It’s very normal to feel a mix of emotions during Welcome week and sometimes you just need a spot to decompress. We’ve complied a list of Quiet Zones available throughout Welcome, accessible events for neurodiverse students and further support available at Manchester.
What are Quiet Zones?
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 low footfall areas of the University ensuring there is dedicated space for students who need some time away from it all — please take as long as you need in them.
Where can I find them?
Whitworth Building – The Quiet Space is on the ground floor, between Gallery 5 and the Landscape Gallery – anyone who would like to use it can ask the Visitor Team at either of the building entrances.
University Place – The well-being pod is located on the 1st floor.
Simon Building – The chill-out and welfare rooms are located on the 1st floor.
Jean McFarlane Building – There are two welfare rooms located on the ground floor.
Manchester Museum – The quiet room is on the 1st floor next to the Egypt and Sudan Gallery.
The Caltholic Chaplaincy – Inside the chaplaincy is a quiet study space.
We have a full list of Quiet Zones available on campus for you to explore.
Welcome 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. Accessibility information can be found for each event on their event listing.
Welcome event for students with autism
If you’ve been diagnosed with or are seeking a diagnosis of Autism, this event is designed to give you a quieter, introduction to university life and campus, and to help with meeting people before Welcome Week begins.
You’ll meet with other Autistic students, Staff, and Student Ambassadors for some short presentations about things you can get involved with at university, as well as some examples of autism-friendly activities that take place across the city. There’s also the chance to take a guided tour of campus, in a small group.
Friday, 13 September, meet at 1:30pm, tour from 3pm
Location: The Atrium, first floor, University Place
Book your place using our online form
Autistic Student Lunch Space
Autistic students are also invited to use room 4.38 in Simon Building every day during Welcome Week as a lunch room.
There will be free light refreshments available and staff and student ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions or provide advice if needed.
Monday 16 – Friday, 20 September, 12 noon – 2pm (drop in anytime)
Location: Room 4.38, Simon Building
Individual tours of the Main Library
Visit the Main Library and learn about the ways the library can support you and your studies with this one-to-one individual tour. The short tour is for anyone who would prefer a quieter experience. You’ll be given a tour of main library by a member of our team, who’ll highlight the spaces, services and support that the library can provide to you.
Multiple times and dates are available from Tuesday, 10 September
Location: Main Library, Customer Service Desk
Freshers Fair – Quiet Half Hour
The Students’ Union hosts Freshers Fairs and Societies Fairs during Welcome Week, with lots of fun activities, freebies and insight into student deals.
The fairs can get very busy, so there will be Quiet hour or half hours available. These periods are there so students with sensory or mobility needs can feel confident in their ability to attend the fairs in a safe and comfortable way. During this time, all music is turned off and venue footfall is lowered.
These periods are ticketed, and entrance will be limited to those who have registered. Register for the Freshers Fairs Quiet half hour and the Societies Fairs Quiet hour if you feel you would benefit from attending during these times.
Monday, 16 – Friday 20 September , 10am
Location: Manchester Academy 1, Oxford Road
Find all Fairs and register on the Students’ Union events page
Wellfest – Celebrating student support and wellbeing
Wellfest gives you the chance to explore the University wellbeing and support services available to you.
From Tai Chi and calligraphy, to activities, freebies and support services, there’s plenty to get involved in.
Your School Student Support Hub will also be hosting events on the day to help introduce you to the people and teams who are here to support you with your wellbeing.
Wednesday, 18 September, 10am to 4pm
Location: Welcome Marquee (outside University Place), Alan Gilbert Square (the green area near Alan Gilbert Learning Commons) and School Student Support Hubs
Additional Support
Disability Advisory and Support Service (DASS)
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.
You can also watch this YouTube Short on how to find the service on campus.
If you would like to receive disability support during your time here, you can register with DASS so you can get the appropriate support tailored to your needs during your study.
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.
Student’s Union
The SU offers a Safe Space, located on the second floor of the building, which will be open throughout the welcome period.
During the SU Freshers evening events (held in their Academy venues) a separate quiet space will be in operation with a sensory tent, sensory blankets, fidget toys and water available. The individual event listings will detail which events this is available for and can be found on the Students’ Union website.
Student Support Hubs
As well as hosting events during Wellfest, the Student Support Hub is your first port of call for any general day-to-day queries about your time at the University.
Each School has its own Student Hub, located in different buildings across campus.
At the Student Hub, you can contact your School’s Student Support and Wellbeing team. The team is here to help you navigate the support available through the School and the wider University. It can also help you access central support services such as DASS.
Find out how to get in touch with your Hub today.
We’re always here to help
Above everything, we want you to feel that there’s enough to support for your needs. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask someone for help if you feel overwhelmed at any point in your university experience.
You can find the full range of support services available on Student Support, including help in a crisis.