Transition to University

Starting university can feel exciting, but it can also be challenging. We are here to help and support disabled applicants to make the transition to the University of Sheffield.

On

Online information session

An introduction to the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS), University support and preparing for university

Wednesday 3 September

Unfortunately, due to unexpected staff absence this session has been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience.


Orientation Week sessions

Week commencing 15 September  

These are the sessions and activities that the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS) will be running for  students during Orientation Week. These events are designed to help you feel confident and prepared for your transition to university.

If you'd like to chat with us — beyond visiting the DDSS reception or attending a pre-booked appointment with an adviser—you'll find us at the following locations during the week:

  • For a quick chat: Come and see us if you have any quick questions about DDSS, want to say hello, or would like  a chat about how your week is going.

  • Next steps and planning: We can't agree to or action any support directly, but we can talk you through and help you to plan your next steps. 

You don't need to book in advance to attend any of the following sessions: 

Firth Court and Alfred Denny
Monday 15 September 2025, 10:00am and other dates/times
The Hillsborough Centre, Alfred Denny Building South Entrance, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HF
The Nelson Mandela Auditorium in the Students Union
Monday 15 September 2025, 1:00pm
Students’ Union, Nelson Mandela Auditorium , The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG
A photograph of the 301 building in the summer
Tuesday 16 September 2025, 10:00am and other dates/times
Room C2, 301 Academic Skills Centre, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HL
image of Firth Court, Sheffield.
Tuesday 16 September 2025, 5:00pm
Firth court, Council room, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN
Sheffield city landscape
Wednesday 17 September 2025, 5:00pm
Belonging Building , The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 4AE
Exterior image of concourse with the alfred denny (red brick building) on the right side
Thursday 18 September 2025, 3:00pm
Alfred Denny Conference Room, Alfred Denny Building (South Entrance), The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN


If you have any questions in the meantime, email disability.transitions@sheffield.ac.uk.


Welcome Week sessions

Week commencing 22 September  

These are the sessions and activities that the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS) will be running for disabled students during Orientation Week. These events are designed to help you feel confident and prepared for your transition to university.

If you'd like to chat with us — beyond visiting the DDSS reception or attending a pre-booked appointment with an adviser—you'll find us at the following locations during the week for:

  • For a quick chat: Come and see us if you have any quick questions about DDSS, want to say hello, or would like  a chat about how your week is going.

  • Next steps and planning: We can't agree to or action any support directly, but we can talk you through and help you to plan your next steps. 

You don't need to book in advance to attend any of the following sessions: 

Firth Court and Alfred Denny
Tuesday 23 September 2025, 10:00am
The Hillsborough Centre, Alfred Denny Building South Building South Entrance, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S3 7HF
image of Firth Court, Sheffield.
Tuesday 23 September 2025, 5:00pm
Council Room, Firth Court, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN
Outside the Students' Union at the University of Sheffield
Wednesday 24 September 2025, 11:00am
Students’ Union Building, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG
Wednesday 24 September 2025, 4:00pm
Alfred Denny Conference Room, Alfred Denny Building, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN
A photograph of the 301 building in the summer
Thursday 25 September 2025, 10:00am
Room C2, 301 Glossop Road, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2HL

If you have any questions, email disability.transitions@sheffield.ac.uk.


Past events

Online information session for all applicants (11 March 2025)

An introduction to Disabled Students' Allowances (DSA) 

Including:

  • Eligibility criteria
  • The DSA application process
  • Types of DSA support
  • A current student's personal experience of DSA

Transition event for autistic applicants

Introduction to University support and preparing for university

An in-person transition event designed specifically for applicants who identify as autistic to help them prepare for university.  

Join us on campus to learn about the support available at the University and prepare for student life. We hope this will help you feel more confident about starting university. 

A global reputation

Sheffield is a world top-100 research university with a global reputation for excellence. We're a member of the Russell Group: one of the 24 leading UK universities for research and teaching.