Going to university is an exciting time: new friends, new accommodation and new studies. Although it can be apprehensive as all your usual support networks may be at a distance. You will have to be more independent and you will have to pace your work and social life carefully, to avoid overdoing it.
To help make a smooth transition to higher education consider the following:
- To apply you need to go through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). If you are invited to interview you need to be able to speak clearly and confidently about your needs.
- If you already have M.E. before you go to University, it is important that you inform your personal tutor, as they will be able to support you if you become ill or just need some time to rest.
- If you are rejected for a place and you think it's because of your M.E. you can contact the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) to discuss what to do next. You might want to obtain a copy of the institution's disability statement.
- Contact the university's learning support service or disability service, as they can help with equipment, access and sitting exams. Each university will have its own Support Service and contact details will be on their website, or ask at your Students Union Office.
- Arrange an information gathering visit so you can anticipate what your needs might be once you know what to expect. Take someone with you to discuss all your concerns.
- If you will be living in 'hall' accommodation, check whether there are hall welfare officers, as they can be a lifeline for you. The students union will also have a welfare officer.
- Find out if there is a university or local M.E. support group. AfME can tell you about any local groups.
- Is your institution campus- based? i.e. accommodation, lecture and study rooms, amenities such as laundry, shops, bars are based in the same area. Or is the institution spread out all over town? You may find a campus-based institution easier to manage.
- Is the institution wheelchair friendly and what is the local transport like? Ask the student union whether they have a disability transport system or whether there are late night minibuses taking people from campus to town or student housing areas.
- Is there a medical centre on campus? It may be possible to find out whether they have already supported students with M.E. Building a relationship with the centre will help you cope with your M.E. more effectively. AfME produces a range of information sheets which you could take into the centre to improve understanding.
- Are you allowed to keep a car there? You may find having a car helpful, but beware you'll be very popular with people trying to get lifts!
- How far away are you from your home? Moving as far away as possible is sometimes the main attraction but you may welcome a visit home for some good rest.
- Think about how you are going to tell people about your M.E.
Information produced March 2004
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