We offer a broad range of support for autistic students, helping with your transition to university, and making sure you're supported throughout your time at Kent.
Before you start university, we can provide induction into university life via orientation programmes. Once you have applied, you can arrange an initial meeting with a Disability Adviser to register for support. This can happen over the summer before you arrive, or after you enrol.
The Disability Adviser will assist you to plan and organise your support, and will provide links to mental health specialist teams. We can be contacted at any stage in your academic progress.
Students with autistic spectrum conditions can remain in campus accommodation for the duration of their course.
If you're thinking of applying to stay on campus, please make sure you look out for the key dates on the accommodation webpages so that we can support you with your application in time for the accommodation deadline.
Assess your support needs and possibly refer you for other services including dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD services, or refer for mental health support.
Provide information for attending peer support network groups.
Organise Specialist Mentor appointments. Concerns such anxiety about relationships, independent living, social interaction when living on campus, or prioritising study and coursework can be talked over.
Social support groups
The neurodivergent community at the University of Kent is proactive and we welcome new ideas and activities. To make suggestions, please contact AutismSupport@kent.ac.uk
The 'University of Kent Autistics' group (UoKA) is a student-led group who meet for two hours a week. 'So You're Autistic?' is an eight week support programme teaching those with a diagnosis, awaiting a diagnosis, or who think they might be autistic, how to be their authentic autistic self, and to understand what being autistic means for you.