Autism Transition Day

Tuesday 27 June 2023, 09:30 to 16:30

If you are due to begin your studies at Kingston University in September 2023 and have a social/communication impairment such as an autistic spectrum condition, then this event is for you!

We understand that starting university can be daunting and nerve-wracking as well as an exciting opportunity. This event is designed to make your transition from secondary school to university smoother and allow you to ask questions and gain an insight into what university life is like.

Please see below the programme for the day.

Please fill out the application form to book your place

Help us to understand more about supporting students with autism

As well as the Autism Transition Day, we are conducting PhD research into how best we can support autistic students at university, and we would really appreciate your involvement! We'd like for you to tell us how you feel about transitioning into the first year at university.

Are you an autistic student or applicant aged 18+?

Please take part in our online survey by completing this short form >.

Are you the parent or guardian of an autistic student or applicant?

Join us for an online focus group via Microsoft Teams (90 minutes) and receive £50 Amazon voucher for your time.

If you have any questions about this research, please email N.Sexton@kingston.ac.uk.

Programme for the day

Time	Event
09:00–9:30	Arrivals and registration at Penrhyn Road
09:30–9:45	Introduction to the day Find our what the day will involve and meet the Disability and Mental Health Team.
9:55–10:30	Student life at Kingston Learn what to expect from your first few weeks at Kingston and hear from our current students in a Q&A session.
10:30–11:00	Disabled Students Allowance Introduction to the process of applying for Disability Students Allowance (DSA) support.
11:00–11:15	Break
11:15–12:00	Breakout sessions (choose one of the following) Living at home Tips on commuting to university and managing your time while living at home. Living in University Halls of Residence Learn what to expect from Halls, flatmates and living with people you don't know.
12:00–12:30	Registering with the Disability and Mental Health Service
12:30–13:15	Lunch
13:15–14:00	Student-led support groups Hear from our current students who are part of the Autism Peer Network and the KU Disabled Student Society. Parents and carers session A chance for parents to ask their questions and learn how they can support you at university.
14:00–14:15	Wrap up A look at what to think about next in terms of your journey to university.
14:30–16:30	A chance to chat with the Disability and Mental Health Team one-to-one
15:00–16:30	Discover your campus This session involves travelling to whichever campus your course is based at – we will be travelling there together on the University bus.

Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from the day?

We will be hosting a variety of sessions on topics such as what it's like to commute to university or live in halls, managing your sensory needs, navigating group work and the different types of support you that are available to you while you're a student at Kingston. These sessions will be a mixture of talks delivered by our Disability and Mental Health team at Kingston.

You will also get the chance to go on a campus tour so you can see where most of your courses will take place, what the teaching rooms look like and where the quiet study spots are.

There will be a lunch break of one hour with food provided; during this time, you can speak to members of the Disability and Mental Health team one-on-one.

Do I have to attend every session?

While we strongly encourage you to attend every session to get the most out of this head start to university life, we also understand that not everyone is comfortable meeting new people, and we don't want you to feel under any pressure to participate fully in every discussion or activity. We have reserved a quiet room nearby the main delivery room where you can sit at any point during the day. We have also factored in regular breaks throughout the day.

Can I come if I am a postgraduate student?

Although this event is primarily aimed at transition to university for those who have not yet studied at a higher education institution, we also know that a new learning environment can be daunting, too. So please feel free to come along if you are studying at postgraduate level (or if this is not your first time studying at undergraduate level) and think this event could be useful for you.

Can I bring someone with me?

You are welcome to invite up to two parents/carers/guardians to attend the event with you. Please let us know if you are bringing anyone on the application form. We plan to run part of the day as a separate session for parents/carers/guardians as a chance for them to ask their own questions.

Any other questions?

If you have any questions about the event or how to book your space, please contact the Disability and Mental Health team at disability@kingston.ac.uk.

To book your place, please fill out this form

Contact the team

If you have any questions about the event or how to book your space, please contact the Disability and Mental Health Team at disability@kingston.ac.uk.