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A special transition event to help students with a neurodiversity to overcome their anxiety around starting university has taken place at the ÃÛÌÒÖ±²¥.

The two-day event was an opportunity for those students due to start their studies in September and who may have difficulty with the transition to independent living, to take part in a mix of activities and meet new friends.

The students were joined by current students from the University for activities that included a Counselling and Mental Health lecture, Student Support and Wellbeing lecture, a money advice session, a walking tour of the different campuses and key areas in Worcester, social activities with the Students’ Union, and archery at Lakeside Campus.

A number also spent the night in a typical student flat in halls of residence, enjoying a film evening and an opportunity to view their allocated rooms for September.

Beverley Sykes, Interim Disability Services Manager at the University, said: “The aim of the transition event was to help reduce the anxiety around aspects of university life that could prove challenging to some students. We had 20 students attend this year which was over double the attendees from last year and the feedback has been extremely positive and encouraging.” 

Student Mia, who is going to be studying Biology at Worcester, said: “I looked at seven universities and Worcester was the most accommodating and accepting. I didn’t feel like I was an inconvenience.

“This event has been encouraging, having the opportunity to be with other people who understand how I feel. It’s good to share with others how we each cope with life and makes me feel that I’m not alone.”

Niamh has a place on the University’s Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (SENDI) degree. “It [the transition event] has been awesome,” she said. “Everything has been broken down for us. This was one of the reasons I chose Worcester, the difference in the level of support. The staff are really good.”