Year 12s: what will be the first way you research your future options? >>

Going away to University with Chronic fatigue syndrome/ CFS/ ME

Missbekahxo

Experiences, advice etc xxx

Reply 1

CoolCavy

Volunteer Team

@furryface12 @Pathway :smile:

Reply 2

It's****ingWOODY

Just the standard advice really, try not to overwork or overstress yourself, make your tutors aware of your situation to make allowances etc.

Reply 3

Pathway

Thanks, @CoolCavy.

Original post by Missbekahxo

Experiences, advice etc xxx

Hey. I don't have CFS/ME, but I do deal with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and related conditions, which cause a lot of similar symptoms to those found in CFS/ME. What I would say is first you should apply to Disabled Students' Allowance. This will give you access to various things that you will find useful during your time at university. Speak with the student support department at any prospective universities as well. Explain your difficulties. Don't be ashamed to ask for help.

Secondly, know what works best for you. Is there a certain time of day where you feel less symptomatic? Are you able to manage your time well enough to prevent boom-bust cycles? Will you be living on campus or will you be commuting? What could be put in place with support from home if you need someone to help you because you've had a sudden uptick in symptoms? Who will be overseeing you medically whilst you're at university/if you're under any specialists does this care need to be moved? At my university there was a group (can't think of the right word...) that you could access if you needed help with getting food from the local Tesco because of disability, perhaps there's something similar at yours?

If you have questions, I'll do my best to answer them.