There’s something uniquely exciting and totally overwhelming about the start of college. For autistic students, that “blank slate” feeling can be both a relief and a stressor. Suddenly, students are expected to make decisions that will shape their entire first year (and maybe future success), often with very little guidance.
Should they live with a roommate or request a single? What kind of course load is manageable? Should you join a club, join the robotics team or just focus on surviving orientation? These are important choices and each one deserves some thoughtful consideration.
As an autism life coach who helps high school students get ready for college, I want to walk through some of the key decisions first year students face. More importantly, I’ll offer tools to help you and your student make those decisions in a way that supports their mental health, academic success and personal growth.
What You Get to Choose:
Most colleges offer a few options: traditional dorms, suite-style housing or specialized interest communities. You may also be able to request a single room or specific accommodations through disability services.
Questions for your Student to Consider:
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Do I need a quiet space to regulate and recharge?
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How do I feel about sharing a bathroom, study space or kitchen?
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Will I feel more supported in a smaller residential community?
Tips:
Some autistic students thrive in quieter housing setups or single rooms while others find this setup to be isolating. Consider how your student reacts to noise, social unpredictability or sensory challenges. Request housing accommodations before your housing assignment is finalized.
Looking for more insights about the housing decision? Join our free webinar on July 23.
What You Get to Choose:
Some colleges assign roommates randomly; others let you pick your own. You may also have the option to request a single room for disability-related reasons.
Questions for your Student to Consider:
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Have I successfully shared a room or space before?
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Would a roommate help me feel connected or overwhelmed?
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Do I have the communication tools to set boundaries and advocate for myself if needed?
Tips:
Roommates can be great for practicing communication and building social connection, but only if the setup is supportive. Think through your sensory needs, privacy preferences and ability to handle unplanned social interactions. If you’re unsure, ask yourself: “What would make me feel most comfortable coming home at the end of a hard day?”
What You Get to Choose:
Students will usually pick 4–5 classes their first semester. Some schools have “first-year experience” courses designed to ease the transition.
Questions for your Student to Consider:
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How much energy do I have for class, homework, and managing daily life?
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Will I have time to access support services like tutoring or executive function coaching?
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How do I handle unstructured time and long assignments?
Tips:
More classes don’t always equal more success. Taking a slightly lighter course load your first semester (12 credits instead of 15) can give you the breathing room you need to adjust to new routines. College life is a big leap. You’re allowed to pace yourself.
What You Get to Choose:
You’ll find hundreds of options: clubs, sports, music groups, affinity spaces and volunteer opportunities.
Questions for your Student to Consider:
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What makes me feel most “myself”?
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Do I prefer structured, scheduled activities or drop-in style groups?
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How much social energy do I want to spend outside of class?
Tips:
Start small. Pick one club that aligns with an existing interest, something that feels low-pressure but meaningful. Many autistic students find that interest-based clubs (chess, video game design, coding, writing or animal rescue) offer a more natural way to connect with peers. You don’t need to sign up for everything. Just find one place where you can feel seen and supported.
College brochures are full of smiling students on grassy lawns, juggling leadership roles and intense academic loads. But for autistic students, success might look different—and that’s more than okay. Maybe it’s getting to class on time three days in a row. Maybe it’s emailing a professor when you need help. Maybe it’s saying no to a social event because you know you need to rest.
The most important decision you’ll make as a first year student? Choosing your own definition of success.