Helping Prepare for Uni

Year 13 students at Charters recently had the pleasure of welcoming Olly Player, an inspiring speaker who shared their experiences of navigating university life as a student with autism.

Having studied Architecture at the University of Cambridge, Olly spoke openly and honestly about the transition from school to university, particularly the anxieties that can come with moving away from home, adapting to new environments, and managing everyday challenges. Their talk was both reassuring and practical, offering valuable insight for students preparing to begin their own university journeys in just a few months.

Olly highlighted the importance of preparation, explaining how they created detailed plans to help them feel more in control — from carefully budgeting every penny to even organising how their houseplants would be cared for while away. While they emphasised that this level of detail is not necessary for everyone, it demonstrated how personalised strategies can make big transitions feel more manageable.

A key message from Olly’s visit was the importance of seeking support. They encouraged students to connect with university Student Disability Offices, which can provide guidance and ensure reasonable adjustments are in place for neurodivergent students. They reassured students that most people genuinely want to help — sometimes they just need a little prompting. Approaching situations with a possible solution in mind, they explained, can often make it easier to access the support needed.

Olly also shared practical tips for managing busy university environments, particularly in cities where noise and crowds can feel overwhelming. Planning journeys to avoid rush hour, requesting quieter supervision times, carrying a “Can you offer me a seat?” badge, and investing in noise-cancelling headphones were all strategies that they found incredibly helpful.

Above all, Olly’s message was clear and empowering: students should never be afraid to ask for help. Universities — and future workplaces — have a responsibility to make reasonable adjustments, and with the right support in place, every student can thrive.

We are confident that Olly’s visit was both reassuring and inspiring, and we thank them for sharing their experiences so generously with our Year 13 students at such an important moment in their journey.