Here at the University of Reading, we are here to support your university journey. We realise that University life and studies can at times feel overwhelming, so we have highlighted the opportunities and resource available to neurodiverse students, to help you thrive at the University of Reading.
Please remember that the Disability Advisory Service is with you every step of the way, and you can contact the team via email (disability@reading.ac.uk), you can call 0118 378 4202 every weekday between 10am and 4pm, or visit the team in the Carrington Building between 10am and 4pm.
Supporting and empowering your university journey
The Disability Advisory Service (DAS) is available to applicant students. We encourage students to register with DAS as early as possible so we are aware of your needs so that necessary support adjustments can be arranged for you.
Early Start Programme
At the beginning of each academic year, DAS co-ordinates Early Start, a small event for some students with Autism who are new to the University of Reading.
The Early Start programme allows Autistic students to move into University accommodation earlier than the main student cohort, to reduce the sensory overload of the experience and allow a quieter time to begin acclimatising to a new location and education setting, as well as offering a programme of events throughout the rest of year.
Spaces on Early Start are limited and it often operates with a waiting list, so we cannot guarantee a place. Please contact DAS at the earliest opportunity to register your interest.
The Disability Advisory Service (DAS) provides information, advice and guidance to current students and applicants who register with our service due to a disability, specific learning difference, long term medical or mental health condition.
The team can help with Creating Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), advising teaching staff on reasonable adjustments, applying for funding through the Disabled Students Allowances, liaising with other University teams and support services, and more.
To use the Disability Advisory Service you will need to register with the service. To do this follow these steps:
1. Login to RISIS
2. Click on the ‘What to do next’ container on your RISIS home page
3. Select the option to begin/continue a registration form
You can find more information about registering with the service and how the team can support you on the DAS webpages. We encourage students to register with DAS as early as possible so we are aware of your needs so that necessary support adjustments can be arranged for you.
Accessing DAS support without a diagnosis
A full diagnosis is not necessarily required in order to access support and adjustments at the University of Reading. We encourage you to contact us regardless of how far through an assessment process you are as we may still have options for supporting you.
If you feel you have neurodiverse traits and are interested in a full assessment, or aren’t sure what steps to take next, DAS can provide confidential advice and guidance including on potential referral routes and how the process works.
If you receive a full diagnosis while studying with us, whether you are already registered with our service or not, please contact us so that we can review your support.
If University life feels overwhelming there are specialist teams available to help you. You can speak to a member of the Student Welfare Team about any worries you are experiencing. They will ensure you receive the support and guidance you need, and may in turn refer you to the Disability Advisory Service for adjustments to help you at University.
The Wisdom app is also available with 24/7 support via live chat and web call. Trained professionals are available to support you with any personal questions, worries or advice you might need as a student at the University of Reading. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Mental Health and Wellbeing webpages on Essentials also contain wellbeing information about weekly wellbeing events, Life Tools talks and self-help guides to help you check-in with your wellbeing.
The Disability Advisory Service have social and academic mentors who offer 1 to 1 support to students on their university journey.
Academic Mentors can help with organising your work, understanding assignment briefs, creating effective revision plans and communicating with departments.
Social Mentors are there to help with planning social activities, and to be helping hand if there’s a society or event you’d like to join, or a familiar face when trying a new social activity on campus.
Autistic social network
The Autistic Social Network is an inclusive social group. You can come along to sit and listen or join in with the conversations, or even bring a board game with you. Come as often as you want, it's completely up to you. Members do not have to be formally diagnosed or registered with the Disability Advisory Service.
Weekly wellbeing events
The Weekly Wellbeing Events webpage contains a summary of wellbeing events taking place across our campuses and in the local area every day of the week during term time.
Student Life Events
Student Life Events are free no-alcohol social events hosted throughout the year! Meet new people, enjoy board games, crafting and snacks. The full schedule of upcoming Student Life Events can be accessed on the events section of the Me@Reading student portal.
There's no need to sign up, just come along on the day - we'd love to see you there!
Reading Students’ Union
Reading Students’ Union host events throughout the year, as well as events with a focus on neurodivergence, these are advertised on their events webpage.
There are also societies and networks you can join, head to the Student Opportunities webpage to find student opportunities that match your interest.
Nervous about making friends? Check out the Life Tools video about making friends and living with new people.
There are lots of quiet spaces on campus for you to take a moment to recharge. The University of Reading’s Chaplaincy has options for quiet spaces and mindfulness activities.
Reading Students' Union also have quiet spaces you can access and their wellbeing hub in upper 3Sixty. The Wellbeing hub is a space you can come to chill out in for a bit of peace and quiet throughout the day, it’s open 9am to 5pm every weekday with bean bags, helpful posters, books, leaflets and massage chairs.
You are also welcome to use any classroom that has not been pre-booked.
Level four of the Library is also the dedicated space for silent study.