Going to university...

before I started uni I had the same concerns as you and was planning on going to a more local university and staying at home, but I went to different interviews for practice and got into a different one which I really liked but was 2 hours by train from my parents. I felt brave at the time and accepted the place. I am so pleased that I did, I had the best time at university and even stayed there after uni for a few years before I ended up having to move back home. 

If you stay in halls of residents or a shared flat you will meet people there and have people to go to the freshers events with (they are well worth going to even if you just go for a short time, if you feel uncomfortable then you can always leave the party or whatever, but do try to make yourself go to everything!) you will meet people there and remember that everyone is new, no one knows anyone and they're all nervous too. its strange because I've never found it easy to make friends either but i met people in my first week at the freshers events and they became like a second family in that time. I really recommend you talk to the disability officer to let them know you have ASD and if you have any issues, they can help you sort them, you'll probably also be entitled to the disabled students allowance which will pay for you to have any equipment which might help you with your studies. 

Hope you enjoy the open day and good luck!!

I've just had a search on their website, and they have a whole area devoted to Disabilities, etc. It says they cater for Autism including Aspergers, and also Dyspraxia and offer support and adjustments to learning environments, so that seems helpful. We've booked an open day and they will show me round the building and probably explain in more detail what support they offer.
Thank you guys for your advice  

The university you want to attend should provide an opportunity for you and your parents to meet disability support staff either during open days or by arrangement, in the spring prior to summer break. You can also arrange that one of the tutors in your subject area be present (as a lecturer, retired, supporting disabled students, I used to attend these, so I know).

This is a useful opportunity to explore any issues, but it is evident that some universities parrot "no problem, no problem" without thinking it through. You need to get realistic information at one of these sessions. If the university staff take it seriously you should get a lot of good background information, but your parents need to be prepared to press for more details if the university is too casual about it.

You can also ask to see typical teaching rooms, both lecture theatres and seminar rooms, laboratories etc. This is likely to be when they are not in use, and a crowded lecture theatre feels different from an empty one.

If you decide to consider staying away from home you can get a look at hall of residence accommodation, but beware of "show" rooms - explain your needs and ask to see a typical room. Are they claustrophobic, can you hear other people (and their music systems through the walls, are they en suite and well ventillated, or if shared facilities what are they like? Some "halls" are now flats of half a dozen sharing communal space; traditional "halls" are individual rooms on longish corridors, which can be impersonal. But don't rule out living away from home if it gets a better course and university. 

If you are going to the local university check out public transport, navigability of the campus (is it easy and a short walk to find places), are there quiet spaces (few universities seem to understand what a quiet place means), eating arrangements (a crowded echoing hall with piped music and everybody talking at once, and hardly room to move between tables can be a nightmare)? Are there quieter options for somewhere to eat?  Check toilets - some universities seem quite naiive about distance from classrooms and adequacy of facilities - if it is cramped when busy for example.

If you contact the disability support team they should be willing to take you around a campus to see what to expect, well in advance of registering as a student.

University is often liberating if you are on the spectrum. You go to lectures and seminars to participate, then move on, but you aren't going to be trapped in a classroom or corridor like at school where teachers expect it. Also different subjects involve different people so you aren't stuck with the same peer group every lesson. You have more free time (whether you use it for study or leisure) between lectures (although you can find yourself with most of your lectures on just two days).

You are more likely to have the option of several groups of fellow students rather than just one, and  there is the space to be with people or on your own, as and whichever you prefer.

Hi Lyndsay,

Can I ask, have you checked what provision your Uni offers for ASD student support? 

My son is undiagnosed, however he has significant traits and he struggled greatly in his foundation year.

However, after many tearful 3am calls and an assessment instigated and organised by his Uni, he got support. This transformed his life and changed his perception on Uni study.

Some Uni's are much better at Pastoral care than others, But cannot act on support unless they are aware of your needs.

To be nervous is natural and for many, change does present concern. My advice would be to take each day at a time. Be prepared that you will have good and bad days, as all of us do.

For my son the experience overall has been hugely empowering and a his confidence has grown greatly. It seems you've chosen a Uni reasonably close to family, so if on the odd weekend you do want to pop home for a natter it's not undoable. My son is over 400 miles away.

Embrace studying your favourite subject and enjoy the experience.

Wish you luck

Coogybear XX