autism and starting university

Hello I would like to ask any neurodivergent students about their university journey.
What was or still is the hardest part for you?
What came naturally?
this is for a project all i am trying to write about the uni journey and what i struggled with
rooms
noise
assignments
lack of staff training and understanding in autism and ADHD
mediocre disability support in first year
thanks to any that reply

Reply 1

iL1L

Volunteer Team

My university did an acclimatisation event where neurodivergent and disabled students could arrive 2 days earlier and it was so helpful! I made many neurodivergent friends and fitted right in. I found it so much easier to fit in than at jobs or school.

Choosing the best accommodation was also such an important decision that influenced my wellbeing (probably hugely) and my university also offered a quiet block of flats.

I also get DSA support with mentors and that has been a great support as well.

I am sorry to hear that you struggled.

Reply 2

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by nix_31

Hi!

I am an AuDHD student currently studying BSc Psychology and Criminology in my third year.

Overall I've had a really positive experience in terms of support from my university regarding my disability. I've always felt like the university was ready to offer any support I've needed whether that's helping to figure out DSA stuff and equipment, support in my lectures/seminars and any adjustments I've needed. The subjects I study help too with fostering open discussions around neurodivergence as it's a topic that often comes up in my lectures, but I've always found any staff really receptive to any discussions around difficulties I might have as a student and felt very welcome.

I attended open days and intentionally chose a university which I found really receptive to any questions I had about support and were always really friendly and welcoming as I knew this was really important to me. I was confident in advocating for myself when I started too which I think has helped me get support when needed 😊

I will say this didn't always come easily to me, but over time and I think from feeling validated by the staff at uni I've gained more confidence over the years. Seeking out extra roles where I can talk about student experience has really helped with this, such as volunteering as a Course Representative, School Representative and EDI ambassador, plus working as a student ambassador. This has given me lots of chances to engage in active discussions around learning disabilities and needs for different students, I really love it too and it has helped show me my personal experiences are valuable. I'm aware that unfortunately people don't always have such positive experiences, I am a mature student and my past experiences in education were definitely not so great, which I think motivates me to approach this university experience as I have to try help improve things where I can.

In answer to your questions, things that came naturally to me were getting involved anywhere I can. I love building rapport with staff and chasing any opportunities that come up - I do think my ADHD and autism lends itself to this as I love seeking the dopamine from fun, new experiences and little wins, plus the systemic format of student experience roles seems to really make sense to my brain. This has been an advantage at university as I've found lots of valuable work experience which has helped to develop my skills. I've had a lot of fun too 😄

Areas I've struggled most with, in relation to my AuDHD, have been environmental factors and some social aspects. I really struggle with people talking in lectures as I find it so distracting and struggle to concentrate. To mediate this lecturers will tell people to stop and always call this out in nice fair ways but I personally find even someone clicking a pen or a phone buzzing will distract me and cause me a lot of stress. I can also struggle with overthinking, ruminating, and generally being quite hard on myself/a perfectionist which can cause me extra stress, particularly around deadline seasons. I do feel I can reach out to lecturers and just be really honest about how I'm feeling which as I say has always been well received and supported, but it is generally a difficult thing to go through. I often book in 1:1 meetings to discuss assignments, course content or areas I need support with and I find these really valuable for me. For my third year I've personally been trying to focus on academic resilience and working through all these struggles has helped me learn a lot, but it certainly isn't without its difficulties!

I hope that helps give you some input and if you have any questions I'd be happy to answer them 😊

Becky
University of Salford Student Rep

Reply 3

flowersinmyhair

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by nix_31

Hi there

I'm autistic and currently seeking an ADHD diagnosis.

I have done one year of university - the hardest part for me was my accommodation, I did not get on with my flatmates and struggled with the fact they didn't clear up after themselves.

I found the style of working at uni far better than during sixth form, and overall was better accommodated. I didn't like that there were around 300 people in lectures, but that is a course dependent thing.

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