College Spoonie Tips
So apparently school is starting soon but don’t freak out!! School with a chronic illness is definitely more challenging but it is manageable!!
-have a constant sleep schedule, and don’t be afraid to nap on campus (i keep a sleep mask with me. just set alarms)
-use a planner and do things when you have energy. schedule based on what needs to be done first and don’t leave big assignments to the last minute
-take lots of study breaks, and when you’re on a break, don’t think about school. make a cup of tea, do some deep breathing exercises, doodle, call a friend
-brain fog and studying suck but its doable. i find rewriting my notes and saying them out loud help. use colours to write your notes and make important things stand out.
-find a study buddy and quiz each other. just find a study buddy to get notes from/encourage/study with
-always keep snacks and emergency meds in your bag/locker
-know your limits. if you need to ask for an extension, do it. if you need to drop a class, do it. its not your fault.
-if you’re stressing/anxious, don’t think about everything that needs to be done, it will seem overwhelming. block out the thoughts and just focus on what needs to be done at the moment.
-talk to the disability office. lots of schools will allow you to have less credits for a full time load, get exam accommodations. also let your profs know that you have a health condition and that you might need extra help
-think encouraging thoughts! its hard and you might think otherwise but block out negative self talk and replace it with encouraging thoughts!! you can do this!!
More of them!! So many college tips!!
Just wanted to add to this - if you have a mental health condition, go talk to disability services. They can make your life so much easier! They can offer you things like taking exams in a different room by yourself, alternative assessment arrangements, different attendance requirements, and a few dozen options you probably would never have thought of! They do require medical forms or a letter from your GP (it should say on their website), but they are bound by confidentiality, and you are not required to disclose your illness to anyone else. You may not consider your mental illness a disability, but they are there to support you too!
