Uni experiences?

I had a terrible time at Uni. As well as the actual noisy, busy environment of the university and autistic-unfriendly teaching practices, I was also having to work part-time in the evening. Eventually, I burned out and had to drop out.  This was a long time ago and now, knowing about my ASD, I would be able to do things very differently.

But, back then, I just had to struggle along in ignorance and with zero support and an academic system that was completely autistic-unfriendly.

One aspect which really threw me was suddenly finding myself in Halls of Residence with lots of strangers. I was completely unprepared for the anxiety and distress of having to socialise and interact with so many people all in one place.  And boy, were they noisy! I couldn't concentrate on my work in the evening.

In my second year I moved into a house with a group of friends, but by that time, I was already burning out. I look back on those years as some of the worst in my life. But, I can't really blame myself. Not entirely. If I'd had a diagnosis and some awareness of my sensory challenges and if the university had some autistic-friendly practices, I'm sure it would have been a very different experience.

The education was not set up to accommodate autistic students in the early nineties.

so do you think your experience would have been better if you had support for your autism?

so do you think your experience would have been better if you had support for your autism?

I'm certain it would have been. For one thing, if there had been a quiet room to retreat to whenever the university environment became overwhelming. Also, if they'd adapted their teaching methods for people who were unable to keep moving about into different groups. It takes me a while to focus and feel comfortable in a group of people. Then to be asked to change groups or work with someone else sets me back to square one. This constant uncertainty, and dread of being put into pairs and groups during classes absorbed all of my attention and exhausted me.