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Resources & Tools for Living with Epilepsy, Diabetes & Other Chronic Conditions on Campus
Approximately half of all adults are affected by chronic conditions. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reports 117 million Americans experience symptoms from at least one of these long-term illnesses, and a significant number of these are high school and college students. Thankfully, most can be managed with medication and healthy lifestyles, meaning even the perpetually busy student can enjoy their school experience while managing an illness. The following guide looks at the most common chronic conditions and provides tips on balancing health and happiness from both an expert and a student with insider knowledge on what it takes to succeed.
Chronic conditions explored in this guide include:
Other examples include (but are not limited to):
Epilepsy at School
Neurology reports epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder, affecting seven out of every 1,000 people. Students with epilepsy face numerous challenges during college, but they don't have to go it alone. Today's campuses provide services and support systems for students with health conditions including shuttles, on-site pharmacies, special housing and accommodations. Students can also put measures in place to help themselves. The Epilepsy Foundation advises students to prioritize sleep, keep stress levels low, maintain a healthy diet, and ensure friends and family know about their condition and how to help in the event of a seizure.
Epilepsy Facts
One in 26 people develop epilepsy at some point in their life.
Anyone can develop epilepsy, though new cases are most prevalent in young children and older adults.
Scholarships for students with epilepsy
Family Epilepsy Scholarship Program
This $5,000 one-year scholarship from UCB is open to students living with epilepsy. Applications are due April 11 of every year.
Finding a Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures (FACES) Scholarship
Offered by NYU's Langone Medical Center, this scholarship ranges from $500 to $5,000 depending on the student's need. The 2017 deadline will be posted on the scholarship website.
Sarah Elizabeth Stubblefield Memorial Scholarship
This one-time award of $2,000 is presented to Illinois-based high school seniors transitioning to college who are under a physician's care for epilepsy. The deadline for this scholarship is April 30.
Transition to college with epilepsy
Picking a school and preparing for college is an exciting event in the life of any student. While those with epilepsy may need to weigh their health needs a bit more heavily when choosing a college, it's important to remember there isn't a one-size-fits-all model. The questions a student with epilepsy needs to ask themselves revolve around their overall health and well-being. A couple to consider include:
Are transportation services available?
Do the disability services available meet your needs?
Does the school train faculty and staff on proper procedure?
Does the health center offer services you require?
Learning with epilepsy
Aside from seizures, students with epilepsy may also contend with memory difficulties. This issue can affect the speed at which students process information and other cognitive functions, but many campuses are equipped to help. Along with other admissions documents, students should send a recent neurological assessment to the disability services center so it can be circulated as needed and in accordance with privacy laws to professors, residential advisors, and other staff to ensure students receive proper care.
Students can also reduce activities commonly associated with epileptic episodes. A study by the American Journal of Psychology found direct correlation between incidents and times when students are overly stressed or fatigued, engaging in irregular habits, taking on too much work outside academics, or drinking too much alcohol.
Lifestyle & social issues
Students with epilepsy may have to think about social activities and lifestyle choices differently than their peers, but being mindful of triggers and symptoms can go a long way in preventing a seizure. The Epilepsy Foundation notes that sleep deprivation has been strongly linked to epileptic incidents, so getting the recommended amount of sleep each and every night should always be a priority.
According to Epilepsy Foundation, the most common triggers associated with epileptic episodes include:
- Flashing lights or visual patterns
- Certain styles of music
- High levels of stress
- Drug or alcohol use
College epilepsy resources
The Epilepsy Foundation's Work & College Guide
This website helps students navigate college from the application process to graduation.
Provides helpful information about preparing for college with epilepsy.
Faculty guide for students with epilepsy
The University of Connecticut provides a comprehensive guide to prepare faculty in the event one of their epileptic students has a seizure.
HealthTalk: Epilepsy at College & University
Read what current students and graduates say about their experience of navigating higher education with epilepsy.
Heather Evrley tells her story of living with epilepsy as a college student in this fascinating article.
This publication provides an article titled, “Changes of attitudes toward epilepsy in college-preparatory high school students population: An indicator of global campaign successfulness?”
