Transition to University
Starting university can feel exciting, but it can also be challenging. We are here to help and support disabled applicants to make the transition to the University of Sheffield.
We will be running a number of different transition activities and events in September. This page will be regularly updated with details of these events over the coming weeks and months.
Transition event for autistic applicants: Introduction to university support and preparing for university
Monday 8 July 2024, 9:45am to 4pm
Booking to attend this event has now closed.
This transition event is specifically for applicants who identify as autistic (including applicants who are currently seeking an autism diagnosis).
By attending this on-campus event, we hope that you will feel more prepared and confident about starting university.
The event will include the following:
- Current autistic students will talk about their experience of university and accessing support. The students will be available throughout the day to answer your questions and to provide advice about preparing for university.
- The Disability and Dyslexia Support Service will deliver an information talk regarding the support available for autistic students.
- The specialist mentors will facilitate a workshop to focus on preparing for university.
- Clare Thompson, a disability adviser for autistic students, will be present throughout the event and you’ll have the opportunity to ask her questions.
- Residence Life (the University’s accommodation support service) will deliver a talk to explain their role in supporting students.
- An opportunity to meet other applicants.
Online transition sessions: Week commencing 2 September
To help you feel confident and prepared for making the transition to university, we're delivering a programme of online sessions which you are welcome to attend. It's not compulsory that you attend the sessions, but we hope that you will join us if you are able to.
If you would like to attend any of the sessions, register by filling out the corresponding booking form by midday on Wednesday 28 August 2024. We'll then send you the link to join the session via email later that afternoon.
The online sessions will be delivered online through Google Meet.
We'll also have some in-person sessions and activities during Orientation and Intro Week that you can join. Details of these will be posted here when finalised.
Welcome to our online transition programme
Monday 2 September, 10am to 11am
In this session, we will welcome you to our transition programme. During this informal session, you can check that you know how to join and participate in a Google Meet session. We’ll give you further information about the activities in the transition programme.
An introduction to the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS)
Monday 2 September, 5pm to 6.30pm
Learn more about DDSS, including the types of support available and how to set up support. We will also share information about Disabled Students’ Allowances. You'll also hear from current students about their experience of accessing DDSS, and there will be time for you to ask questions about DDSS support.
Supporting your mental health at university
Tuesday 3 September, 10am to 11.30am
Mental Health Advisers will share practical advice and strategies for maintaining good mental health during your university transition, and provide information about the mental health support services available to students.
Top tips to making a good start at university and an introduction to Specialist Mentoring
Tuesday 3 September, 2pm - 3.30pm
Our Specialist Mentors have extensive knowledge of supporting disabled students. They will tell you about their services and how to access them.
They'll share top tips on things to do to prepare for university and the first few weeks, to help you make a smooth transition. This will include suggestions from previous students on what they did, or could have done, to make the best start as well as what to do if you have a problem or need support.
Student experiences
Wednesday 4 September, 10am to 11.30am
Gain insights from current students about what worked well for them and what they might have done differently when they started at the University of Sheffield. The students will provide their tips and advice about being a university student.
Residence Life
Wednesday 4 September, 2pm to 3.30pm
The University’s Residence Life team will provide information about the support that is available within University accommodation, and provide their tips and advice.
An introduction to the SpLD Tutorial Service
Thursday 5 September, 10am to 11.30am
Eleanor Machin (Study Skills Tutor) will introduce the role of the specialist Study Skills Tutor for students who have a specific learning difference (SpLD, including dyslexia), autism and/or ADHD (this support would usually be approved through Disabled Students' Allowances for those students that are eligible to apply).
The session will also introduce the study skills services offered by the University, which can be accessed by any student. Eleanor will include tips on active reading strategies and essay writing, with directions to online resources.
An introduction to Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA)
Friday 6 September, 10am to 11.30am
Disabled applicants who are UK nationals can apply for DSA. The allowance helps to pay for any extra study-related costs you might incur at university due to a disability. Applicants don’t always realise that they’re eligible to apply for DSA, or that the allowance will go with them to whichever university they study at.
Eligibility for DSA: detailed information about who is eligible to apply for DSA can be found on our DSA web page.