Preparing for College with Epilepsy
College is a stimulating moment; diverse people to meet; fresh places to discover, and innovative subjects to learn about. Likewise, there are different hurdles on the road to campus, even more so for university students with epilepsy. Going without sleep is not the only problem ahead, but whatever shows up, students should keep in mind that there is always a way to work through any challenge.
Learn from students who have already graduated.
The folks at Degree Jungle have chatted with some college graduates with epilepsy about their university experiences; listed here are several crucial lessons that these graduate students discovered while earning their degrees.
Lesson One: Carefully select an accommodating academic institution.
Take note of the university itself. People with epilepsy may not be able to drive. If this holds true for you, think about how you will be able to get around.
- Is mass transit close by?
- Is there a drugstore or pharmacy nearby?
- Do you know anyone who is going to the same school who has an automobile and could possibly be a roommate or offer automobile assistance when necessary?
- Where are the nearest health-care centers, and is a specialist at your disposal?
Lesson Two: Talk to people about your condition.
It really depends on you to inform roommates, residence hall staff and school administrators that you are a college student with epilepsy. Ensure that people around you will know precisely what to do if a seizure strikes.
Lesson Three: Check out the University’s Students with Disabilities Office.
Everyone knows that people with epilepsy do not want to be treated differently and many do not consider themselves “disables” but know that the majority of colleges possess a ‘Students with Disabilities’ office. This facility acts as a liaison between teachers and disabled university students when collegiate accommodations are needed. Even if you don’t want special accommodations, it will not hurt to learn about the available assistance programs and amenities.
Lesson Four: Manage your time.
Epilepsy seizures and difficulties with memory (often reported by people with epilepsy) could potentially make it difficult for students to meet due dates. Most university graduates with epilepsy discovered that organizers were their lifesavers on several occasions. Don’t forget to take note of every little thing, regardless of how trivial it is. Something you write down may remind you about another thing later.
Furthermore, manage your daytime study hours. Excel spreadsheets, smartphone reminders, and online calendars with SMS reminders are outstanding resources that help remind you what’s going on and when.
Lesson Five: Take time to study correctly.
Sleep, for every college student, is essential; but the possibility of a seizure with epilepsy is escalated with sleep deprivation, even when taking anti-seizure medication. Scholars with epilepsy should stay clear of all-night-study workouts; the possibility of seizure aside, all-nighters are absolutely horrible for anyone. Most lecturers will be forgiving when requesting a postponement on homework, especially with a medical excuse. Schoolwork will be far better prepared whenever university students take their time developing assignments.
How Students with Epilepsy Can Guarantee Hassle-free College Transitions
Don’t forget, epilepsy does not define you. Don’t forget: No one is perfect: everybody has one or more things wrong with them; it just so happens that epilepsy is what you were dealt at birth (or at some other time in life). Because education and learning are such fundamental parts of becoming an adult, students with epilepsy who desire to attend college and who satisfy admittance requirements should be granted every reassurance and opportunity to do well in this upcoming stage of their lives.
There are a number of things that young people and guardians can do to help guarantee easy crossovers into college life, here are 7 key things you can do to ensure your success:
- See to it that you understand everything about your epilepsy condition, the treatment needed, and the professionals required; you must learn when and where to look for medical help. If parents have been essentially making sure the medicines are refilled and doses are taken on time, try a period of time of taking care of your own re-fills and doses. Keep your own calendar of doses and refills for at least a month before you leave for college to get into the routine. Remember that the number one cause of a seizure for someone whose condition is well controlled is a missed dose.
- Enroll in an orientation program provided by the educational institution for incoming students. Many facilities furnish unique transition workshops for students with disabilities throughout the summer.
- Make contact with the college’s health-care center, and advise them of your circumstances, the prescription medications you are using, and what assistance you may require from them while on campus. You will be surprised at how many additional services colleges and universities can deliver.
- If you must visit a specialist, ask the university’s health center for guidance and a recommendation.
- Before the academic year begins, secure a detailed letter from one of your physicians. These documents may be useful in gaining access to residence rooms closer to campus, or it could assist you in getting extensions to finish tests and homework.
- Avoid drugs alcohol; alcohol use and abuse is abundant on college campuses worldwide, and so are many other controlled substances. Alcohol and illicit drugs are never a good thing for people with epilepsy, whether you are on AEDs or not. Don’t fall for the peer pressure to consume more than you are comfortable with, even if its just one. Let no one define you or judge you. You are above the influence!
- Finally, don’t stress! You are embarking on a journey that thousands have done before you. Remember that many of challenges you face have already been overcome by others, and you can do the same! Stress is a seizure trigger for most epilepsy patients, so don’t let it get to you. Take your time, focus, study hard!
Good luck out there, scholar! You are going to be just fine!
CONTRIBUTED BY: DegreeJungle.com