Celiac at School
Because celiac disease stems from the intestine's inability to process gluten, students who have been diagnosed with it must be vigilant about their food and drink to avoid a flare up from this genetic autoimmune disorder. Schools can help students avoid foods with gluten by ensuring all cafeteria meals are labeled and also serving gluten-free options. Providing housing with kitchen access allows students to prepare meals, while health centers with dieticians on staff can create meal-plans and shopping lists to help college students find quick, healthy options.
Students, too, can do their part to protect their health. Alerting health clinic staff is a good idea for students who want someone nearby to provide support and medical attention. Since students are typically strapped for time, finding celiac peers provides support and the opportunity to make gluten-free meals together. Because those with celiac disease are at a higher risk for developing issues such as diabetes or lactose intolerance, maintaining a healthy diet is of utmost importance.
Celiac Facts
Individuals diagnosed with celiac disease between the ages of 12 and 20 have a 27% chance of developing an autoimmune condition.
Approximately one out of every 133 Americans – approximately 1% of the population – has celiac disease.
Scholarships for students with celiac
This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or graduate students suffering from immune disorders such as celiac disease. The application cycle opens on February 1 of each year.
Frederick J. Krause Scholarship
The American Association on Healthy and Disability oversees this $1,000 non-renewable scholarship. Applications must be received by November 15.
Ranging from $500 to $1,500 this scholarship for students with disabilities pursuing higher education is open to students from California, Oregon, or Washington. The application deadline is April 1.
Eating tips and advice for students with celiac
Maintaining a proper diet can be challenging if students don't plan ahead, and this starts with selecting a celiac-friendly school. Udi's Gluten Free maintains a ranking of the Top 10 Gluten-Free Friendly Colleges , citing dining halls with full-time dieticians, flexible meal plans, training for all staff, and individualized accommodations. Ways students can prepare for being gluten-free in college include:
Make sure cooking utensils aren't cross-contaminated by non-celiac roommates.
Meet with the school's dietician to learn about gluten-free options.
Don't assume a meal you ate at home is made exactly the same at school. Ask how it was prepared and if the chefs changed gloves before preparing it.
Keep an emergency stash of gluten-free food in case there's nothing suitable on offer.
Communicate with roommates, friends, and the dining hall about your restrictions to make them aware the importance of keeping food separate.
Social considerations for students with celiac
Students who must be vigilant about everything they put in their body can sometimes feel an added emotional pressure to blend in with their peers. Rather than worrying about others, here are some ways students can make sure they eat healthily without feeling like they are drawing attention to themselves:
- If eating out, look at the restaurant's menu online or call to learn about celiac-friendly options.
- If attending a dinner party, offer to bring a gluten-free dish.
- If going to a bar, read up on celiac-friendly alcoholic beverages. The majority of beers contain gluten, but even some mixers may be off limits.
- If traveling, stock up on gluten-free snacks and research the destination to scope out grocery stores and restaurants with options for celiacs.
- If attending a school-sponsored event, discuss the menu ahead of time with catering staff or the school's dietician to identify safe foods.
Celiac resource list
Run by a college student, this blog provides an insider's perspective of what it's like to live with celiac disease and offers helpful tips on staying healthy.
Gluten-Free Challenges in Schools and on College Campuses
The CEO of Beyond Celiac penned this article on living gluten-free while in college.
Heading Off to College: How Gluten-Free Students Survive and Thrive
This guide by Gluten-Free Living provides a list of easy meals and cooking utensils to have on hand.
Resources, Guides, and Webinars for Being Gluten Free in College
Beyond Celiac provides a comprehensive range of resources, including a student toolkit and webinars with celiac students who excelled in college.
The Celiac Disease Foundation provides this helpful list of foods those with celiac disease can safely eat.
Diabetes at School
Monitoring glucose levels and administering insulin help manage diabetes, but oftentimes students contend with full and unpredictable schedules that make ensuring proper self-care a challenge. Developing a system of support and awareness with health service professionals at school can help students find balance while also establishing protocols for care if they have a low/high blood sugar episode. Alerting resident assistants and roommates is also a good idea, as these are the people students see most frequently. They should also introduce themselves to catering staff and determine diabetic-friendly food options.
