• Think about where you want to go to college or university. Do you want to stay near family and friends, or would you like to venture further afield? Have a look at college/university websites for more info on the places you’re thinking of going. It can also be helpful to do a bit of research about the town/city as well. Online courses via places like The Open University are also an option, if you want or need more flexibility.
• When you apply for college or university, it’s important that you let them know your needs, so that they can best support you. This can be difficult and may feel overwhelming, but it’s important so that they can provide the support and adjustments you need for your education.
• Choosing somewhere to live for college or university can be stressful. Some people choose to stay living at home, whereas others might move out into student accommodation or a shared house. Think about what accessibility needs you have, and what sort of accommodation you will need.
• Often colleges and universities are spread across bigger areas than schools, so think about how far you will need to travel – not only to get to college or university, but also to get to your lessons/lectures whilst you are there. Trying to plan these journeys in advance can help to manage your energy levels and also reduce anxiety.
• Eating and drinking well is important to manage your energy levels, and fuel your brain and body. Going to college or university can make it tricky to balance this, but using tricks like freezing leftovers, having tins in the cupboard, sharing the cooking with friends/family, or choosing university accommodation which is ‘catered’ and provides your meals, are all options to consider.
• Brain fog can be tricky to manage, especially at college or university. Try using things like sticky notes, reminders in your phone calendar, recording lectures or lessons to review later, or getting printed copies of presentations to help manage your brain fog.
• Living with persistent physical symptoms can impact on your mental health and wellbeing. Have a look at our pages on Coping with Difficult Thoughts and Feelings and Keeping Yourself Safe for more information and links to resources. You can also seek support from your college or university Wellbeing/Support Teams.

There is lots more information on the topics above in the document Top Tips for Studying with an Energy-Limiting Long Term Condition, along with information and tips on managing busy environments, meeting new people, working at a desk or computer, and lots more. 
 

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