Smart Start

Smart Start Online

Smart Start Online is a free online pre-arrival course available to incoming students. It is aimed at students with social/communication conditions, but students without these conditions have also used and found the course helpful.

It is designed to help new students make the transition to studying at Lancaster University.

Smart Start Online will be available to access once you have pre-enrolled for your Undergraduate course in September 2023. Smart Start Online is available throughout the academic year and can be accessed at any point after pre-enrolment. If you would like to take part, please contact the Student Wellbeing Partnership Service to express your interest.

The programme is split into 3 sections:

Tab Content: Life Skills

In this section you will learn about the essential life skills you will need to live and study at university. You will learn about campus and the local area, differences between university and school, and will be asked to consider how confident you are in a range of life skills.

Tab Content: Seeking Support

Here, you will listen to students talk about available support. We discuss common challenges and where you can get help. You can also pick up some tips for looking after your wellbeing, and check out some further resources.

Tab Content: Getting on with Others

Get some practical tips for meeting new people face-to-face and online. We offer some advice for sharing space with others and tips for building relationships.

There is an additional section on 'telling people I have autism' that is aimed at students with ASD/ASC.

We will also be offering a range of opportunities to meet other students, build your support network, and socialise. We will provide more information about this nearer the time.

Smart Start Residential

Applications for Smart Start 2023 are now closed.

The Smart Start Residential is a pre-arrival residential for students with an autism diagnosis.

The programme will include a range of activities to help you make a successful transition to university, to settle in, and build relationships with staff and students.

Provisional activities include:

  • Welcome to Lancaster and overview of Wellbeing support including specialist support for disabled students
  • Campus and Lancaster town tour
  • Meeting staff
  • Structured social activities

Accommodation and meals are usually provided.

Applications

Applications are currently closed.

Please note that places are limited, and an application is required so that we can assess whether the residential programme is the best option for you. The information you provide on your application will be reviewed alongside the programme eligibility criteria and any other evidence and information you have provided to the Student Wellbeing Services.

You will be notified about the outcome of your application via email.

Important application information:

  • Applicants must be over 18 years old on or before the start date
  • Applicants must have submitted required evidence of an autism diagnosis and any allergies 6 weeks ahead of the programme. (View the evidence guidance for registering with the disability service)
  • Applicants must be registered as a student at Lancaster University before the start date of the residential (you will receive further information about how to register as a student from the University after A Level Results day).
  • Applicants may be invited for a 20 minute discussion about support needs prior to the residential. This will help us to understand your specific challenges and goals for your time at university and can inform the creation of your Inclusive Learning and Support Plan (ILSP)
  • Applicants must have submitted the full application form and associated evidence by the deadline to be considered for a place
  • To support applicants to prepare for university we will liaise directly with applicants over email. Applicants are welcome to copy supporting adults into any email correspondence, but we will not liaise directly with parents without the express written consent of the applicant. We will seek written consent to liaise with third parties for every interaction. View the University’s GDPR policy.

We encourage successful applicants to make full use of the Smart Start residential by staying on campus for the duration of the programme. However, commuting students are welcome to join for the daytime activities.

Our Review and Appeals procedure can be accessed on the Review and Appeals Webpages.

Smart Start Residential

Applications for Smart Start 2023 are now closed.

The Smart Start Residential is a pre-arrival residential for students with an autism diagnosis. The programme has limited spaces and eligible students will be invited to apply by email from the 1st of June 2023.