It’s normal to feel a range of emotions before and during Welcome week — many students that have gone on to succeed at The University of Manchester have shared your experience. It’s important to recognise that you’re not alone in this journey, which is why we’ve put together this article with information about Quiet Zones available throughout Welcome, accessible events for neurodiverse students and further support available at Manchester.
You can find the full range of support services available on Student Support, including help in a crisis.
Quiet Zones during Welcome week
Quiet Zones are spaces on campus that you can access throughout Welcome week if you need somewhere away from the noise. These spaces have been carefully considered to be in quieter, low footfall areas of the University to ensure there is dedicated space for students who need some time away from it all — please make use of these spaces and take as long you need.
You can find information about the designated Quiet Spaces on campus in this digital guide, along with photos of each location and descriptions of what’s available.
Welcome week events
Our on-campus events and activities during Welcome are open to all new students and we’ve highlighted a few key opportunities that offer a quieter alternative.
+ Individual tours of the Main Library – multiple dates and times available
Visit the Main Library and learn about the ways the Library can support you and your studies with this one-to-one individual tour.
+ Quiet opening at Freshers Fair
The Students’ Union host Freshers Fairs and Societies Fairs during Welcome, and at each of these events, there will be a quiet hour between 10am-11am on each day of the fair. Ear plugs can also be provided at the entrance of the event, please ask a member of staff if you require these. You can find out more and see all Students’ Union Welcome events on their website.
+ Welcome event for autistic students – Friday, 15 September
Come along to our welcome event, designed to give you a quieter introduction to campus and help you settle in to university life before Welcome Week starts. For more information, email welcome@manchester.ac.uk
Ask Me Ambassadors
Throughout Welcome week, you’ll spot students and staff across campus wearing ‘Ask Me’ t-shirts or badges and they will be happy to help point you in the right direction or give you advice on which events will suit your needs. These staff members can be found across campus and events and will also be stationed at our ‘Ask Me’ points which you can find in Brunswick Park, University Green and outside the Main Library — just look for the purple gazebos.
Ask Me Ambassadors are also available to chat online between Wednesday, 23 August and Wednesday, 13 September, Monday to Friday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. This is a great chance to ask questions to current students about their experience, and what to expect in your first few weeks.
Disability Advisory and Support Service
The Disability Advisory and Support Service (sometimes called the DASS) offer practical support by working with you to identify the adjustments you need to enable you to succeed — in your studies, work, and the rest of your University experience.
Disabled students make up over 19% of University of Manchester students and the DASS team are here to offer support from day one. You can find out more about the services available and read through the frequently asked questions if you want to find out more — or you can watch this YouTube Short on how to find the service on campus.
Students’ messages to you
And finally, we asked current students for their words of advice to anyone joining Manchester this year and we hope they remind you that you’re on the right track.
“It’s ok to ask people for help/advice!”
“If you’re an introvert (like me), find a society that suits your interests”
“Always remember to take a pause, a deep breath and know you will find your place”
“It’s a new chapter for everyone so don’t feel alone. You are in this journey together”