Autistic student Joanne shares her experiences with optimal living conditions during her studies. She describes how a private, quiet hotel room and control over sensory stimuli help her succeed in her part-time studies.
I have to stay overnight in northern Germany for the attendance phases of my part-time degree course. The following living conditions help me to cope better with my studies:
- Investing in my own quiet room: Living alone instead of sharing a room or flat with others. This helps to reduce social interactions and sensory stimuli so that I can relax. Even though I would like to save money, having my own hotel room gives me more peace and stability than a cheaper accommodation option.
- Darken the room: close the curtains and create a dark environment, again to reduce sensory stimuli.
- Switch off the ventilation and keep the windows closed: Switch off the ventilation in the bathroom and in the neighbouring room to avoid unwanted noises. Closed windows keep the room quiet and free from outside noise. Airing the room sometimes is good, of course.
- Few, quiet or no other guests at the moment: This creates a pleasantly quiet atmosphere that contributes to regulation.
These measures contribute significantly to my ability to cope well with my studies. This low-stimulus environment helps me to organise my thoughts, clear my head, relax my body and become emotionally balanced.
It is also helpful for me that I have informed my fellow students. It’s more pleasant when my fellow students understand why I don’t prefer shared flats or why I sometimes withdraw.
