Making the Grade for Good Health

Here are a few tips to help make the transition from family life to college living something you can manage.

• Make your health your primary concern.
  
  
• Share information about your condition with school health officials and call or email your regular doctor if you have any concerns. Have him or her recommend a health care facility near your campus
  
  
• Ask at the office for students with disabilities whether the school has nap rooms, quiet areas or other places to rest on campus.
  
  
• Develop a good support system with roommates and classmates, as well as family and friends back home. Remember: you’re not in this alone.
  
  
• Ease into your college routine. Start with a light course load until you get used to the campus environment. Also consider mixing in-class coursework with online classes, which may offer you more flexibility.
  
  
• Do your best to make lifelong friendships and grow into a well-rounded young adult. It’s the best part of the college experience.

* Adapted from the Mary Dixon Lebeau article in the Summer 2006 issue of Lupus Now.