The Transition Programme is for disabled and neurodivergent students starting at the University of Southampton in the new academic year including students with long-term health conditions, mental health conditions and specific learning differences.
Our Transition Programme 2024 incorporates a range of informative activities to ensure that your support arrangements are in place as you begin your studies. On this page, you can request specialist support, view our upcoming activities as well as find resources, tips and advice to help with the transition to university life.
We are offering a series of bespoke activities during the Welcome period. These optional activities are designed to support you with the transition to life at the University of Southampton. Please be aware that places are limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. If you are interested in attending any of our activities, please complete our expression of interest form in the blue box below.
For more information about the Student Disability and Inclusion team, take a look at the short video below.
Don't forget to request specialist support - an important step in accessing support such as reasonable adjustments for your course.
View our resources page to assist you and your supporters with your transition to University.
If you require a bespoke 1:1 tour, please contact us via The Student Hub .
Overview: Accessible tours of Highfield Campus' main support facilities, including quieter study spaces.
Duration: This tour will last approximately one hour.
Group size: Maximum of 6 attendees per tour.
Dates:
You can book a timed slot for any of these days by completing the expression of interest form - link coming soon!
However, if you would prefer not to book, drop-in tours will be running at 3pm on each of the dates listed above. Just come to Building 38 and ask for the Student Disability and Inclusion team.
Overview: Accessible tours from Highfield Campus to Avenue Campus, including a tour around Avenue Campus facilities.
Duration: Tours will last approximately 1 hour.
Group size: Maximum of 6 attendees per tour.
Date: Tuesday 24 September.
You can book a timed slot for this day by completing the expression of interest form - link coming soon!
However, if you would prefer not to book, drop-in tours will be running at 3pm on this date. Just come to Building 38 and ask for the Student Disability and Inclusion team.
Overview: An opportunity to travel some of the popular UniLink bus routes with a member of the Student Disability and Inclusion team. All routes can be return journeys if requested.
Bus routes:
Duration: Tours will last approximately 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Group size: Maximum of 3 attendees per tour.
Dates:
You can book a timed slot for any of these days by completing the expression of interest form - link coming soon!
Overview: Orientation of Hartley Library.
Duration: Tours will last approximately 45 minutes.
Group size: Maximum of 6 attendees per tour.
Dates:
You can book a timed slot for either of these days by completing the expression of interest form - link coming soon!
However, if you would prefer not to book, drop-in tours will be running at 3pm on this date. Just come to Building 38 and ask for the Student Disability and Inclusion team.
If you are interested in attending any of the events below, please complete our expression of interest form - link coming soon!
Overview: During Welcome Weekend there are several fun activities for you to get involved in across 4 different zones at Highfield Campus.
Duration: Early access to the Welcome Zone will last approximately 1 hour. After this time, other students will start accessing the event.
Group size: 6 attendees per group.
Dates and times:
11:00-12:00:
Overview: The Fair is an opportunity to learn about the services available to you during your time at University. The Student Disability and Inclusion team can provide supported access to this event.
Duration: Supported access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. Please be aware that the Student Life Fair will be open to all students at this time, but typically the 9am slot tends to be quieter.
Group size: 6 attendees per group.
Date and time: Wednesday 25 September at 09:00.
Overview: If you are interested in finding out more about clubs or societies, then the Bun Fight is for you. You will have the opportunity to meet members of the clubs and societies to find out more information and you can even sign up on the day. The Student Disability and Inclusion Team can provide supported access to this event.
Duration: Supported access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. Please be aware that the Bunfight will be open to all students at this time, but typically the 9am slot tends to be quieter.
Group size: 6 attendees per group.
Date and time: Thursday 26 September at 09:00.
Overview: During the Freshers' Fair events, you can expect many external companies offering 'freebies' to engage you with their brands. The Student Disability and Inclusion Team can provide supported access to this event.
Duration: Supported access to this event will last approximately 1 hour. Please be aware that the Freshers Fair will be open to all students at this time, but typically the 9am slot tends to be quieter.
Group size: 6 attendees per group.
Date and time: Friday 27 September at 09:00.
If you are interested in attending any of the events below, please complete our expression of interest form - link coming soon!
Overview: This online presentation will include information about the Student Disability and Inclusion Team’s support offer advice and guidance on how to contact the team and an opportunity to ask any questions.
Duration: This presentation will last approximately one hour.
Group size: This presentation will be given to no more than 50 people.
Dates and times:
Overview: Would you like an opportunity to meet other disabled students starting at the University? The Student Disability and Inclusion team are holding an informal social and relax event to encourage students to spend some time getting to know one another and make some new friends as they embark on their university journey together. There will be tea, coffee and some snacks provided. You will also have the opportunity to speak to some of our current students about their time at university so far.
Duration: This event will last 2 hours.
Group size: Maximum of 25 attendees.
Date and time: Wednesday 2 October from 14:00 – 16:00.
Overview:
During this workshop, students will meet the coordinators in Student Disability and Inclusion to complete their application paperwork for the
Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)
. We will answer your DSA-related questions and book any bespoke DSA Support Session with you if needed.
Please note: You may complete the DSA application process independently if you prefer. More information can be found on our dedicated
DSA page
.
Duration: This workshop will last 2 hours.
Group size: To be confirmed.
Dates and times:
Both workshops will run from 14:00 – 16:00.
Overview: Welcome to the University of Southampton! Specifically designed for autistic students (diagnosed or self-diagnosed), this session will provide you with an introduction to the Autism Matters team, an overview of the upcoming workshops and how to access support during your time at the University of Southampton.
Duration: This workshop will last 1 hour.
Group size: Online: maximum of 30 attendees. In-person: maximum of 25 attendees.
Dates and times:
Overview: This is an informal session for all autistic students and those awaiting diagnosis. This is a chance to relax, meet other autistic students, play board games, and chat with our Specialist Practitioners about any concerns you may have.
Duration: This in-person session will last 2 hours.
Group size: Maximum of 25 attendees.
Date and time:
Overview: This workshop by the team who look after exam adjustments and assessments for specific learning differences (SpLDs) is for anyone who has a learning need that impacts their studies and exams. If you do not have an official diagnosis of a learning need (e.g. SpLD, dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia), we offer a free screening questionnaire for anyone who thinks that they might have a specific learning difference. You might have a specific learning difference if:
As well as the screening questionnaire, we also have specialist software and study skills that can help.
Duration: This workshop will last 1 hour.
Group size: Online: maximum of 30 attendees. In-person: maximum of 25 attendees.
Dates and times:
Overview: Would you like some free software to help you with your learning? Come along to this chat with Rob from Student Disability and Inclusion who will be introducing the range of assistive software available to you during your time here at the University of Southampton. During this session, we will be introducing software to help you overcome challenges you may experience with reading, spelling, grammar or planning.
Duration: This workshop will last 1 hour.
Group size: Online: maximum of 30 attendees. In-person: maximum of 25 attendees.
Dates and times:
The meeting point for transition activities will be sent to students when their bookings are confirmed following completion of the expression of interest form. For activities that don't need booking, the meeting point has been given in the description above and guides to these locations are below.
Use the University’s digital campus map to help you navigate your way to the meeting points. Alternatively, you can use our maps and directions below.
For most activities, the Student Disability and Inclusion Team will be wearing dark blue t-shirts. You can see the design of the t-shirt below.