Autistic spectrum
I am on the Autistic Spectrum
Q: What academic support is available?
A: In order for academic support to be put in place it is important that you arrange to meet with a Disability Adviser. The Disability Adviser will discuss your particular needs and tailor the academic support to meet these. Academic support may include access to notetakers for lectures, extra time in exams, study skills tutor etc. It is your responsibility to initiate a meeting with the Disability Adviser to ensure that the academic support you require is put in place.
Q: Am I required to register with the Disability team every year?
A: You are required to register with the Disability Team annually so that a review of your support can be carried out to ensure that your needs are being fully met. It is your responsibility to arrange an appointment with a member of the Disability Team. Please be aware that if you require exam arrangements you should ensure that you have registered with the disability team by the end of October for the December exams and by the end of March for the May exams. All examinations are arranged by the University's Exam office. Failure to register with the Disability Team may result in the Exam office being unable to provide you with the exam arrangements you require.
Q: How can I make an appointment with a disability adviser?
A: You can make an appointment to see a disability adviser in several ways. You can email the Disability Team. You can telephone on 01334 462720 or you can come along to their office on the second floor of the Students Union building anytime between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Q: Does the University require evidence of my Autistic Spectrum Disorder?
A: Before any support can be arranged the Disability Team will require up to date evidence (no older than 2 years). This evidence can be from your GP, Psychologist or Consultant. It is your responsibility to supply this. If you are unsure what evidence you need to provide or you are having difficulty in getting suitable evidence please contact the Disability Team.
Q: Is there any funding available to help cover the cost of academic support?
A: Disabled Student Allowance (DSA) is funding made to available to cover any extra costs that are directly related to your course that you may incur due to your disability. Please be aware that it does not cover disability related expenditure that you would need even if you were not a student.
For more information on eligibility and how to apply please go to the DSA information on our website.
Q: Does the University have any equipment (e.g. digital voice recorders, laptops etc) available to borrow?
A: Yes, the Disability Team has a range of equipment (e.g. laptops, digital voice recorders etc) that is available for students to borrow on a first come first served basis. To be eligible for borrowing a piece of equipment you must have supplied evidence of your disability and/or be in the process of applying for Disabled Student Allowance. Equipment can be borrowed on a semester by semester basis and you are responsible for ensuring that any borrowed equipment is returned in full working order. To make enquiries about borrowing items of equipment then please contact the Disability Team.
Q: Is there a disability contact in my academic department?
A: Yes, each department has a Disability Co-ordinator who is a member of staff responsible for students with Disabilities. The Disability Co-ordinator acts as a liaison between the Disability Team and the academic department. They are responsible for overseeing the implementation of teaching and examination arrangements. They will also be able to answer any course related questions you might have.
For the list of Disability Co-ordinators and their contact details please go to the Disability Co-ordinators information on our website.
Q: What student accommodation will suit my needs?
A: The University has a wide range of student accommodation-small and large, catered and self-catered, standard and ensuite. It is important that you select a hall that meets all your needs. The Disability Team can assist you in making that decision by liaising with Student Accommodation Services to organise a tour of the halls. We would strongly recommend that you view the residential accommodation before deciding on a hall so that any adaptations can be made before you arrive. Viewing the accommodation will also allow you to select the type room that will best suit your needs.
For further guidance and information on the University's residences Undergraduate / Postgraduate
Q: I will need assistance to live independently, how do I organise this?
A: If you are a UK student and require assistance to live independently the Disability Team can assist you to contact the relevant external agencies, where appropriate, to arrange the support or care you may require. Arranging personal care can be a lengthy process so please contact the Disability Team as soon as possible.
If you are an EU or international student who will require personal care at University please contact the University Disability Team early on in the application process.
For more information on how to organise personal care please go to our Independent Living Guidance on our website.
Q: It might take me time to learn the layout of St Andrews, is their support available to help with my orientation around the town?
A: There is support available to help with your orientation around the town during the day or in the evening. Assistance with your orientation can be arranged through the Disability team.
Q: I might feel nervous attending societies on my own, is there someone who could go with me?
A: Attending a University Society or social event can be daunting however there is help at hand. Student Services has a team of peer support volunteers. A peer support volunteer may be able to go along to any social event or University society you might feel nervous about attending on your own. In addition to supporting you to attend societies and other social events peer support volunteers can assist you with finding you way around the University, using the University library or simply meeting with you once a week for a coffee. Please contact the Disability Team to arrange to meet with a peer support volunteer.
Q: I am feeling stressed and worried, is there someone in the University who I can regularly talk to?
A: If you are feeling stressed, worried or struggling to cope then the University has a team of counsellors who offer a non-judgmental, friendly and confidential service for all students. Counsellors are professionally trained and experiences. They provide an opportunity to talk through and seek help with any problems you are experiencing and when necessary they can also provide a link to other more specialised services.
You can contact the support advisers and counsellor by dropping in at Student Services on 1st Floor of the Students Union Building at any time between 9am and 5pm between Monday and Friday. You can also contact us by email or telephone on 01334 462720. Alternatively, a member of the Disability Team can make an appointment on your behalf.
Q: I am an international student and I take regular medication. Will I be able to get this medication on prescription in the UK?
A: Prior to arriving in St Andrews, it is important that you contact St Andrews Health Centre to find out whether or not your medication is available in the UK. Please do not assume that the same medication will be available since there are different licensing rules in the UK. Please ensure that before arriving at St Andrews you have made the necessary arrangements so that you are able to continue with the medical treatment you require.
For further information please go to the health care section of our website.