Planning to go to university or college can be an exciting but daunting time for anyone. If you have Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) – Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis (UC) – you are likely to face even greater challenges and have more concerns and questions. This series of articles sets out to answer some of those questions, and to give you some tips and suggestions based on professional advice and also on the experiences of other students with IBD.
Can I get help to cope with exams?
The intense pressure of exams affects most people, and having IBD you may find the stress triggers a flare-up. Try to pace yourself and find ways that help you to relax, such as taking regular exercise, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. If you have a Study Needs Agreement or you have talked to your tutor about your condition, and are able to provide a medical certificate from your doctor, you may be able to make advance arrangements for exams. These might include, for example, sitting close to the exit nearest the toilets, having someone ready to accompany you if necessary, and being able to request extra time if needed.
In some circumstances, if you are completely unable to sit an exam, you may be able to defer sitting it until you are better, without a cap on your grade.
What about course work deadlines?
One of your main concerns is likely to be about getting work in on time, especially when you are having a flare-up or if you have to go into hospital. Being able to request a coursework extension should you have a flare up is likely to be in your Study Needs Agreement if you have one.
You may also be given an automatic extension if you are in hospital. If you do find yourself having to negotiate a coursework extension, try to be realistic about how much time you need to recover and how much work you can do when you’re still not feeling completely well.
What other support is there?
Sometimes the pressure of exams, coursework, being away from home, feeling isolated when ill – any or all of these – may become too much to deal with on your own, even if you have the support of friends and family. If you do find you are feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed, you can turn to the counselling service at your university or college in complete confidence. You may find that as well as face to face counselling services, there are also phone-based helplines, accessible from the privacy of your room.
Counselling can help with all kinds of issues, health related or more general, such as dealing with dilemmas or making difficult decisions, relationship difficulties, sexual problems, or identity issues.
At Crohn's and Colitis UK we have a web–based discussion board for people aged 16-29 living with IBD. This can be found at www.ibdandme.nacc.org.uk. There are also Crohn’s and Colitis UK groups around the UK, some with subgroups for young people, and you might find it helpful to contact the group nearest your university or college. Check our website or contact our office for locations.
We also operate a supportive listening service, Crohn’s and Colitis Support, and a general Information Line. (0845 130 2233).
And finally…
Take time to plan, talk to the relevant people and develop a supportive network – don’t wait until you are feeling unwell and having a flare-up before you seek help. There may be setbacks along the way, such as having to take time out. If this means taking an extra year, it might seem like a lot of time, but try to keep in mind that, in the long run, it will probably not make a lot of difference.
“One thing I would say is don’t let
having IBD stop you from achieving
anything. I refuse to let my disease
get the better of me.”
(Student with IBD)
For all the information contained in these articles, and more useful contact details, see our full information sheets Students with IBD: A Guide for Students
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