Is Uni for Me? A Neurodivergent Guide to Going (or Going Back) to University

So… you’ve been thinking about university.

Maybe it’s been a quiet idea in the back of your mind for years — or maybe it’s something new that’s recently sparked. You might be wondering:

Can I actually do this?

What if I can't keep up?

What if I’ve left it too late?

What if… I thrive?

If you're neurodivergent — whether you’re autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, dyspraxic, or somewhere uniquely in-between — the thought of studying at university can feel both exciting and overwhelming. The good news? University can work for you. In fact, with the right support and environment, it can be a place where your neurospicy brain thrives.

First: You’re Not Alone

Many neurodivergent adults return to education later in life — sometimes after difficult school experiences, undiagnosed challenges, or years of feeling like they were “too much” or “not enough” in traditional systems. The truth? There’s no ‘right time’ to go to university. There’s only your time.

You Bring So Much to the Table

Neurodivergent brains are often deeply curious, intuitive, creative, and focused — especially when studying something they actually care about. Your life experience, your self-awareness, and your unique way of seeing the world are assets in any university classroom. The academic world is slowly catching up to the idea that different ways of thinking are not just valid — they’re vital.

But Let’s Be Real: It’s Not Always Easy

University comes with challenges: deadlines, reading loads, social expectations, and admin. If you’ve struggled with executive functioning, sensory overload, or burnout in the past, these are important things to think about. The good news is, there are real supports in place to help you succeed:

🧩 Reasonable Adjustments

You have a legal right to adjustments like extra time in exams, extensions, quiet rooms, or alternative ways of working — based on your needs.

💰 Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)

This can fund things like specialist mentoring, software, technology, ergonomic equipment — even taxis if you struggle with public transport.

💬 Mentoring & Mental Health Support

Many universities offer regular support from trained professionals who get it — so you’re not navigating it all alone.

But What If I’ve Been Out of Education for Years?

That’s more common than you think — and it doesn’t make you less capable. There are Access to Higher Education courses and Foundation Years designed especially for adults returning to study. These can help you build confidence, brush up on skills, and find your footing before starting a full degree.

How to Know If You’re Ready

You don’t need to have all the answers. But here are a few signs that university might be the right next step:

- You’re deeply interested in a subject or career path

- You’re craving intellectual stimulation or a new challenge

- You want to grow, change direction, or prove something (to yourself, not anyone else)

- You’ve got support in place (or you’re ready to ask for it)

Tips for Getting Started

- Explore courses that genuinely excite you — not ones you feel you should do

- Talk to universities about what support they offer (ask for the disability services team)

- Connect with others — online forums, ND student groups, return-to-learn programs

- Be honest about your needs — your learning style matters

One Final Thought: You Deserve to Take Up Space

If you’ve spent years feeling like the system wasn’t made for you… you’re right. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it work for you. You don’t need to mask, shrink, or struggle in silence to earn your place.

Your brain is wired for something meaningful — and university could be the place where you start building it.