You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis of autism to access the activities, events and support organised by Inclusive Support.

Autistic student stories: What to expect at Sheffield Hallam University

Here are some personal stories from autistic students about their university experiences.

• Video on Anthony’s university experience (and supporting transcript).
• Written piece on Jack’s university experience.
• Video on Alex’s university experience.

Information day

We have an information day for pre-entry autistic students each July. The aim of the day is to help you become familiar with the University, to learn about some of the support available, to meet some staff and, if you want to, to socialise with each other.

We email invitations, followed by detailed information of the event, to students who declare that they are autistic in their application to the University. We normally send the invitations each April or May.  

Orientation: Finding your way around

• AccessAble - images of the University, information about its buildings and facilities.
• Getting around the University, including info on the room numbering system.
• Maps of City Campus and Collegiate Campus.
• City Campus virtual tour
• Collegiate Campus virtual tour
• Info about the lifts in Owen building: They work differently to other lifts. You choose the floor you want to get to using a touch screen before you get into the lift. The system then tells you which lift number to get in. The lift will automatically take you to your floor. It might also stop at some other floors.

Peer support/social activities

Organised by Inclusive Support

We organise social activities for pre-entry autistic students in August and September. We continue to organise social and peer support activities throughout the year.

Students’ Union

The Students' Union has a lot of societies. Joining a society can be a good way to meet people who share your interests. Here is a template email (DOCX, 12.3KB) that you can use to contact any societies you would like to join.

Parents/Supporting adults

You may have enquiries about your child but we may not always be able to answer them. You can read our privacy notice regarding sharing information here. We do know that the transition to university can be a big change for parents and supporting adults as well as for students. Please see our Parents and Carers web page for information and advice.

Quiet Spaces 

For rest 

There is a quiet room in the Multifaith Space, Level 2 Owen Building. It is a good place to go to get away from the often busy university environment.

For study 

The libraries have silent and quiet areas for study.

Further support/information

Useful apps