Moving to uni halls with autism

Hi, idk if this is the right place to ask this but:
Does anyone have any tips with the change of environment/routine of moving to uni halls?
As an autistic person, who gets deep comfort with the familiarity and routine of my home for the past 18 years, I'm quite afraid of the quick and dramatic change of routine (living with new people I have not met before, living/sleeping in an unfamiliar place, living in a unfamiliar city (i've been before but not many times) complete independence, new timetable, new buildings/staff) that uni will bring.

Does anyone have any advice on dealing with this rapid, complete change in routine(inc. leading up to moving in and on the day etc.)? thx

Reply 1

Colourcollider

Original post

by swoopthenest

Hi, idk if this is the right place to ask this but:
Does anyone have any tips with the change of environment/routine of moving to uni halls?
As an autistic person, who gets deep comfort with the familiarity and routine of my home for the past 18 years, I'm quite afraid of the quick and dramatic change of routine (living with new people I have not met before, living/sleeping in an unfamiliar place, living in a unfamiliar city (i've been before but not many times) complete independence, new timetable, new buildings/staff) that uni will bring.
Does anyone have any advice on dealing with this rapid, complete change in routine(inc. leading up to moving in and on the day etc.)? thx

Hey sorry I cant really offer any advice because im in the exact same situation as you. The only thing I can recommend is calling the accommodation team and asking to be placed in low noise halls with fewer people, that's what Ive done and its defiantly helping me feel a bit better about it all

Reply 2

username5933938

Original post

by swoopthenest

Hi, idk if this is the right place to ask this but:
Does anyone have any tips with the change of environment/routine of moving to uni halls?
As an autistic person, who gets deep comfort with the familiarity and routine of my home for the past 18 years, I'm quite afraid of the quick and dramatic change of routine (living with new people I have not met before, living/sleeping in an unfamiliar place, living in a unfamiliar city (i've been before but not many times) complete independence, new timetable, new buildings/staff) that uni will bring.
Does anyone have any advice on dealing with this rapid, complete change in routine(inc. leading up to moving in and on the day etc.)? thx

Hi. I'm also autistic and I've lived in student accommodation for all three years of uni. I know it can very well be difficult as an autistic person to find new friends, but it does help a lot. Hang around in the kitchen, go to the canteen on some evenings, anything you feel like doing which will help you to meet new people.

I made the mistake of spending my first week (which was fresher's week) pretty much exclusively in my room. It was not good. Genuinely one of the worst weeks of my uni experience. But as soon as I started to become comfortable with new people and figure out my surroundings, everything started to click together.

Also, I think it's a good idea to spend your first week exploring the city/uni. It will give you something to do, and I think you'll settle in more quickly if you know where you are.

Reply 3

Chester Student

Original post

by swoopthenest

Hi, idk if this is the right place to ask this but:
Does anyone have any tips with the change of environment/routine of moving to uni halls?
As an autistic person, who gets deep comfort with the familiarity and routine of my home for the past 18 years, I'm quite afraid of the quick and dramatic change of routine (living with new people I have not met before, living/sleeping in an unfamiliar place, living in a unfamiliar city (i've been before but not many times) complete independence, new timetable, new buildings/staff) that uni will bring.
Does anyone have any advice on dealing with this rapid, complete change in routine(inc. leading up to moving in and on the day etc.)? thx

Hi there,

I'm not quite in the same situation, but hopefully I can give you some ideas to help!

Asking to be placed in low-noise halls is a great idea. It will definitely be worth asking, as I'm sure this could help with the transition from home to university.

When do you find out how early you move in? Do you know if you are able to move in early? This may be helpful, as you can move in without the rush, take some time to get comfortable, and take that extra time before classes start to explore. To prepare for new classes, professors, and the area you're moving to, have you considered starting this schedule early? Or taking a look at things that interest you in the area that you would be comfortable doing?

For anyone, I'd recommend bringing things from home. I'm sure you have a few things that make your current bedroom super comfortable and homely, so consider taking these with you and spend time decorating your new space! I took fairy lights, loads of photographs, comfy blankets, and little decorations.

I'd also recommend reaching out to the support staff at your university before you move in. They likely will be able to provide accommodations and support for you during this hectic time, plus throughout the rest of your time at university.

I hope this helps, and best of luck!

Isabella
Fourth Year Geography (With a Year Abroad)