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College Friends

Accommodating Health Needs at College

College is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful. Below are some resources to assess what you may need to prepare for to stay healthy at college!

The key to going to college with a chronic condition is to start early. The beginning of college is an exciting and social time. You’ll want to save your energy for meeting new people and getting ready to start classes, not organize your medical situation! 

Get Set Up with the Accessibility Office

Even if you don’t think you’ll need accommodations, consider going through the process just in case. It’s better to be protected than to scramble later.

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  • Contact your school’s Accessibility Office before classes start.

  • Get a letter from your doctor stating your diagnosis and the accommodations you need.

    • Each school has different requirements, so be sure to check their website or ask your school's accessibility office what should be included.

    • Try to get this letter at an appointment before you leave for school so you have it ready.

 

Why this matters:

  • Meeting with your accessibility counselor early (usually at the beginning of each semester) helps ensure accommodations are in place and provides an advocate in case any professors are uncooperative.

  • You do NOT need to disclose your diagnosis to professors. Once approved, they are required to follow the accommodations without personal details.

Pharmacy and Treatment Planning

Pharmacy Access:

  • Find a nearby pharmacy before you arrive on campus.

  • Transfer prescriptions in advance or make sure you can use a national chain (like CVS or Walgreens).

Specialists & Treatment:

  • Talk to your doctor about whether you’ll need to see a specialist while at college or only during breaks.

    • If you can wait until breaks, schedule appointments as soon as you know your academic schedule, so you're able to get an appointment in time. 

Infusions or Ongoing Treatment:

  • Ask where you’ll receive infusions: a student health center? a local clinic or hospital?

  • Confirm insurance coverage for out-of-state care if applicable.

Therapy session discussion

Mental Health

If you plan to continue therapy in college, make sure your provider is licensed in the state where your college is located, even for telehealth visits. Lisences for mental health services are state-based, not federal. This will likely mean having to find a new provider.

Final Checklist

  • Contact the Accessibility Office and understand documentation requirements.

  • Get a doctor’s letter for accommodations.

  • Transfer prescriptions or find a local pharmacy.

  • Discuss care plans with your doctor, including specialists and treatment options.

  • Find local providers (for therapy, infusions, etc.) and confirm licensing/insurance.

  • Set up a Power of Attorney if needed.

  • Schedule any upcoming appointments based on your academic calendar.

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