Schools can also contribute to the health and wellbeing of students in a number of ways, including:
- Providing a diabetes specialist at the health center, and having a list of local endocrinologists for out-of-state students.
- Offering diabetic-friendly food at the dining hall and on-campus snack shops and cafes
- Ensuring students have access to diabetic-friendly food at all hours.
- Keeping emergency snacks throughout academic and residential buildings for emergencies.
- Giving students access to a kitchen – or at least a refrigerator/microwave – in their dorm.
Diabetes Facts Diabetes Care reports that, of millions of college students who begin their higher education each fall, one out of every 300 has type 1 diabetes. Approximately 208,000 Americans aged 20 or younger have been diagnosed with diabetes.
Scholarships for students with diabetes
Diabetes Scholars Foundation Scholarship
Open to incoming freshmen, scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000. The application deadline is April 15.
Scott & Kim Verplank Foundation Scholarship
This renewable scholarship of up to $10,000 is open to students with Type 1 diabetes. The application deadline is April 15.
Team Type 1 Global Scholarship
This scholarship is for athletes with type 1 diabetes and provides $5,000 for educational costs. Students should check the website for application deadlines.
Transition to college with diabetes
Transitioning to college life is an empowering experience for students who use their new support systems and take adequate care of themselves. Stress and busy schedules have big impacts on a student's A1C (blood glucose), so finding balance between academic requirements and self-care should be a priority as soon as students set foot on campus. Part of this system should include ensuring students have at least one to three months of diabetic supplies on hand, including blood glucose meters, batteries, and glucagon kits.
Diabetic students are also covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act , meaning they qualify for accommodations. Some of these may include:
Access to a kitchen in residential areas
Housing close to the health clinic or dining hall
Extra testing time to allow for blood glucose testing or snacks
Special places to keep food or diabetic supplies around campus
Modified attendance policies
Social issues
Diabetic students can enjoy active and enjoyable social lives, provided they plan properly and know their limits. Heavy alcohol consumption can be detrimental to anyone's health, but it's particularly dangerous for those with diabetes. In addition to having the potential to rapidly lower blood sugar, it can also reduce body senses and make it more difficult for a student to wake up from hypoglycemic symptoms. The American Diabetes Association provides a set of guidelines for diabetic individuals planning to consume alcohol:
- Never drink on an empty stomach.
- Never replace a scheduled meal with alcohol.
- Stay hydrated while drinking.
- Test your blood glucose levels before and after drinking.
Eating & lifestyle
Students have two major considerations when it comes to food: what they eat and when they eat it. A lot of food on offer at a cafeteria may not be the best option for a diabetic, and busy class schedules can make it hard to eat meals and snacks at the same time each day. New York State's Department of Health highlights the dangers of going too long without food, including rapid heartbeats, dizziness, anxiety, vision issues, weakness, headaches, or shaking. Here are our tips for finding balance:
- Avoid foods with lots of carbohydrates and instead try to focus on protein-rich options.
- Ask if an ingredient list is available.
- Find out if there are any restaurants or cafes near school with suitable options.
- Pack an emergency stash of food for times when you miss a meal.
- Alert professors with no food/drink policies of your condition.
Resources for students with diabetes
5 Tips on Going Off to College with Diabetes
Provided by Columbia University's Medical Center, this article helps students think about how to best prepare for college life.
Going to College with Diabetes
The American Diabetes Association provides this self-advocacy guide for students with diabetes and covers many common questions.
Helping the Student with Diabetes Succeed
The National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases offers this guide to school personnel looking to learn how to best support students.
So…I Have Diabetes: The Roommate Discussion
This helpful article on A Sweet Life helps students tell roommates about their condition.
Providing campus chapters throughout the nation, the CDN advocates for students with diabetes and offers helpful information about preparing for and attending college.
Asthma at School
According to the American College Health Association, 9 percent of all college students have asthma. Although inhalers help lessen the effects, college students may experience more flare-ups, especially early in their time at school, due to changing environments. Because asthma is triggered by allergens and air pollution, adjusting to a new place can present unique challenges. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention suggests students should avoid living with a roommate who smokes, as well as any spaces where pets, mold, dust mites, or other triggers may be present
Asthma Facts
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention estimates approximately 26 million Americans have asthma.
