Alonso

Before university

Before enrolling at university, my fears revolved around the process of applying to a University. I was very afraid to do any kind of mistake as I feared it would impact me in a way I could not foresee.

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When I started studying at university, lectures had significantly more students than I had seen before. I also found the speed at which some professors give their lectures to be significantly faster than I was used to.

During my studies at the Fribourg University

I understand the word « academic freedom » as the ability to pursue my studies in a way that I see fit.

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I find it challenging to decide when to start doing my studies. Once I’ve started, I have no problem, but the beginning phase is very difficult.

I’ve found writing my tasks into a calendar makes is slightly easier to concentrate, as it gives me an idea of where to start.

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I am currently still uncertain in how to go on about finding answers when a question is not clear to me

Socialising:

I have made a few new friends during my studies.

I was approached by them and we continued to talk after the lectures, and then we exchanged contact.

I am not part of any club or specific group.

I have not gone out once with my course colleagues outside of class hours.

During my first lectures, I found it very uncomfortable how close I was to other students that I didn’t know. However, after a few weeks and making some friends this feeling of discomfort around other students lessened.

If there was a possibility to be supported by a neurotypical peer during my studies, I would maybe accept this support, depending on what this kind of support would entail.

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I have only talked about my autism with the studies advisor.

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I do not have any place to be during off class times.

After university

I am still not sure what I wish to do after graduation.

At this very moment, I am uncertain how the university is helping me in the aspect of helping me to prepare for the professional world

If I had to explain the university of Fribourg to a new student on the autism spectrum, I would say that it is much more fast paced, but it has the potential of being a meaningful experience.