Published on 12, July, 2020
Now that I know that I’m autistic, I understand why I loved university so much and why I think about it so often. I had almost complete freedom, which for me often meant wandering around Cambridge on my own and occasionally *thinking* about studying. University was an escape when I needed it most. It was a self-contained universe, full of opportunities (if I could be bothered to take them). It was a world away from work and responsibilities and the general grind of life that we’re expected to tolerate. And I met my favourite people there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HrMJc1NBB0
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And the restaurants have subsidized food.
Yes, I loved the solitude of libraries and the general atmosphere. It is because of the outside world that I reflect so much on my time at university, which was an oasis of calm in a world of chaos.
That's great that you enjoyed university too and that your parents were so proud.
Thank you, Nor. Lots of great autistic YouTubers out there (I'm brand new to it all). Adult with Autism, Yo Samdy Sam, Autism from the Inside, Foster on the Spectrum...just some examples. I really loved Hunter Hansen's videos, but sadly he removed them (I think making them was taking over his life a bit, which I can understand!) I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your mum.
Ah, OK. Sorry. No more thumbnails from me.
I never really socialized at university, but overall it was a positive experience, I enjoyed the peace and solitude in the libraries and the atmosphere of the whole place. In contrast, the outside world is a nightmare.
I enjoyed university. The learning was challenging but enjoyable and I like how you don't have to be social, not that I ever was anyway to be fair. They were good times and I came out with good grades. Parents were so proud.
Great video. Really good to see an autistic Youtuber out there talking about their experiences. I was at Cambridge as well, briefly but the loss of my mum affected me deeply and I wasn't able to continue with my education in the end. Looking forward to your next video! :)
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Thank you, Ann. Cambridge is a beautiful place, and I was extremely lucky to be allowed in.
As I have three degrees and worked in universities for 34 years, I suppose I would have to agree.
I can relate to this so much!!! I also went to Cambridge for university and it was the first time that I met likeminded people. Also it is totally acceptable to just not socialise or see people for weeks- everyone understands you are probably just busy. I also really loved my course- it was really flexible and essentially let me explore what interested me. I love that you can go everywhere on foot and bike. No need for public transport. And lots of academic talks going on. I didn’t know I was autistic during my bachelor and master in Cambridge but I can see now that it is a very autism friendly environment. Lots of fellow aliens :)
That's great though because it was self directed and intrinsically motivating, that's the best way to learn!
I went, twice.
It was a positive experience, generally speaking.
Thank you. I agree with you, but a lot of my learning was off topic!
I'm sorry to hear this. I was extremely lucky to meet two people who have remained friends for life. Without them, I would have really struggled. As I said in the video, there were times when I felt horribly alone. I was very mindful when making the video that university can be a negative experience (for autists and neurotypicals), which is why I didn't claim to speak on behalf of anyone else when describing my own experiences.
So glad you had a great experience at university!
I completely understand why it suits many of us autistics, the depth of learning and self directed education is very natural for us because of our monotropic neurology.
Thanks for sharing your video.
I found university very traumatic. I’m a naturally academic person but I just couldn’t fit in. I made no friends, went to every lecture and tutorial alone, ate my lunch alone, barely spoke to another human each day.
It was a horrendous experience.
Chris Packham has said university was the same for him.