1 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.

2 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.

3 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.

4 What is university life really like?

The prospect of university life may be exciting, but also daunting, especially if you have not lived away from home before. It’s difficult to imagine what university life will be like until you get there and we hope the Autism&Uni Toolkit will help you prepare the best you can. There are many things to consider and it is totally natural to feel apprehensive.

So what is university life really like?

5 What does it mean to be an independent learner?

Studying at university involves a lot more independent (self) study than in school or college. In this section we suggest ideas and tasks to help you prepare for this.

6 What is the DSA Needs Assessment?

The Study Needs Assessment is an important part of the process of claiming Disabled Students Allowance and getting support at university. This activity will explain what the Study Needs Assessment is, how it works and how to prepare for your appointment.

7 Telling people at university about your autism

Everyone experiences their autism differently and at Durham University we make no assumptions about how your diagnosis impacts on you. You may find that your autism has little impact on day to day life other than putting into practice some learnt strategies to manage certain situations. For others, daily challenges may be experienced.

Whether you tell others about your autism is a personal decision. Telling people about your autism at university is also known as ‘disclosure’ or ‘declaring a disability’. More information about what this means and why it might be important to you is available in this article.

8 How to manage exams

This section looks at how to manage exams. This includes information about what to expect, how to prepare for an exam and practical tips to help you perform well.

9 Meeting people at university

The thought of meeting new people and making friends during the first term (and beyond) may feel daunting. Especially as other people make it seem so easy. However, although it may not seem like it, most students will be nervous when coming to university so you are not alone. This article will help you consider ways that could help you meet others at university.

10 What are lectures really like?

Lectures at university can be quite different from lessons at school and college, particularly when you are taught in a big group. This article will help you to make the most out of lectures.

11 What is group work really like?

Working in a group with other students is part and parcel of university study. Quite a few people worry about it, and some have real problems with it. This activity looks at the main issues people have with group work and gives you some practical tips for your own study.

12 What are seminars really like?

Seminars provide an opportunity to explore topics by discussion, and to identify and resolve any questions that may arise after lectures. This section will look at how to prepare for a seminar, and what to expect from one.

13 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.

14 What are assessments, and how do you survive them?

This section will look at different forms of assessment. It will give you some practical ideas on how to prepare for them, and how to get the most out of them.

15 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.