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It is really important that you have thought about how you are going to cope with all the new pressures, expectations and emotions before you are thrust into this new environment. It would also be useful to regularly review your coping mechanisms once you know the structure of your week.
Don't be tempted to go crazy during your first term by joining lots of clubs or societies. See how you feel with the extra workload and build up your stamina over the weeks and months - it will take time.
You will need to work out how you are going to pace your days. This way you can build up for a night out with your friends, or pace your workload to cope with looming deadlines. It is helpful to let your lecturers know who you are and about how your M.E. affects you, this way they'll be more accommodating if you miss a lecture or need an assignment/ essay extension. If you are unable to attend a lecture make sure you get the notes from a friend so that you don't fall too far behind, as this can add unnecessary stress. If you do need an extension on an assignment or essay, ask for it in a pro-active way rather than just handing it in late.
You may find it helpful to write a timetable for your own study, so that it fits around your other commitments. If you timetable in early deadlines, you will allow yourself time for any setbacks. Try and stick to it as this way you will be able to do a bit of work each day rather than leaving a whole chunk nearer the deadline, which may cause a relapse.
You will be allocated a personal tutor for the duration of your course. Make the most of this supervision, as they can be very helpful advocates. If you don't find your tutor understanding of your health then enquire about changing.
You will also find a helpful ally in the learning support officer. They are usually based in the learning support unit (your college may have a different name for this post). They can help you with a range of enquiries and support you in your study needs.
Once your exams are looming go and see the learning support officer or the exams officers to apply for special exam conditions if you need them. These can include extra time; permission to leave the room for food or fresh air; sitting the exam in a separate room or taking the exam at home (with supervision provided). You will need to prove your illness with a medical certificate.
If you or your parents are unhappy about the support you have been given, firstly try an informal route to solve the issue by contacting the senior manager responsible for your area of study. Each college has a complaints procedure, so if you are dissatisfied with their response write to the person named in the college charter or to the principal.
Information produced February 2004
