Higher education - advice for students

If you are going on to higher education , you will be studying for a qualification such as a degree or a diploma/certificate of higher education. You will be doing this at a university or college. You can go into higher education at any age but most people enter when they are around 18 years old.

Planning to go to university or college

There's a lot to consider if you're planning to go into higher education. As a student with epilepsy, you'll need to give plenty of thought about:

• where to study
• the support you may need while studying
• support with day-to-day living
• money and funding

More information about higher education can be found on the government’s website

Going away to university or college

• You will need to register with the campus medical services, or a local doctor’s practice. You might also like to book an appointment to talk to them about your epilepsy medicines and repeat prescriptions.
• If your seizures are not fully controlled, you might want to talk to the teaching staff about [what to do, and not to do, if you have a seizure. You might also want to talk this over with some of students you will be studying with.
• If you have photosensitive epilepsy, you may be able to get a special equipment allowance  from your local education authority. This could pay for an LCD screen or any special software you may need.

Social life

College life can be very sociable – and busy. You will meet new friends and probably try out some different activities. The Students Union  officers can tell you about clubs, social events, and different societies.  Don’t let your epilepsy stop you joining in, but be aware of things that could make your seizures more likely. These are called seizure triggers and include:

• too much alcohol
• taking recreational drugs
• lack of sleep or disturbed sleep patterns
• stress
• flashing or flickering lights
• forgetting to take your epilepsy medicines