Advice for moving to university?

Hi, 

Going to university for me was one of the best things in my life- For the first time I met people I connected to. It's a big change but once you are settled it is likely to be a positive one. 

What helps me when I have to deal with change is to make sure I can keep at least some aspects of my life or routine constant. For example, if at home you always go for a daily walk/run- you could make that a part of your uni routine. Or I like to take my favourite bedding covers so that my bedroom feels more familiar. Or making sure to have familiar foods- eg. your favourite tea (if you drink tea), anything to give you a bit of consistency and familiarity. For me this helps as at least there are some predictable things that are the same even though a lot of other things are changing. You will find your new routine at uni :) 

In terms of making friends, the likelihood of you finding people you connect to and share interests with at university is probably much higher than ever before. 

In terms of not having family to help with meltdowns, could you possibly see if you could phone them if you were really struggling? They can still be there for you even if not physically in the same place. 

I wish you a great time at uni!! 

Bless you. I went through it 35 years ago with no clue I was autistic.

If I think about the stuff I found hard, I think I'd say one thing to you: nail the structure and organisation. Routine! Routine! Routine! And for the first time you'll have to establish that for yourself.  Left for the first time to your own devices you can end up spending too much time on minor matters and not enough on the big assignments.

There will be lots of social opportunity, but take it on your terms. Watch out for burn out, though.

On the plus side University is probably one of the most tolerant environments you can be in and does give autistic people opportunities to shine. Tony Attwood jokes that they are Aspie day care centres, lol. Probably with good reason.

Good idea. I'll try it.
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Routine! I am in my 3rd year of university now and honestly, its been a struggle! But that’s because I didn’t know about my autism until toward the end of second year- once I did, it was so much easier. You may have a hard time adapting (and this includes the times when you return home too- summer and Christmas holidays take some getting used to!) but once you’re, in, you’re in. just be sure to honour your needs. Not everyone needs to know about your autism but it is useful to have a couple of friends, the people you live with and a mentor or staff member who can be understanding and there to help. You might get there and find it’s just not for you or you could absolutely flourish in your own space! Do what makes you happy and remember that it’s not the be all and end all- you can drop out, take a break or even a gap year whenever you need to! :) <3

I found being in a hall of residence was the most useful aspect of university for making friends. Although I didn't make any close friends on my course, I made around 7 in my hall.

during my school years, uni was the first place where I finally belonged to a group of people, it's easier to find compatible people, because students do have interests and hobbies unlike regular allistic