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Whether you’ve just started at UQ or you’re a continuing student looking for ideas, I’ve got you. Starting at UQ as an autistic/neurodivergent student is pretty difficult – while it’s started to improve in recent years, the path is still cloudy and a lot of the help available is hidden behind hours of research. Now that I’ve been at UQ for almost 3 years, I’ve managed to figure out what works best for me and what might work for others like me.
The first thing I’d recommend is going to the Disability Collective (DisCo). I might be a bit biased here as one of the Disability Officers this year, but I only began to get more involved because of how much the Collective helped me when I was in need. The thing is, being neurodivergent in a world of neurotypicals can be isolating, exhausting and that’s often the case at university too…unless you find the right people. For me that was meeting people in DisCo and going to the autism meetups – being able to socialise and unmask was so refreshing and made me feel at home. I can’t promise the exact same for you, but I would recommend giving it a go and attending some of our events!
Next, I’d recommend using UQ’s services, specifically booking an appointment with an Accessibility and Welfare Advisor. You can talk about and, if you want, implement a Student Access Plan and Exam Adjustments which will give you adjustments in class (e.g. not being called on for questions, can wear headphones, can be absent) and exams (e.g. extra time, break time, earplugs, computer). The Neurodivergent Hub is another great UQ initiative, they currently host ADHD group coaching, Neurodivergent meetups and mentoring. They also offer a Tertiary Transition Toolbox program for first years! UQ also offers wellbeing programs, 10 free counselling sessions per year, and their Academic and Learning Advisors can help with program related issues and academic skills/learning assistance respectively.
I’d also recommend joining clubs & societies. Obviously this is something plastered all over O-week info packets but honestly joining clubs based on your special interest or regular interests can be so good for your social life and enjoyment. Doesn’t matter if it’s the Doctor Who Club (would recommend), Bakeology, Games society, Football society or Karaoke Club, just join any that YOU personally are interested in and want to go to – ignore the “social ramifications” which we often make up in our heads. Join any other UQU Collective you identify with whether that’s the Queer Collective, International Collective, Women’s Collective or Goorie Berrimpa or an interest-based collective like the Student Rights Collective or Environment Collective. There’s also the Association of Postgraduate Students (APS) for any Postgraduate Coursework and Research students!
Finally, I’d like to ask you to be kind to yourself. University can be different, difficult and it can be a bit isolating at times – this isn’t your fault, it’s the system. You might stumble, you might struggle at times, but I think it’s important to try to remember that. Please reach out for support when you need it, you can always reach out to us at DisCo, UQ or UQ Union if you’re struggling or you need help. Any of us would be happy to support you and point you in the right direction.
Written by Joshua Nichols
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