During the 2001-2011 decade, the number of people with asthma in the U.S. increased by 28%.
Scholarships for students with asthma
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Scholarship
This is a one-time grant of varied amounts is open to high-school seniors in the Tampa Bay area. Decisions about recipients are made by August 31.
The Colorado Allergy & Asthma Centers offers this one-time $1,000 scholarship to patients within Colorado. Applications need to be in by June 15.
TAAIS Memorial Foundation Asthma Scholarship
This one-time award of $1,500 is granted to college-bound seniors suffering from asthma in Texas. The deadline for this scholarship is June.
Lifestyle for students with asthma
Many different things can trigger an asthma attack, so college students need to be especially vigilant. Some of the areas students should pay special attention in their day-to-day activities include:
Food
Roommates
Exercise
Cleaning
Asthma resource list
Are Your Allergies and Asthma Ready for College?
This article by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology helps students think through common triggers they may encounter at college and how to avoid them.
Asthma and Allergies Go to College
The New England Chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America offers tips on how to navigate – and enjoy – college while living with asthma.
Managing Asthma on the College Campus
This academic paper provided by Asthma Educators was created for faculty and administrators of higher education institutions looking for ways to help asthmatic students.
Preparing College-bound Students to Cope with Their Asthma
This guide by the American Association of Respiratory Care is especially aimed at parents looking for ways to help their children make the transition to college more seamless with respect to their asthma.
Your Health: College Dorms Can Trigger Asthma Attacks
USA Today looks at how new environments, such as a college dorm, can trigger attacks while also offering concrete advice on how to avoid these situations.
Lupus at School
As a chronic condition with a vast range of symptoms, lupus flares can be triggered in numerous ways. Because the condition seems to ebb and flow, students can find it difficult to set a routine and find consistency in their academic and social lives. Some of the biggest issues students contend with include joint or muscle pain, rashes, swelling, ulcers, exhaustion and photosensitivity.
Lupus Facts
Lupus currently affects approximately 1.5 million people in the United States. Overwhelmingly, those diagnosed with lupus are women (9 out of every 10 cases), according to the Lupus Research Institute.
Scholarships for students with lupus
Provided by the Lupus Inspiration Foundation for Excellence, recipients of this scholarship receive an award of at least $500. Applications should be sent in by July 1.
Michael Jon Barlin Scholarship
This annual scholarship of $5,000 is provided to students who reside in Florida and have been diagnosed with lupus. All scholarship applications should be sent by May 31.
P.A.F. Scholarship for Survivors
The Patient Advocate Foundation created this scholarship for people under the age of 25 with a chronic illness that they've received treatment for within the last five years. Scholarship amounts vary, but applicants should plan to send their paperwork in by February 25.
Lupus social & lifestyle issues
Adjusting to the long and late hours of college while still prioritizing healthy habits is one of the biggest hurdles for students with lupus, especially when allowing for inevitable flares that disrupt day-to-day life. Although much is still unknown about the condition, researchers have identified numerous triggers that students can work to avoid. These include:
Avoid exposure to UV rays
Keep a healthy diet
Avoid stress
Transition to college with lupus
Student with lupus can sometimes feel like there isn't enough time in their days to focus on their health while also completing their studies. Perhaps the best way they can help themselves is by letting others help them. Today's college campuses offer numerous resources for students, provided the student has alerted them to the condition. Some of the services available include:
- Priority class selection
- Specialized housing
- Transportation services
- Assistance with taking notes
- Career planning guidance
Students should also work with disability services to let their professors know of their condition and arrange accommodations.
Lupus resource list
15 Questions: Back to School with Lupus
The Lupus Foundation of America answers common questions students or their families may have about attending college with this chronic condition.
New Life Outlook offers concrete ways of lessening the chances of a flare up of lupus while in college.
This blog covers a range of topics related to helping people live their best lives with lupus and touches on many helpful tips for college students, including healthy recipes and managing stress.
This article posted by Kansas State University's newspaper chronicles the story of a student learning to live with lupus at KSU.
