Here's what you need to know if you or your child are ready for a college education.
Choosing which colleges to apply to is a major life milestone – one that is made more complex with diabetes on board.
For many, college will be the first time you will be managing your diabetes without a parent or caregiver close by. Everything from ordering prescription refills and scheduling doctor appointments to managing daily meals will fall on you. This is happening at the same time you’re acclimating to a tougher academic environment and new social circles.
Here are a few key things to include in your college selection criteria that will put you in a better place to succeed.
Disability or Auxiliary Services
Did you know that diabetes qualifies as a disability? That means it is part of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Schools are required to have accommodations.
The actual name may vary, but this is the college department that assists students with disabilities navigate campus services, programs, and activities while pursuing your education.
Check to see what kind of experience people in this office have with assisting students with diabetes. Be sure to ask what kinds of accommodations have been made in the past. And find out what the process is for registering with them.
College students with a disability have the right to accommodation, but it is the student’s responsibility to register with the college up front. Accommodations can include things like being able to take a break during an exam to check or treat glucose levels without penalty. Be sure to ask about any specific accommodations that you’re needing.
On-campus Health Clinic or Services
It’s important to know how well equipped the on-campus clinic is to address your diabetes needs. Many on-campus clinics only offer urgent care type services, which means you’ll need to rely on medical services from the surrounding community.
Access to Diabetes Supplies
Find out where the closest pharmacy is located and consider how you would get to it. If it isn’t within walking distance, you’ll need to use public transportation or a ride-sharing service. Even if you have your medications and supplies shipped to you, there could still be a situation when you need to go to an actual pharmacy.
If you plan to have your medications and supplies shipped to you, find out if the dorm mail services work. Ask if they are set up to handle items that need to remain cool. If not, ask what other accommodation arrangements can be made.
Insurance Coverage
If you’re going away to college and staying on your parent’s health insurance your coverage may be different from what you’re used to. You’ll need to find out what will be covered and what doctors are considered in-network.
Some college students stay with their doctor at home and schedule their check ups during school breaks. While this works most of the time, it can still leave you with limited coverage when you need immediate care.
Dorms and Dorm Personnel
On-campus accommodations can vary greatly. Some dorms have efficiency apartments with fully-fitted kitchens. Others provide a bedroom with limited space and the bathroom down the hall. When looking at dorms, consider whether you’ll have round-the-clock easy access to a refrigerator and microwave to store your medications and prepare food when needed. Also consider how much space you have available to store your diabetes supplies.
When it comes to the resident hall director or advisor, ask if they have experience working with students with disabilities in general and diabetes in particular. Ask about the kinds of support and accommodations they commonly offer.
Dining Services
Look at meal plan options to see how well they align with your regular eating habits. Ask what accommodations they offer for special dietary needs. And find out how you are able to access food outside of the regular meal times.
Also consider other options for getting food. Is there a cafe or fast casual restaurant on campus or nearby? Is there a grocery store within walking distance?
Distance from Home
How far away the college is from home is also a consideration. Going to school across the country may limit when and how often you can get home to see friends, family, and your regular doctor. Travel time, in an emergency situation, can also be a concern. Look to see if you have friends or family who live close by campus who you can call on when needed.
Wherever you decide to go to college, including your diabetes needs in your selection process will help you succeed.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Diabetes Link - This nonprofit helps teens and young adults with diabetes navigate life as they mature. They provide peer support and resources both online and through their on-campus chapters across the U.S.
American Diabetes Association - Special Considerations: College - This online resource outlines students’ legal rights of students, how they differ in college from in K-12, and how to advocate for these rights.
About Corinna Santa Ana:
Corinna Santa Ana is a content writer and diabetes advocate. Her aim is to help people make better informed decisions about their health and healthcare. As a Latina diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2009, she understands first-hand the many challenges life with diabetes presents. You can find her thoughts and musings about life with T2D on Twitter @type2musings.