2 Thinking of going to college?

So you are thinking of going to college? That’s great! You may have lots of questions about what it will be like.

We have adapted this toolkit (developed in conjunction with autistic students as part of the Autism&Uni Project) to help answer some of those questions.

This post is a good place to start – but feel free to explore the toolkit in whatever order you like. And wherever you end up studying – the very best of luck!

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6 Choosing a course

This article will help you decide what to study, and at which university. We provide practical tips on how to compare universities, how to prepare for open days and who to talk to at these events.

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7 Entry routes to college

Find out more about applying to college in Ireland generally, and about the special entry schemes (such as DARE) that are available for students with disabilities or other conditions.

 

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8 Arranging supports in college

You may like or need to get some support when you start college.

You are also entitled to ‘reasonable accommodations’ – these are adjustments that enable you to participate in the academic assessment process on a fair basis.

Find out how to arrange appropriate support and reasonable accommodations that work for you.

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10 Starting your first year on the right track

Starting college is a huge adjustment for most students and the first few weeks of the first semester can feel very overwhelming. Read on to find out what issues may arise and practical advice on how to manage – and start your studies on the right track.

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14 How to make the most of meeting your Advisor

After you have registered with the DSS and had your Needs Assessment, you can meet your advisor again to check in and discuss any issues or questions you may have.

This post explains what you should do to set up the meeting and how best to prepare to make the most of it.

Please note all meetings with advisors are currently being held online, and not in-person on campus.

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15 How to get organized and manage your time

This article looks at the importance of organizing and managing your time effectively as a student. It explores some of the challenges autistic students can experience in this area, and offers some guidance on how to improve your own time management and organization.

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16 Telling people about your autism

By talking about your autism and advocating for yourself, you make an important step towards feeling comfortable with others. Registering with the Disability Support Service is a formal way of letting the University know you may need accommodations or supports, but this does not mean everyone you meet will know you have a diagnosis of autism (or even understand what that means). It is up to you who you tell or don’t tell – it is your choice.

This activity introduces the advantages of being open about your autism, and give some practical tips.

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18 How to manage exams

This section looks at how to manage exams. This includes information about what to expect, how to prepare for an exam and practical tips to help you perform well.

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20 Making the most of tutorials

Tutorials provide an opportunity to explore topics by discussion, and to identify and resolve any questions that may arise after lectures.  This section will look at how to prepare for a tutorial, and what to expect from one.

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21 Making the most of group work

Working in a group with other students is part and parcel of university study. Quite a few people worry about it, and some have real problems with it. This activity looks at the main issues people have with group work and gives you some practical tips for your own study.

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22 Making the most of computer lab sessions

On technical courses such as Computer Science,  you will spend a lot of tutorial time in a computer lab. Whilst you’ll often focus on what you’re coding or designing, you may also take part in discussions and group tasks, like in a traditional tutorial. Read this article to learn more about the nature of computer lab sessions.

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24 Making the most of online learning

Due to COVID-19, many lectures and tutorials that would have taken place on campus will now take place online. Everyone (staff and students alike!) is adjusting to this new way of learning. This post looks at some of the challenges that online learning may pose as well as some of the positives. There are also helpful tips on how to make the most of online learning from fellow students.

 

 

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