College is your time to form friendships, memories and skills that will last a lifetime. You survived high school, and this fresh start should fill you with excitement and hope. However, for freshmen with a medical condition, it can also be a time of high stress. Are you going to be able to manage alright living away from your family and relying on roommates (who are currently strangers) in case of an emergency? If you use a medical device like a CPAP mask or oxygen tank, will you spend four years dodging stares and questions?
The answer is a big, fat “maybe” for almost everything because worst case scenarios can come true and insensitive people are running rampant. However, there are some ways to prepare yourself for the best first year possible. Remember that every freshman is in the same boat, nobody knows what they’re doing, and that you simply need to figure out a few niche things than many others. Here’s how to prep for a stress-free first year:
1. Befriend and educate your roommates
If you have a medical condition that may require those around you to help and intervene, such as if you have epilepsy or a severe allergy, be transparent about it. It doesn’t need to be the first thing you bring up in conversation, but have that talk within the first week. Your roommates will be happy to help if that’s ever necessary and you have a chance to inform more people about the condition.
2. Build a new medical support network
You need two solid support networks in college: Personal (that’s where your roommates and friends kick in) and professional. If you’ve moved far away and can no longer see your doctors, start scheduling meet and greets immediately. It’s on you to build the right network now and not wait until an emergency pops up.
3. There’s no such thing as too prepared
Many high schoolers probably leaned on their parents more than they realize, especially when it comes to taking care of medical requirements. Always have a surplus of devices, medications, charges, etc. (within reason).
4. Adjust your attitude
No matter how rare or common your medical condition is, if it’s “obvious” (and even if it’s not), you can expect at least one person to make a potentially rude or insensitive comment, whether intentional or not. Getting a high school diploma doesn’t force anyone to mature. Have a few witty replies handy, and take it as a lesson in toughening your skin.
Most of all, enjoy it. It truly is the best years of your life, so why let anything get in your way?
