“Welcome, dear freshmen! Over the next five years, you will experience unforgettable moments that you will always look back on with joy!” Sentences like these truly sound promising. Ah, yes — just one more little detail: you have diabetes. Even though we are incredibly connected nowadays, I believe many of you have experienced those “alone in the world” moments. Suddenly, you find yourself in a completely new city, a different environment, and a new living space. How did your adjustment process go?
If you would like to help a future colleague and incoming freshman through your advice and support their inclusion, send us your story, and through this portal we will do our best to make sure it is heard. Help your future colleague with inclusion!
Preparing for College Life with Diabetes
The T1D Exchange community offers useful advice for future students, which we are partially and adaptively sharing below, while you can read the full article here.
Moving into a student dormitory is an exciting start to your college journey. There are several useful things to consider beforehand:
- Make sure you have a mini fridge for storing insulin and other medications.
- Get a practical container for storing fast-acting carbohydrates (dextrose, honey, and similar items) so they are always within reach while you are in the dorm.
- Be prepared to give your roommates a quick education about diabetes. Teach them a little about the symptoms of mild to severe hypoglycemia, how to administer glucagon in emergencies, and where you store it. Share everything you would want them to know so that, in the end, they can feel safe and comfortable in your new living space.
- Talk to the dormitory staff. Creating an additional support network within your community can give you a stronger sense of security and provide others with more knowledge.
If this topic interests you, you may also like our article “Mom - The Chaos Coordinator: A Story About Graduation and the Dexcom ONE+ Sensor”.
Point Out the Rights You Have as a Student with T1D
Here are some ideas:
- Obtain a letter from your doctor explaining your diagnosis and possible needs — this documentation may help in situations such as retaking an exam due to blood sugar fluctuations, leaving class when necessary, or securing accommodation close to a store for practical access to food. This letter may also be needed if you want to request a single room.
- Contact the Student Disability Services Office — they are an excellent starting point for identifying your potential needs as a student with T1D. They can help you create a comprehensive plan that addresses medication management, scheduling, and other issues.
If like this topic, we invite you to also read our article “A Child with Diabetes and a Journey to the Other Side of the World”.
Create a Routine
Starting college will undoubtedly affect your daily life. However, despite that, there are steps you can take in advance to feel confident when building a new routine. It will improve not only good diabetes control, but also your overall well-being during this exciting period of life.
Finally, dear freshmen and dear students, we wish you an exciting start to the new academic year!
Author: Ana Spoljaric