USC's Center for Health Journalism
This academic publication offers a glimpse at how lupus students entering college can find the support systems they need to thrive.
Crohn's Disease at School
For the student with Crohn's disease, the most worrisome part of the condition is not knowing when a flare up will occur. Although there are certain triggers that are more likely to set off an attack – including cigarettes, stress, or certain foods – it can also happen for no reason. With this in mind, the best thing a student can do is build a support network – including a gastroenterologist near their school – and be prepared for flares when they occur.
Crohn's Facts
The majority of Crohn's disease cases are diagnosed in people between the ages of 15 and 30. With proper medical treatment, only 11 percent of individuals diagnosed with Crohn's will have a chronically active condition.
Scholarships for students with Crohn's
AbbVie Crohn's & Colitis Scholarship
This one-time $15,000 scholarship is open to students pursuing higher education and living with either of these chronic conditions. The deadline for the next academic year will be announced soon on the scholarship website.
The IBD Foundation awards this one-time scholarship of $6,000 to a student with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis who is preparing for college. Applications are due April 22.
Intense Intestines Scholarship
This award is open to students with moderate to severe Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Applications must be received by July 15 of the awarding year.
Lifestyle & eating with Crohn's
Since Crohn's disease affects the gastrointestinal tract, proper nutrition plays a big role in warding off attacks and staying well. Unfortunately, college students aren't always known for prioritizing healthy food – especially when finals are kicking in and late night study sessions are required. Some of the food-related concerns a student with Crohn's should be aware of include:
Combating effects of steroids
Food sensitivities
Dining options
Disordered eating
Crohn's resource list
Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America's Campus Connections
The CCFA offers a wealth of resources for students with these conditions, including a way to connect to other students experiencing the same issues.
Crohn's & Colitis Student Initiative
This program at the University of Michigan is a student-driven initiative allowing students with these conditions a space to connect with others experiencing the same thing and provide support to one another.
Crohn's and U: The College Years
Crohn's and Me provides a series of articles to help new students transition to college, adjust to dorm life, find a new doctor, and talk to professors about their condition.
This interactive website was created to help young adults with Crohn's or ulcerative colitis transition to college.
When Chronic Illness Interrupts the Rhythms of College
Posted on the New York Times' education blog, this piece chronicles the struggles and triumphs of Lily Altavena, an NYU student with Crohn's disease.
Mental Illness at School
Mental health is a huge topic for today's college students, and for good reason: a survey by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 64 percent of all respondents who dropped out of college did so for reasons related to mental health. Whether battling the effects of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or another type of mental illness, college is a time when these conditions can be exacerbated if they go untreated.
Mental health scholarships for students
Baer Reintegration Scholarship
Open to students battling against schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder, this scholarship covers some or even all the costs associated with education, ranging from G.E.D. to Ph.D. Applications are due in January.
This one-time award of $1,000 is open to students struggling with mental health issues who are willing to tell their story. Applications are due by August 1 each year.
Jerry Greenspan Student Voice of Mental Health Award
Provided by the JED Foundation, this $3,000 scholarship is awarded to students tackling issues related to mental health issues.
Transition from high school to college with a mental illness
Transitioning to college is the first step to independent living for many students, but for those who struggle with mental illness it can also be stressful and anxiety-inducing. Students and their families can lessen the nerve-wracking aspects of this time in a number of ways, including:
- Consider attending a college closer to home so you don't have to deal with the stress of moving and living away from family.
- Pick a smaller school that feels more communal and less overwhelming.
- If social anxiety is an issue, ask your college about getting a single room rather than sharing with a roommate.
- Meet with staff at both health services and the counseling office on arrival and learn about support systems available.
- Ensure you've got a local doctor and/or therapist to visit if/when need be.
Expert Advice for Students with Chronic Conditions
Samantha Markovitz is a health coach, diabetes educator, patient advocate and the founder of GraceMark Wellness & Lifestyle Coaching.
How do chronic conditions affect students?
What should teachers be aware of when a student with a chronic condition is in their class?
Cathie Richards is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater who has Type 1 Diabetes. She graduated in May of 2016 with a bachelor of science in public relations and now works for a PR firm in Milwaukee.