You can read this article by Semma; a Student from the University of St Andrews, to find out about their perspective and experiences of starting university and talking about their ASD diagnosis.
Full article3. Settling into uni life
2 Healthy living
This article focuses on the importance of healthy habits for wellbeing. The article provides useful tips and information regarding physical wellbeing, diet, responsible alcohol use, exercise and sleep.
Full article3 Studying remotely in times of social distancing
The article provides practical assistance with studying during and after the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown. It covers mental health and well-being considerations as well as guidance in navigating university systems, services and people you can liaise with. We also offer guidance on prioritising your work, taking into account a healthy work-life balance.
Full article4 Arranging reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments enable you to participate in the academic assessment process on a fair basis, and according to your preferences. Find out how to arrange reasonable adjustments that work for you.
Here are some examples of adjustments that can be made. This list is not exhaustive and not relevant to all students. Reasonable adjustments will be identified on a case-by-case basis according to the evidence and individual needs assessment:
▪ Examination arrangements – e.g. access to a PC, smaller venue, extra time (the standard amount of extra time to complete timed assessments given in the UK is 25%)
▪ Lecture slides issued in advance
▪ Support to access assistive technology
▪ Support with alternative formatting of information
▪ Equipment Loan e.g. digital recorder, smart pen
▪ Non-medical personal support (NMPH) e.g. reader or scribe in examinations
▪ Flexible deadlines
5 Jane’s advice for organising your support
You can read this article to find out about Jane’s advice for requesting reasonable adjustments.
Full article6 Lucy’s advice for getting involved in extracurricular activities.
There are many clubs and societies at St Andrews to get involved in. I have been a member of the Women’s 2nds Basketball team since my first year and attended the Autism group on and off since it began at St Andrews in my second year. I have also been a part of the peer mentoring scheme and other activities, such as a study group. In my experience, I have found the people at both the university societies and the sports centre to be very welcoming and understanding of any difficulties I had related to my autism diagnosis and the clubs I’ve been a part of have been very supportive in helping me to participate in a way I was comfortable with. Overall, I have loved being a part of them and am so glad I got involved.
Full article7 Rachel’s experience of being a Postgraduate student at St Andrews.
I have just finished the first year of my postgraduate degree and it was also the first year that I sought support as an autistic student. My experience of working with the university disability services has been very positive, I spoke to them before I had decided whether I wanted to share this with my supervisor and faced no pressure to share it, I felt like I was in control of the information and the process which helped me feel comfortable sharing it when I was ready. The autism social group is open to PGs as well as the undergrads and I found it was nice to socialise with other autistic people and we were also able to share things that were helping us and ask questions that would be awkward to ask elsewhere.
Full article8 “Telling others that I am autistic” by Elisabeth.
Disclosing my autism isn’t always easy.
First and foremost, I want to say that my autism is not something I feel ashamed of. But it is up to me to decide if, when, how, and how much I tell others about it.
There are some people I’ve told early on, with others it took me a while, some I still haven’t told, and others I will never tell.
Full article9 University of St Andrews Traditions
As befits a 600-year-old institution, the University of St Andrews has many traditions which students may take part in if they wish. Taking part is not a requirement, but most students enjoy the traditions as a unique aspect of the St Andrews experience. The traditions are optional, and you can choose to watch or take part if you want to.
Full article10 Managing Anxiety
Experiencing some stress, worry or anxiety while being at university is normal, and happens to everyone at some point in their life. It is common to experience a rise in anxiety levels during your transition year to university, which can be especially tough being in a new environment.
At times small amounts of anxiety can help motivate us, for example, to create a structured revision plan. When anxiety is prolonged, intense and starts to get in the way of day-to-day functioning it becomes a problem. It can be difficult to control worries, leading to a constant feeling of worry and anxiety that can have a detrimental impact on your life. Anxiety can negatively impact how we see ourselves, others, and our future.
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11 The Health Hub
The University’s Student Health Hub, an office located in the local community hospital, is staffed by University staff who understand how to help you access health advice quickly.
Full article12 Who can I talk to if I need advice or support?
Alongside Disability Services and the wider Student Services team, there are other people who can provide support and guidance to you.
Full article13 Covid-19 guidance- staying safe on campus
You can find the latest Covid-19 guidance here which is regularly updated.
https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/coronavirus/
If you often wear a Sunflower lanyard (see: A symbol for non-visible disabilities (hiddendisabilitiesstore.com) ), you may wish to continue doing so whilst you are at university. The lanyards can help you to communicate to people who you are meeting for the first time that the may need some extra support and/or that would appreciate a bit of extra space.
You can find details of the St Andrews ‘Covid code’ here: The Covid Code – Coronavirus information – University of St Andrews (st-andrews.ac.uk)
Full article14 What is orientation?
Orientation is when students who are new to St Andrews settle in. You can find out about the events you must attend in order to prepare for your first classes here: Matriculation – Orientation – University of St Andrews (st-andrews.ac.uk)
Full article15 How to better work in a group with peers.
Inclusive Practice in Group Work
Group work can present barriers to participation for some disabled students. The following guidance aims to give some good practice ideas.
16 Lilla’s story: ‘Receiving an autism diagnosis at university’.
A year ago I had no idea I was autistic or what autism was for that matter – all I knew is that I had a difficult first year behind me where I often felt overwhelmed and misunderstood.
Full article17 Disability Services’ Top tips for settling into life at St Andrews
We spoke to the St Andrews Disability Services Team and asked them what their top tips are for settling into life at St Andrews.
Full article18 Money Advice
If you have money worries and don’t know what to do, you can make an appointment to see one of our money advisors by emailing moneyadvice@st-andrews.ac.uk
Full article19 Wellbeing, Counselling and Mental Health
The University of St Andrews provides Wellbeing, Counselling and Mental Health appointments for its undergraduate and postgraduate students. These can be single or ongoing appointments to support students manage their mental health difficulties.
Full article20 Meeting with Disability Advice
Find out how to use our Disability Advice team to register with the service, access support and talk about any adjustments you may require. You will also be able to visit the University before your course starts, to gain a feel for where you will be based throughout your studies.
Full article21 Meeting people at university
Many students find meeting new people and making friends amongst the most exciting but also most difficult aspects of starting university. This article should help you to get started.
Full article22 Managing conflict
Different people have different expectations and styles of working or living together. Sometimes that can lead to conflict. This article will help you recognise causes of conflict and proposes strategies to resolve it.
Full article23 How to reduce anxiety and stress
It is normal to feel anxious when starting something new, like a university course, and everyone feels stress at difficult times of the year like exam periods or when there is a lot happening in their lives. It can sometimes be hard to relax. This activity is about helping you to manage these feelings and includes tips from other autistic students.
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