Students with complex conditions
We strongly recommend that students with complex difficulties or with social and communication conditions such as autism meet with an advisor before commencing their studies.
On this page:
- What do you need to know and do?
- Imperial websites to check out
- Information for students on the autistic spectrum
If you have been offered a place at Imperial, there are a few things to know and do before arriving to ensure you have the easiest transition to higher education possible.
What do you need to know and do?
Disclose
You can disclose on your UCAS application, student record or directly to us via email. To ensure reasonable adjustments can be made for you, we advise you to get in touch sooner rather than later.
Evidence
Having up-to-date and relevant evidence will ensure we can put in place any support or adjustments you may need smoothly and quickly.
Contact our service
You will be able to discuss your support needs in the summer. Please return to this page in July, when we will provide further guidance.
In the meantime, please sign up to our offer holder webinar on Tuesday, 27 May. We will give a presentation on the support we provide and answer some of your questions.
Adjustments and support
Have a look at the adjustments and support we may be able to offer you. You will have a better understanding of what these are if they are discussed during your appointment.
Apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs)
You may be eligible for extra funding through student finance. Visit the government's DSA website for further information. We also have guides on the application process on our Adjustments and support page.
Plan your parking
It gets very busy during Welcome Season. Try and park as close to your Halls of Residence as possible. If you are a blue badge holder, you may be able to reserve a parking space on campus. Can I use the car park page has further information.
Arrange accommodation
Know who your departmental disability officer is
Departmental disability officers are the first point of contact within your department. They will ensure the agreed adjustments are implemented. Making yourself known to them will ensure that there's someone in your academic department who is familiar with your needs and can deal with any problems that might arise in having them fully provided for.
Register with Imperial College Health Centre
Imperial has a Health Centre located on South Kensington Campus. Registering with them will ensure that there's a local medical professional who knows about your needs and makes recommendations to us for any support they may think appropriate.
Imperial websites to check out
Information for students on the autistic spectrum
We offer a one day in-person welcome event for undergraduate autistic students. The welcome event happens just before the start of the term. You will be invited to the welcome event if you meet the following criteria:
- you disclose an autistic spectrum condition on your UCAS application/directly to DAS;
- and you are accepted to study at Imperial.
The benefits of the transition event are:
- you will be offered the choice to move in early to halls;
- you will be introduced to the various support teams available and meet staff members;
- quieter time to adjust to your new environment;
- you get to meet other autistic students who are starting at Imperial.