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.
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.
Orientation Week sessions: Week commencing 16 September
DDSS is delivering sessions and activities for disabled students during the University’s Orientation Week. Booking is not required to attend any of the following sessions:
Monday 16th September
One-to-one wellbeing drop-in session with a Specialist Mentor from DDSS
12pm to 1pm, Students’ Union building, View Room 1
This session is for disabled students who would like to talk to a mentor about how the start of their week is going, now that they’ve arrived in Sheffield. Our mentors can provide wellbeing support and signposting and they can share details about the selection of workshops being delivered during semester one to support disabled students in making a positive transition to university life.
Tuesday 17th September
One-to-one drop-in session with DDSS
10am to 11:30am, Students’ Union building, View Room 1
We can provide you with an introduction to the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and explain how to start setting up support for your studies.
DDSS Social group
5pm to 7pm, Council Room in Firth Court
Alison Jones from the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and Disability Champions (current students) are hosting an informal social group for students. Feel free to bring a board game to play! The Disability Champions will also be happy to chat about their experience/tips/advice for starting university and this is an opportunity to meet new people in a supportive environment.
Wednesday 18th September
One-to-one drop-in session with DDSS
10am to 11:30am, Students’ Union building, View Room 1
We can provide you with an introduction to the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and explain how to start setting up support for your studies.
One-to-one wellbeing drop-in session with a Specialist Mentor from DDSS
12pm to 1pm, Students’ Union building, View Room 1
This session is for disabled students who would like to talk to a mentor about how their week is going. Our mentors can provide wellbeing support and signposting and they can share details about the selection of workshops being delivered during semester one to support disabled students in making a positive transition to university life.
Social group for autistic students
5pm to 7pm: Council Room in Firth Court
This group is open to all autistic students, including those who are self-diagnosed or undiagnosed. Staff from Spectrum First assist with the running of the group sessions but it’s very much a student-led group. This social group is a great way to meet others who identify as being autistic.
Thursday 19th September
Top tips to making a good start at university
1pm to 2:30pm, Students’ Union building, View Room 4
Based on our extensive knowledge of supporting disabled students, our Specialist Mentors will be delivering a group session that aims to support you in making the best possible start at university. The session will provide you with top tips on things to do in the first few weeks at university, to help you make a smooth transition. It will also include a range of suggestions from previous students on what they did (or should have done) to make the best start, as well as what to do if you have a problem or need support.
One-to-one drop-in session with DDSS
2:30pm to 3:30pm: Students’ Union building, View Room 4
We can provide you with an introduction to the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and explain how to start setting up support for your studies.
Friday 20th September
One-to-one drop-in session with DDSS
10am to 11:30am, Students’ Union building, View Room 4
We can provide you with an introduction to the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and explain how to start setting up support for your studies.
Welcome Week sessions: Week commencing 23 September
DDSS is delivering sessions and activities for disabled students during the university’s Welcome Week. Booking is not required to attend any of the following sessions:
Monday 23rd September
One-to-one wellbeing drop-in session with a Specialist Mentor from DDSS
12pm to 2pm, Students’ Union building, View Rooms 1 and 4 (you can go to either room)
This session is for disabled students who would like to talk to a mentor about how the start of their week is going. Our mentors can provide wellbeing support and signposting, and they can share details about the selection of workshops being delivered during semester one to support disabled students in making a positive transition to university life.
One-to-one drop-in session with DDSS
2pm to 3pm, Students’ Union building, View Room 4
We can provide you with an introduction to the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and explain how to start setting up support for your studies.
DDSS Social group
5pm to 7pm, Council Room in Firth Court
Alison Jones from the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and Disability Champions (current students) are hosting an informal social group for students. Feel free to bring a board game to play! The Disability Champions will also be happy to chat about their experience, tips, and advice for starting university and this is an opportunity to meet new people in a supportive environment.
Tuesday 24th September
Top tips to making a good start at university
10:30am to 12pm, The Alfred Denny Conference Room, Alfred Denny Building (the conference room is across the corridor from the DDSS office)
Based on our extensive knowledge of supporting disabled students, our Specialist Mentors will be delivering a group session that aims to support you in making the best possible start at university. The session will provide you with top tips on things to do in the first few weeks at university, to help you make a smooth transition. It will also include a range of suggestions from previous students on what they did (or should have done) to make the best start as well as what to do if you have a problem or need support.
One-to-one wellbeing drop-in session with a Specialist Mentor from DDSS
12pm to 2pm, Students’ Union building, View Room 4
This session is for disabled students who would like to talk to a mentor about how their week is going. Our mentors can provide wellbeing support and signposting and they can share details about the selection of workshops being delivered during semester one to support disabled students in making a positive transition to university life.
Social group for autistic students
5pm to 7pm, Council Room in Firth Court
This group is open to all autistic students, including those who are self-diagnosed or undiagnosed. Staff from Spectrum First assist with the running of the group sessions but it’s very much a student-led group. This social group is a great way to meet others who identify as being autistic.
Wednesday 25th September
One-to-one drop-in session with DDSS
12pm to 2pm: Students’ Union building, View Room 4
We can provide you with an introduction to the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and explain how to start setting up support for your studies.
Thursday 26th September
One-to-one wellbeing drop-in session with a Specialist Mentor from DDSS
12pm to 2pm,m Students’ Union building, View Rooms 1 and 4 (you can go to either room)
This session is for disabled students who would like to talk to a mentor about how their week is going. Our mentors can provide wellbeing support and signposting and they can share details about the selection of workshops being delivered during semester one to support disabled students in making a positive transition to university life.
Disabled student social
5pm to 7pm, Committee Central, Level 2, Students’ Union (Enter the Students’ Union via the East Entrance next to Interval Bar and turn left, then left again)
This is an informal social event which will be facilitated by Specialist Mentors from DDSS and current students. Feel free to bring a board game! You’ll be welcome to chat about how your week is going.
Friday 27th September
One-to-one wellbeing drop-in session with a Specialist Mentor from DDSS
12pm to 2pm, Students’ Union building, View Room 4
This session is for disabled students who would like to talk to a mentor about how their week is going. Our mentors can provide wellbeing support and signposting and they can share details about the selection of workshops being delivered during semester one to support disabled students in making a positive transition to university life.
One-to-one drop-in session with DDSS
2pm to 3pm, Students’ Union building, View Room 4
We can provide you with an introduction to the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service and explain how to start setting up support for your studies
Past events
Transition event for autistic applicants: Introduction to university support and preparing for university
Monday 8 July 2024
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.