|
|
|
If you’re striking out on your own,
thinking ahead and knowing what you’ll need will help avoid
problems. Items to think about include:
-
Bathroom: Find out the floor plan
in advance. Will you have a bathroom to your self or share it with
others?
-
Food: Dorm food often needs special
attention. Talk to the chefs about what you need and how you can get
it. Some will accept your recipes, and others may already make foods
you can eat. If you have a lot of food restrictions, ask if you can
have access to a kitchen where you can cook for yourself. In an
apartment, try to get a kitchen so you always have a way of making
food, especially when you’re too sick to go out to eat. Be sure to
stock up on good snacks you know your system can tolerate.
-
Roommates: It’s up to you whether
you tell your roommate about your IBD. If you do decide to
share your condition, tell your roommate how he or she can help you
if you get really sick, what hospital you would go to, how to
contact your doctor, where your medications are kept and how to
get them. If your beds are bunked, take the lower one for quick runs
to the bathroom. See
communication for more on this.
-
Extra services: Find a local or
campus disability office. Even if you’re not technically disabled
(and especially if you are), this office can help you identify
special privileges you might need and provide solutions if future
issues arise.
-
Toilets: Be sure you have
everything you need, such as baby wipes or super-soft toilet paper
in your bathroom or together in a basket that you can transport
easily. Flush often and bring your own air freshener.
-
Parties: Avoiding
alcohol can help
you avoid the problems that go along with drinking. If the party is
within driving distance, offer to drive so you can leave early if
you feel sick or ask a friend ahead of time if you can call for an
early ride if you need one. If food will be served, bring your own
edible contribution or eat ahead of time.
 
|
 |
|