If you choose to study at the University of Southampton, the Specialist Practitioners from the Student Disability and Inclusion team will be pleased to meet with you to ensure you have access to the most effective support available to assist you in your studies.

All students who share their disability or specific learning difference either on their application to the University or by filling in our Health Questionnaire, will receive an invitation via email to participate in the Transition Programme. The email will contain a link to an online booking form through which you can arrange a Student Support Appointment with a Specialist Practitioner to discuss your individual support needs and adjustments you may require.

The purpose of the Student Support Appointment is for students to speak with a Specialist Practitioner to receive support, advice and guidance on various topics and to arrange for information to be shared with other parts of the University on a ‘need to know’ basis in order to ensure that appropriate adjustments are made.

You will meet the Specialist Practitioner on a one-to-one basis in a private meeting room or online via MS Teams. ​

You do not need medical evidence or a diagnostic report to have the appointment, however, we will need evidence to make formal recommendations (reasonable adjustments) for your study and exams.​

Students who attend the Student Support Appointment and have support recommendations put forward will likely to enjoy the University experience and face fewer issues.

The recommendations will vary from person to person, depending on your course, how your autism affects you and the impact on your studies.

During the appointment you will have the opportunity to ask questions or suggest strategies or equipment that you feel you may benefit from, or have worked for you in the past.

By attending a Student Support Appointment, and by providing certain documentary evidence, you could receive the following (this is not an exhaustive list):

• Additional Exam Recommendations (AERs)
• Reasonable adjustments (e.g. lecture hand-outs in advance)
• Access to specialist assistive technology software
• Access to quiet study areas on campus

Booking your Student Support Appointment

Appointments can be booked from Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm* throughout the year and usually take place at the Student Hub (Building 37) on Highfield campus or online via Microsoft Teams. This can differ so please see your appointment confirmation email for your specific location.

*If you are not able to make an appointment between 9am-6pm, then please get in touch with our team and we will try our best to accommodate you.

How to book

Complete a booking form: Student Disability and Inclusion – Initial Student Support Appointment (office.com)

or

Contact the Student Hub The Student Hub | University of Southampton

During the Student Support Appointment meeting, you will have the opportunity to talk about many aspects of your University experience. You may wish to consider below questions in advance and bring your notes to the appointment.

• Have you got written evidence of your condition, e.g. a letter from your GP or other health professional?
• Do you have any particular requirements in order to access your course, e.g. timetabling, access to notes in advance?
• How has your mental health and wellbeing been?
• Do you have any accommodation requirements and need for adaptations, e.g. to stay in halls beyond your first year?
• Do you need some information and advice on the Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA) Applications process?
• Have you had special exam arrangements in the past (what were they) and will you benefit from the Additional Exam Recommendations (AERs)?
• Will you benefit from the access to the Assistive Technology Suite with specialist study software?
• Will Mentor Support and Learning Support Assistants be suitable for you?
• Will you require support and adjustments for practical sessions, field work and placements?

Information about Student Support Appointment and how to book one (requires University of Southampton log in): Student support appointments (sharepoint.com)

Booking your first Student Support Appointment: Transition Programme: request specialist support | Student Disability & Wellbeing | University of Southampton

Information about support for you if you don’t have a formal diagnosis (requires University of Southampton log in): I have an existing condition or specific learning difference but do not have formal evidence (sharepoint.com)

Guidance on evidence acceptable for Additional Exam Recommendations: Providing supporting evidence for your AERs – student’s guide

Originally published by Autism& Uni in August 2017. Updated by Anna McCann,  University of Southampton, (April 2024).