lots of people chill. A lot of people socialise in cafes as well as bars with some being more chill than others (costa can be hectic but cartmel's barker house farm is more relaxed and has a ping pong table in it), all first years are guaranteed accommodation on campus and although second years aren't, a lot do stay on campus so just make sure you apply on time! Also being 20 won't be odd at all! You probably won't even be the oldest, my mentee is 22!
I hope this helps somewhat and although I can't give a personal account, let me know if you have anymore worries and concerns.
Charlotte
Second year Biological Sciences with Biomedicine
My name's Charlotte and I just finished 2nd year at Lancaster.
Please let me know if you have any questions, specifically about the transitions team.
I'm not sure if you've heard of it, but essentially it's a team within the university who aim to help and support students with settling in, particularly those with autism. I volunteer with this team and there is a mentoring system where an older student like myself pairs up with and meets with a student who may be struggling (it's self referral so you don't have to do it!). My mentee is a first year studying Biology and I see her every week, help her with anything she needs, provide an ear so she can talk about whatever she wants and generally make sure she's okay! The transitions team also run weekly meetings for students with autism to meet up as well as wellbeing walks together and tea and cake events. To answer some of your questions: there is a central students union building you're welcome to hang out in, as well the learning zone where lots of people chill. A lot of people socialise in cafes as well as bars with some being more chill than others (costa can be hectic but cartmel's barker house farm is more relaxed and has a ping pong table in it), all first years are guaranteed accommodation on campus and although second years aren't, a lot do stay on campus so just make sure you apply on time! Also being 20 won't be odd at all! You probably won't even be the oldest, my mentee is 22!
I hope this helps somewhat and although I can't give a personal account, let me know if you have anymore worries and concerns.
Charlotte
Second year Biological Sciences with Biomedicine
Original post by Anonymous
I also have ASD and am close to firming Lancaster to do computer science, I'm seriously unprepared though and would love to meet someone in a similar position to I
Hi, I'm in the exact same position, would you wanna chat or something?
Original post by Vinnymo98
Hi, I'm in the exact same position, would you wanna chat or something?
Definitely!
Along with the original poster as well?
What course are you doing?
Original post by Anonymous
Definitely!
Along with the original poster as well?
What course are you doing?
Along with the original poster as well?
What course are you doing?
Hi,
Yeah ofc with the original poster! I'll also be doing Computer Science so it's nice to speak to people who'll be on my course. I've been offered the place in clearing though so it might be a struggle to get a place on the smart start programme although I am trying.
Original post by Vinnymo98
Hi,
Yeah ofc with the original poster! I'll also be doing Computer Science so it's nice to speak to people who'll be on my course. I've been offered the place in clearing though so it might be a struggle to get a place on the smart start programme although I am trying.
Yeah ofc with the original poster! I'll also be doing Computer Science so it's nice to speak to people who'll be on my course. I've been offered the place in clearing though so it might be a struggle to get a place on the smart start programme although I am trying.
Ah that's exciting to know! Did you attend an open day?
Definitely apply, it doesn't seem right that there are limited places for those who may need extra support before beginning university but do it as soon as possible
Received confirmation for my place on the smart start programme, have you had any news about it?
Original post by Anonymous
No worries!
I did get to see some of the accommodation during an open day. Is the disability assessment the needs assessment for DSA? I did mine here in London, it's a long way to travel to Lancaster! In fact I just got all the software/hardware given to me delivered today!
I firmed Lancaster ages ago, are you still deciding? For accommodation I made Furness and Fylde my preferences as they are quite close to the centre of campus and seem pretty relaxed.
I just sent in my application for the pre-entry thing a couple of weeks ago, it would be nice to see each other if we both got in! (I don't know if there's any way to message someone who is anonymous without knowing their username by revealing it in the thread?)
I did get to see some of the accommodation during an open day. Is the disability assessment the needs assessment for DSA? I did mine here in London, it's a long way to travel to Lancaster! In fact I just got all the software/hardware given to me delivered today!
I firmed Lancaster ages ago, are you still deciding? For accommodation I made Furness and Fylde my preferences as they are quite close to the centre of campus and seem pretty relaxed.
I just sent in my application for the pre-entry thing a couple of weeks ago, it would be nice to see each other if we both got in! (I don't know if there's any way to message someone who is anonymous without knowing their username by revealing it in the thread?)
blarg are you alive?
Hey I’m alive! Really sorry though, its been kind of a difficult and busy few weeks. I’m confirmed for smart start too, really looking forward to it!
Original post by Anonymous
Hey I’m alive! Really sorry though, its been kind of a difficult and busy few weeks. I’m confirmed for smart start too, really looking forward to it!
No problem! Glad to know that you're alive 😁
I'm going also so will probably meet you there!
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