I juggle a lot of hats in life – some I chose, and others were thrust on me.

As if being a wife, fur momma, blogger, licensed beauty professional, and ms warrior weren’t enough, (amongst my other autoimmune and medical conditions) I’m also a college student.

I’m currently about three weeks from starting the Fall semester of my sophomore year. My intended major is Health Sciences, focusing on mental health and nutrition. I hope to use my degree to help educate the public on autoimmune disease prevention and lifestyle management.

I just want to make this journey a little easier for others than it was for me, in short. 

That being said, I’m only my second semester into learning how to balance school and my own disease. Being a student with a disabiltity is new to me. So, I’m definitely learning as I go, just like you.

This past Spring, I pulled off a perfect 4.0 GPA and made it on the Dean’s List. I also received news after my last MRI that I have some new lesions in my brain. 

I was stressed from trying to manage way too much. Two different jobs and an insane amount of school work took its toll. I had to get steroids in April, antibiotics in May, and felt awful for over a month.

Once I reassessed my priorities and dropped a couple responsibities, I finished the semester not just well, but with a better idea of what was to come.

The semester brought a lot to light about some of the future struggles I could expect in my journey as a disabled student. 

I’m excited about the semester ahead – I’m taking some really awesome classes that I’m super interested in. I’m also taking some math and general ed classes that are less than appealing. But they’re necessary, and come with their own difficulties. I’lol go over those later on.

But, back to the subject at hand – getting prepped for the semester. All the issues I encountered in the spring gave me ideas of how to handle some of the more common issues I’ll face in years to come. Here’s what’s worked for me!

Get A Plan Together

I mentioned that I use a planner in my previous post Life Hacks For Anxiety. I’ve used one for years. I used to get way too excited to get that mascot emblazened planner in middle and high school.

These days, not only am I tracking assignment due dates and where my final exams are, but I’ve added in bills, dog meds, and date nights, too. Because I’m keeping up with so much more these days, I decided to upgrade my planner.

I’ve used a few different ones, like the Erin Condren and similar ones, but I ended up sticking with a Big Happy planner. It’s disc bound and completely customizable, so I can change things up as I need to.

Let Your Teachers Know

This is an important one. It can be a little embarrassing at first – I really didn’t want to go into class with a big label on my forehead that said, “hi, I’m the girl with MS.”

That being said, it is really important to let your teachers know about any issues you may have that could potentially make you miss class or a due date.

  Most of my professors have been more than accommodating when I was honest and up front about my situation. We all know how unpredictable MS is, and I had to miss a few more let’s be real, waaaaay more classes than would have usually been allowed without good reason. Had I not been up front to begin with, I don’t know how it would have played out. 

Most universities have specific policies against discrimination of any kind towards students with disabilities. These are in place to make sure we’re given a fair chance at getting the same education every able bodied person has regular access to. Which makes my next tip even more important.

Know What Resources There Are, But Also Know What They Aren’t

I’m getting registered with my universities adaptive education services this year. This is only because my sister insists this is a good idea. They don’t offer a ton of services at my shool. They do have an adapted laboratory and they can act as a liaison in the event of issues. Many universities are lacking in the services they provide for students with disabilities. But this shouldn’t deter us from seeking an education.

Other universities may offer more in this department. I know mine does offer great mental health services, and I’m taking full advantage of those. Always check to see what’s available – your school could have such a bad ass program, it could make getting your degree a lot easier. 

Check Out the Groups With Common Interests

Like I said above, my university does offer mental health counseling options. One of those options are the group therapy meetings. 

If these aren’t up your alley, try looking at the general extracurricular activities and groups. Every campus has a TON of different groups and clubs available. There’s sure to be at least one that sparks your interest.

This is important for a couple different reasons.

If it’s mental health oriented, you’re sure to gains some new coping mechanisms – and who doesn’t need more of those? If it’s just a particular hobby or passion, you’ll be able to meet like minded people pursuing the same goal as you. This could lead to new friendships, or just some support in a new environment. Either way, getting involved on campus is a good idea. 

