Attending an on-campus open day with access requirements or neurodivergence

We are committed to making our open days accessible and welcoming for neurodivergent students or those with access requirements. This page provides clear information about what to expect, including sensory details, quiet spaces, and support available on the day. You are welcome to participate in as much or as little as feels comfortable for you. We have you covered.

What to expect on the day

Arrival and registration

• Our on-campus open days start at 9am, with registration taking place in the Spark Building, on our main East Park Terrace campus.
• Registration will be busy around this time, but we recommend attending from 9.30am onwards for shorter queues and a quieter experience.
• Student ambassadors wearing red t-shirts or hoodies can help you find your way.

Campus tours

• Tours last approximately 45 minutes and may vary in size from groups of 10 to 20.
• Accessible campus tours are available and are at a slower pace, more descriptive, and can be adapted to suit additional needs. Simply head to the campus tour stand and request an accessible tour with the team.

Residence tours

• These tours last approximately 15 minutes and may vary in size from groups of 10 to 15.
• We recommend attending a campus tour later in the day (after 1pm), when tours tend to be a little quieter.
• There will be a coach available on the day to take guests to our residences and back. However, if you are unable to take the coach, you can visit the Spark reception team on the day, who can request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Sensory information

Information hubs

• There will be various information hubs across the Spark Atrium on the day, covering course and student support information. These stands are busy first thing, so we recommend visiting after 1pm for a quieter experience.
• Our student support team will be available throughout the day to speak to and will be quieter from 1pm onwards. The team have access to quieter spaces, which can be used if you wish to have a 1-2-1 chat with them.
• There is a quiet area available on campus, should you need to take a break. When you arrive on campus please ask at check-in where this room is located.

Navigating the open day

• When you arrive, you will be provided with a printed open day programme which lists all activities available on the day. Our team will also be on hand as part of the registration process to provide a welcome and introduction.
• Visit the general information stand at the front of the Spark atrium for additional support. The team will be on hand all day to answer any questions you may have, walk you to your course session, or offer help and guidance. A detailed campus map, which includes accessibility routes, is also available from this stand.
• Our campus tours are guided, so there is no pressure to self-guide yourself around campus.
• Why not use our virtual campus tour in advance of the open day, to familiarise yourself with the campus. Take a virtual tour of our campus

Ensuring you are prepared

• We will provide a digital version of both the open day programme and course session schedule in advance of the day via email.
• A printed copy will be provided on the day, as part of registration.
• Our programme includes a personalised schedule and notes pages, so you can pre-plan your day.

Initiating social interactions

• If you feel you will require additional support on the day, please indicate this on the booking form when making an open day booking. If you require additional access requirements, we will reach out to you in advance of the day to ensure you have everything you need to make your day go as smoothly as possible. This could include booking you on-site parking, providing a sign language interpreter, or providing you with a student ambassador buddy for the day, ensuring you only need to become familiar with one person who can then help you ask lecturers or staff questions throughout the day.
• Lanyards will be available at registration, if you feel comfortable wearing one. Lanyards will let staff know you have a disability before speaking with you. Please ask our team as part of registration.

FAQs