Going to college is an exciting time: new friends, new studies and new challenges. 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 smooth the transition to further education consider the following:
- If you are invited to interview you need you be able to speak clearly and confidently about your needs.
- To make sure all your needs will be met by the college you should have an assessment of need undertaken by the additional learning support tutor - even special dietary arrangements will be made for individuals.
- Most colleges employ a nurse and have a medical centre, including a rest room. If the assessment identifies that someone is needed to carry bags then that will be provided. Some learners in colleges are allocated a full time learner support tutor who supports individuals wherever and whenever they need it.
- If you already have M.E. before you go to college, 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.
- Contact the college's learning support service or disability service, as they can help with equipment, access and sitting exams. They are there to help you to continue with your studies. Each college will have its own support service and contact details will be on their website.
- Arrange an information-gathering visit so you can anticipate what your needs might be once you know what to expect.
- Find out if there is a college or local M.E. support group. Action for M.E. can tell you about any local groups.
- Is your college campus- based i.e. Lecture and study rooms are based in the same area. Or is the college spread out all over town. You may find a campus-based college easier to manage.
- Is the college wheelchair friendly and what is the local transport like? Your local education authority are required to publish statements that specify arrangements for facilitating the attendance of disabled students in post 16 education or training.
- Are you allowed to park a car there? You may find having a car helpful, but beware you'll be very popular with people trying to get lifts!
- Think about how you are going to tell people about your M.E.
Information produced February 2004
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