Choosing a university

After going to several university open days my 19 year old Aspergers son has made his choice. I found his reasons interesting. I was suprised that major factors of choice was the quiet sleepy little town, the modern understated architecture, general peacefulness of the campus (corridors had sound duddening carpets), ceilings were relatively low, plenty of green space, and lots of fancy technology. The set talk by the professors, to me seemed garbled and exuberant as they enthused about the intricacies of computer science. I whispered to my son that they were clearly all nutcases. His eyes were bright and he had one of his rare smiles, and agreed with a resounding 'Yes!' Later, when talking with the lectueres/students we mentioned his aspergers, and they told him that he would 'fit right in.' They were all very welcoming and enthusiastic about their subject and the possibilities of the industry.

Other universities were more businesslike, with grand architecture, in busy cities,the staff a little more cool with a little too much emphasis on how many millions had just been spent on infrastructure. I guess all of them want his fees ultimately, but my son has chosen the quiet one (also a lot further down on the 'best unis' lists). It was also the last one we saw and considered as a possible insurance choice should be muck up his exams as he often does. He says, all he wants to do is learn and he thought it the best one for that, even if he got high grades.

Then, just a few days ago the uni announced that it was closing the campus down in 2016 and almagamating with their other campus in a busy city. This would all happen part way through his course there and the disruption might be tricky for my son. Having a rethink. I know it's just coincidence but why is nothing EVER straight forward for him when my other 2 sons (NT) just seem to sail through life? Smile

Parents
  • He has applied to Aberystwyth as it is not too far away and quite a cosy sort of uni really with low crime rates and has the highest student satisfaction. He has also just taken a scholarship exam for this one. I don't know of its reputation. If anything, it is seen as a bit of a joke uni because it is so far away from everything and of course, very Welsh. The others he has applied to are in England and a bit more 'new'. He doesn't feel particularly stuck to Wales, either for a university or his future afterwards. It's a very pretty place but there's not a lot going on (unless you are in the very south of Wales -might as well be London as there are no decent transport links to country Wales).

    Agree about the nonsense of league tables, we have unpleasant history with this kind of political trickery, awkward with someone who does not fit the standard 'sausage factory' education system. A Russell group uni is not in the running as he hasn't got enough of the right qualifications (that Diploma you mentioned is not always accepted). I hope for the liberating, blossoming thing you mentioned, and independence and confidence, even if it is for 3/4 years. He would not be happy pushing a broom around a warehouse all day. It would be a waste of a bright mind.

    I think attitudes for people on the spectrum are already changing, though its slow. Currently it seems to be rather cool to be geeky. Hopefully the workplace will catch on. The universities seem on top of it, from what I read and hear. The best one for this is not his favourite though!

    My middle son is bound for a Russell Group, he has all the right tickets and has had a couple of years travel to boost his confidence and learn other skills. My daughter went to uni because she didn't want to work in a shop (what a reason!) but was very shy. It was the making of her and she is now a teacher. My eldest son (head boy of his school) decided not to waste his time at uni and got a very good job after A levels and is very happy and well paid. They have all had hoops to jump through to progress, but my youngest seems to get caught up in the hoops because of his aspergers, a shame.

Reply
  • He has applied to Aberystwyth as it is not too far away and quite a cosy sort of uni really with low crime rates and has the highest student satisfaction. He has also just taken a scholarship exam for this one. I don't know of its reputation. If anything, it is seen as a bit of a joke uni because it is so far away from everything and of course, very Welsh. The others he has applied to are in England and a bit more 'new'. He doesn't feel particularly stuck to Wales, either for a university or his future afterwards. It's a very pretty place but there's not a lot going on (unless you are in the very south of Wales -might as well be London as there are no decent transport links to country Wales).

    Agree about the nonsense of league tables, we have unpleasant history with this kind of political trickery, awkward with someone who does not fit the standard 'sausage factory' education system. A Russell group uni is not in the running as he hasn't got enough of the right qualifications (that Diploma you mentioned is not always accepted). I hope for the liberating, blossoming thing you mentioned, and independence and confidence, even if it is for 3/4 years. He would not be happy pushing a broom around a warehouse all day. It would be a waste of a bright mind.

    I think attitudes for people on the spectrum are already changing, though its slow. Currently it seems to be rather cool to be geeky. Hopefully the workplace will catch on. The universities seem on top of it, from what I read and hear. The best one for this is not his favourite though!

    My middle son is bound for a Russell Group, he has all the right tickets and has had a couple of years travel to boost his confidence and learn other skills. My daughter went to uni because she didn't want to work in a shop (what a reason!) but was very shy. It was the making of her and she is now a teacher. My eldest son (head boy of his school) decided not to waste his time at uni and got a very good job after A levels and is very happy and well paid. They have all had hoops to jump through to progress, but my youngest seems to get caught up in the hoops because of his aspergers, a shame.

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