An introduction to the support and services available at the University of Southampton and how to access them.

Click on the picture below to watch a video on ‘How to find support at the University of Southampton’

The Student Disability and Inclusion Team

The Student Disability and Inclusion team offers support, information and guidance on any disability related matters within our University. Support is available to students with a range of disabilities and long term conditions.

‘Disabilities’ may include:

• Physical disabilities
• Long-term health conditions
• Mental health conditions
• Specific learning differences such as dyslexia and dyspraxia
• Neurodiversity (including autism)

Support is tailored on an individual basis in order to ensure access to the most effective support for you. Some examples of support other students have found useful are:

• Additional Exam Recommendations (e.g. extra time, use of a PC, etc.)
• Additional Exam Recommendations (AERs)
• Study adjustments, e.g., lecture hand-outs in advance
• Access to specialist assistive technology software
• Access to quiet study areas on campus

The team also coordinates ongoing support, for instance note taking help, scribing, Inclusive Support Ambassadors assistance, short term mentoring etc.

Students can also benefit from various workshops offered throughout the academic year, including Autism Matters workshops.

The Student Wellbeing team

the Student Wellbeing team support the emotional wellbeing of students throughout their studies, enabling them to make the most of their time at the University and develop healthy habits to last a lifetime.

They are available 24/7 to provide all students with wellbeing support. ​​​​​​​The wellbeing advisors are based in the The Student Hub on Highfield Campus and can travel to meet students on other campuses or in halls when requested.

The team can:

• ​​​​​Provide a safe space to talk things through.
• Support you to access further wellbeing support at the University and from external services.
• Discuss strategies around how to cope and manage your wellbeing.
• Offer support and coaching around sleep, diet, exercise – helping you to function well.
• Focus on the 5 steps to wellbeing to maintain and support your wellbeing.
• Develop a plan to make changes and offer on-going support around this.
• Support you to deal with practical issues, such as money, accommodation and advice on appropriate support services for these issues.
• Support you if you are experiencing sexual harassment, harassment, bullying, violence or abuse.
• Help you access groups and workshops through referral.

Getting used to life as a University student can be a challenge for anyone, it is important to know that there is support, information and resources available if you need them. Talking to us about the support available, any questions or concerns you have, and visiting campus, might help you make a decision whether you want to study with us, and ensure you have the best possible university experience if you do.

Where possible we would suggest you contact the Student Disability and Inclusion Team as soon you have an offer of a place, even if you haven’t decided that you are definitely studying with us. This will give us plenty of time to talk about your support, give you an opportunity to look around our campus and ensure any support is in place for when you start.

Use the online chat, email studenthub@soton.ac.uk or call +44(0)23 80599 599. ​​​​​​​

You can also visit the Student Hub in Building 37 on Highfield Campus (Monday-Sunday, 08:00-20:00), or Building 65 on Avenue Campus at the main reception (Monday-Friday, 08:00-20:00). If you are studying in Winchester School of Art (WSA), The Student Hub Team is located in Building 63F on Winchester Campus at the main reception (Monday-Friday, 08:00-20:00). If you have teaching at the Sir James Matthew Building (157-187 Above Bar Street, SO14 7FQ), there are also members of the team based there for advice and support (Monday-Friday, 08:00-20:00).

Helpful links and further information

Student Disability and Inclusion SharePoint for students (requires University of Southampton log in): Student Disability and Inclusion – Home (sharepoint.com)

Student Wellbeing SharePoint for students (requires University of Southampton log in): Student Wellbeing – Home (sharepoint.com)

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