The following draft Information Sheet, written by Mayur Mistry, describes the transition to life as a student and the implications that this may hold for anyone with an illness. We are very interested in your comments and suggestions for how this information could be added to or improved so that we can provide this information to anyone about to leave home. Please download a copy to read using the links below and complete the feedback form at the foot of the page to send your comments to us. Thanks.

Broadening your horizon...

University life can offer a variety of different things to different people. While many students will rejoice in leaving their parents far behind, others may wish to study closer to home. In both cases, university is a great opportunity for you to discover a great deal about yourself as well as developing a chosen career path. Adding an illness to the situation can make your University Challenge more difficult and complex. Hopefully, the following information may make things slightly less daunting for you.

Your university department & course...

In applying or accepting a university place, you may have already been asked whether you have an unseen disability. In answering this question, the Institution may be aware of your situation, but it is still very important to talk to your individual University Department. Discussing matters with a head of department or personal tutor will help them understand your condition. Their awareness might be brought into consideration during your course assessment. It will also provide you with peace of mind, if you need to go to the toilet urgently in a lecture or seminar. It is also a good idea to show them literature produced by NACC, as this will reduce the risk of being misunderstood.

Your health centre & welfare...

In choosing to study away from home, you will have to register with the University Health Centre. This will mean a change of doctor and familiarity. It is extremely important that you build a trusting relationship with your new doctor as he or she will be with you for your time at university. Your new doctor should have been sent your existing medical records and be aware of your condition. You should feel free to chat about any possible treatment and know your illness is being monitored.

Full-time students under the age of 19 automatically get free prescriptions. Above this age students can sometimes quialify for help with paying on the basis of low income (from HC1). If you have to pay, you may wish to consider a prescription 'season ticket' to reduce costs.

Most universities will have a system of repeat prescriptions, these are a great way of saving time and avoiding unnecessary consultations. You should make sure these medical requirements are kept up to date. University life can also be very spontaneous, never knowing quite what will happen next!

For this reason, always keep a supply of medication safe for emergencies. As well as doctors, the university should also have good nursing facilities. Nurses are great if you need help to administer medication or sort out that all important sporting injury.

Being at university can be difficult at times and you may find medical treatment to your illness is not always the solution; therefore, most universities will have professional counsellors, and psychotherapists who can be called upon to discuss anything. If you are suffering from illness during your examination period, it may even be possible to take your exam papers at the health centre.

During the summer holidays and other term breaks, many students will return back to their home town. While here, they can simply register as temporary patients at their local surgery and enjoy the relative luxuries of being back at home.

Your social life & sporting activity...

The moment some students wave good-bye to their parents, it is time to hit the student union, do absolutely anything and make as many friends as possible in 5 minutes. This is hardly surprising, as nearly all students will know no-one else and feel a bit insecure.

During the first couple of weeks there will definitely be lots of opportunity to socialise. These will range from Halls of Residence & Union events to joining any number of sports clubs and societies. You can decide to ski, play football, tennis, hockey, snooker and absolutely any other kind of sport thinkable. Depending on how severe your illness is, some competitive (university v university) level sports may be ruled out, but this should not really affect you playing for your Hall or just for fun. If you are in doubt, you should consult your doctor. The Sports Centre is a good place to become acquainted with, especially if you need urgent toilet facilities, first aid may also be quickly available. If sporting activity is out of the question, then choose from other societies involved in local community, relaxation, chess, pubs, religion, debate, cinema, or even your chosen career.

Your accommodation...

The majority of students will initially live in Halls of Residence. These tend to be very lively places to live and provide a great opportunity to make and meet friends. So many different backgrounds and cultures. It is "well worth giving careful consideration to your choice of Hall, especially in your first year of university. You can often choose from fully catered to self-catering accommodation. Going for a self-catering Hall means you can more easily control your diet and avoid anything that aggravates your condition. In some halls you can also enjoy the luxury of en-suite facilities. Unfortunately, having your own personal toilet is not as common as shared bathrooms. Much of your decision will depend upon the severity of your condition and your choice of university. Once you have decided on a Hall, you can invariably make your preferences. For instance, ask for a room near the bathrooms - if a Hall warden knows of your condition, something can be done about it.

In conclusion...

It is worth remembering that throughout university your goals may change; sometimes, it may be non-stop partying -while other times cramming for examinations in the library. Similar to these changing circumstances, your illness may flare up or go into remission at different times. With the help of people like your doctor and personal tutor many problems can be overcome. Further comfort can be achieved by contacting a local NACC area group, because it is always nice to know your not the only one who suffers from either Colitis or Crohn's disease.

Even through illness, you should never underestimate what can be achieved at university, the opportunity exists to further your education and make lasting friendships. There is no reason why you should not look back one day and think, "those were the best days of my life".