Get to Know Campus

My universities campus is huge. There are also something like 4 or 5 hospitals connected to it, too. When I first started, I was lucky enough to have a little sister who had just graduated who could show me around.

She showed me a couple short cuts, and the easiest parking garage to get in and out of with quick access to classes. Most aren’t lucky enough to have their own personal navigator, though. A great idea is to attend one of the numerous orientation tours available at the beginning of the semester.

If you’re starting mid-year, there is most likely an office with student workers who can give you one. Just ask!

I also walk my schedule at the beginning of each semester, and find a convenient restroom nearby. This may be a little obsessively highschool “nerd” of me, but I’m the type to panic if I can’t find my class on the first day. If knowing where your classes or other places are will give you some peace of mind, do it. You’re definitely not alone.

Pick Your Classes Wisely

There are a few LOT things to consider when picking out classes. The types of classes, whether you attend in person, and how they fit in with your chronic illness symptomology are just a few.

For example, I base my schedule on my symptoms.

I tend to do a mixture of in person and online classes in the Fall. I try to do almost all online in the Spring if possible. If I flare, it’ll be between March through May. Taking online classes ensure I can work at my own pace at home if need be.

I also create my schedule with my energy levels in mind.

This semester, I had the choice between taking classes two or four days a week. It was a choice between longer lasting, or more frequent, days in class. I ended up taking 3 classes on Tues/Thurs. Spending a little longer on campus those days means I’ll have full days free in between classes.

I’m taking a total of 16 credit hours this semesters. Picking my classes was especially important, because of the heavy course load. I’m taking a mixture of more difficult, required classes with easier, more laid back classes. That way, I have a break in between the hard stuff.

Try to keep all of this in mind when you’re scheduling classes. Your academic advisor should be able to help you with ALL of this, too.

Learning Styles Are Important

When I started back last semester, I wasted so much time trying to force myself to learn in a way that was foreign to me. I learn best by reading, or watching something done in person.

Listening to lectures has never worked for me, yet it was the most convenient way to get my reading assignments done, so I tried. And failed.

There are several quizzes like this one online that can help you figure out your leaning style. Don’t lose out on precious time like me – figure out how you learn, and go for it.

Separate School and the Rest of Your Home

This is a big one for me – I have a happy, furry, distracting little zoo at home, who is always under foot. 

If it’s possible, s e p a r a t e your study space from the rest of your living space. I switched my desk from the kitchen/dining room area to my spare bedroom.

I’m much more productive now that I don’t have cute distractions running around me.

This can be a challenge for those living at home or with roommates – if you don’t have a guest room, maybe try setting a small desk up in a corner of your room.

I also keep my study area minimal. A couple organizers for my pens, highlighters, and post it notes are all I keep on my work space. I keep all my binders and books nearby, and neatly organized, too. 

It can take people with Multiple Sclerosis 2-3 times more energy to do the simplest task as a person with a normal central nervous system. I don’t need anything as simple as finding my calculator or textbook to take up my spoons when I’ve got math homework to do or papers to write.

Get Prepped, Not Stressed

While it is great to prep – and a must for my type of anxiety- it’s just as important to be able to move on. Let’s face facts for just a second, because life is going to happen.

Life just happening and not going according to my plans used to be my biggest pet peeves – I’ve got the lesions to prove it. Trust me and my immune system when I say, it’s just not worth it.

But, classes are going to get canceled, due dates will be switched around, and eventally, we’ll all have to change up our to do lists to meet new goals. Life will go on, I promise.

That’s why I always use a pencil in my planner. Life happens, and it may not be pretty, but my planner can be!

I hope some of these tips help you the way they’ve helped me! Make sure you’re sbscribed to my blog so you don’t miss anymore great tips + tricks for disabled students. You can also keep in touch with me on Instagram and see what I’m into on Pinterest.

Until next time,