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Durham Autism Support

I've applied and gotten an offer for Archaeology at Durham to start in 2023. However, I wanted to ask how other autistic students have found Durham? Is there much support? Have you settled in well?
I've looked at all the information on their website and it looks pretty good, but it would be nice to hear if it translates into real life.

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This is something I am going to be exploring on Open Offer day, my daughter is ASD and I definitely want to know bout the support and experiences of other ASD students
Original post by Anonymous
I've applied and gotten an offer for Archaeology at Durham to start in 2023. However, I wanted to ask how other autistic students have found Durham? Is there much support? Have you settled in well?
I've looked at all the information on their website and it looks pretty good, but it would be nice to hear if it translates into real life.


I am also interested in this. I've read the support offered on the website and curious to hear if there are any other Autistic students going to Durham for 2023. I do like the idea of going a couple of days before to transition.
Original post by Anonymous
I am also interested in this. I've read the support offered on the website and curious to hear if there are any other Autistic students going to Durham for 2023. I do like the idea of going a couple of days before to transition.

Me too.
Hello, so I was wondering if anyone is going to the Autism Support days where they allow ASD students to settle in a few days before Freshers? From reading about it, you're allowed to settle in your uni room and they do some events on the Thurs and Friday before move in weekend.
Original post by Anonymous
Hello, so I was wondering if anyone is going to the Autism Support days where they allow ASD students to settle in a few days before Freshers? From reading about it, you're allowed to settle in your uni room and they do some events on the Thurs and Friday before move in weekend.


I'm planning on going I think. It does sound like it will be awfully helpful, being able to settle in before the hoards arrive. What college are you at?
it's my daughter she's going to be in Hafield.. she's definitely going to go in a few days earlier . I'm really hoping the ASD support is as good as it looks :smile: What college are you in
Original post by Anonymous
I'm planning on going I think. It does sound like it will be awfully helpful, being able to settle in before the hoards arrive. What college are you at?
Original post by Anonymous
it's my daughter she's going to be in Hafield.. she's definitely going to go in a few days earlier . I'm really hoping the ASD support is as good as it looks :smile: What college are you in


My son hopes to start early too. He’s not had his official diagnosis yet, so we’re hoping that the GP letter that the uni has requested, comes through in time. He’s also Hatfield.
Original post by Anonymous
Hello, so I was wondering if anyone is going to the Autism Support days where they allow ASD students to settle in a few days before Freshers? From reading about it, you're allowed to settle in your uni room and they do some events on the Thurs and Friday before move in weekend.

My daughter is at Mary’s and is going early for the support days
Original post by Anonymous
My son hopes to start early too. He’s not had his official diagnosis yet, so we’re hoping that the GP letter that the uni has requested, comes through in time. He’s also Hatfield.

My daughter only got her diagnosis in May. It took us 5 years..Because he's on the neuropathway he should be treated as though he has the diagnosis... Fingers crossed. Is so nice to know there will be other neurodivergent students in her college :smile:
Original post by manchesterian
My daughter is at Mary’s and is going early for the support days


Aww brilliant I think they're doing a fair few things and meeting online in Sept as well? Be so nice for them to know other neurodivergent students won't it :smile:
Original post by Anonymous
I've applied and gotten an offer for Archaeology at Durham to start in 2023. However, I wanted to ask how other autistic students have found Durham? Is there much support? Have you settled in well?
I've looked at all the information on their website and it looks pretty good, but it would be nice to hear if it translates into real life.


My daughter got her diagnosis this Summer, about to go into 3rd year. Since getting the diagnosis the disability support team have been in touch to talk through her support needs. We have had DSA funding approved and part of this is a specialist mentor which is going to be such a huge help.
Oh, and fyi if you're autistic you're eligible to stay in college accommodation for all 3 years. Going into second year and this is what I'm likely to do.
Original post by Political_Weirdo
Oh, and fyi if you're autistic you're eligible to stay in college accommodation for all 3 years. Going into second year and this is what I'm likely to do.

Really like that consistency is so important. I think this is probably what my daughter will be doing ... I can't imagine her living in a house full of people.
Original post by Anonymous
I've applied and gotten an offer for Archaeology at Durham to start in 2023. However, I wanted to ask how other autistic students have found Durham? Is there much support? Have you settled in well?
I've looked at all the information on their website and it looks pretty good, but it would be nice to hear if it translates into real life.

Hey, I'm also on the spectrum and I'm heading up to study Anthropology, which is in the same department! I'll be in Stephenson, what college have you been allocated to?
Original post by Louis Hazells
Hey, I'm also on the spectrum and I'm heading up to study Anthropology, which is in the same department! I'll be in Stephenson, what college have you been allocated to?


I've been allocated to Chad's, somewhere nice and small with lots of nooks to hide away in! I think arch and anth are technically different departments, but they are in the same building certainly, so we'll be in each others' orbits at the very least. Have you looked at module choices yet?
Hi Did anyone go to the disabilities meeting today? I was in work and my daughter is in Paris so we couldn't attend. Just wondering if there's anything we need to do before the Induction
Original post by Anonymous
Hi Did anyone go to the disabilities meeting today? I was in work and my daughter is in Paris so we couldn't attend. Just wondering if there's anything we need to do before the Induction


It was recorded. LOADS of info surrounding mental health provision and practical advice such as registering with a GP.
Original post by Anonymous
It was recorded. LOADS of info surrounding mental health provision and practical advice such as registering with a GP.


thanks :smile: Will definitely see if I can have a look at the recording
I'm also autistic and in St Johns. I'm going up on the 20th for the early arrival thing. I think it will be helpful because it will be quieter
Original post by Esme9812
I'm also autistic and in St Johns. I'm going up on the 20th for the early arrival thing. I think it will be helpful because it will be quieter


Hi ya Esme :smile: That's fantastic I definitely feel it will be nicer to get used to everything .. routine is everything for my daughter.

Has anyone heard anything from the ASD/disabilities with more info about going up the Thursday as we havent yet

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