It’s theme day at the b5media Science and Health Channel!  Today’s theme is…..back to school.  To read a “run down” of the channel’s theme posts, stop over at Kristina’s Autism Vox blog.

I have to admit, that I have been struggling with this topic.  When I first became sick, I had just returned to school.  I couldn’t handle being “fatigued” and studying.  So the decision to quit studying was made, so I could concentrate on getting healthy.  Perhaps it would be different for me now, if I returned; but I am too busy with other things, to fit school into my schedule.

I needed a bit of help in order to write this article.  I found a previously published article over at the CFIDS Association of America.  An article called, Ten Tips for Surviving College with CFIDS, by Rebecca Bailey.  She has some really great ideas, so I am going to comment on them.

•  Communicate With Your Professors-  Most professors are happy to accommodate people with special needs, if they fully understand the situation.  Explain why you may need extensions on papers, or why you might be missing more classes than others.  Take advantage of their office hours.  If you need extra help – ask for it.  They are there to make things easier -even when you are having trouble understanding.

• Try Books on Tape – OK here is where things have changed a bit.  Did you know that you can actually get college lectures via podcasts on itunes.  Check to see if this available at your university – this might make things way easier for you.  We all know that listening is easier than reading (especially when you are not feeling your best) – so you might want to check to see if reading materials are available in audio format.  If not, perhaps you can make friends with an “energetic classmate” – who is able to make “audionotes” – a cram session, if you will, for you.

• Discover Independent Study – Oh how I wish this was available to me, when I was at university.  One on one time with a professor, as opposed to drawn out lectures.  Off list reading – no syllabus, no schedules, working at your own pace.  If this is available to you, do not pass it up.  This is a PWC’s dream at university.  OK it was my dream (but it wasn’t to be).

• Embrace Pass/Fail – I do not really understand how this totally works.  I suppose its put into effect, so you don’t have to worry about achieving high grades (less stress is a good thing).  Have no idea how it affects one’s GPA, though.

• Don’t Compare Yourself to Your Energetic Peers – Always good!  Comparing yourself to others (whether they be healthy or not) is just dangerous thinking.  You are not the same is anyone else, and why would you want to. Who cares what everyone else is doing. While college life is a lot more than just studying and going to classes – there is no reason to follow the crowd.  Do activities that you love.  No one is ever going to force you to go to the bar every night- or rush a sorority – or plan an event.  Find things that give you energy, not take it away.

• Check out Campus Shuttle Services – If you go to school on a big campus, and your classes aren’t all in one building, this may be worth checking out.  It can save you time, and a lot of energy – if the only other means was walking.

• Make Friends With the College Health Services – Especially if your home town is far away from the campus you are attending.  Its going to much easier to deal with someone on campus (hopefully they would be allowed to dole out more than aspirin) than having to find a new doctor….and you are probably going to get better treatment from someone you get to see regularly, than by going to a drop in clinic, every time you need a little help.

• Milk Your Student Discount – perhaps your discount is only good on certain days.  But you aren’t feeling good on that day.  It may be worth your while to “charm” someone at the store, so you can use your discount, “everyday”.  I long for the days where you could get 10 or 15% off on everything.  Sigh.

• Take Advantage of Career Planning Services – Working at home, is all the rage these days.  Surely, these career officers would have some interesting ideas, on helping you to find suitable work in your chosen field – on a part time basis… or at least help fill the needs that you do have.

• Know When it is Time for a Break – When you are overwhelmed (and lets face it, university is a stressful time for most people), know when to step back and say “ok I need to get away”, and then go home for a few days.  Let your family take care of all of that other stuff…stuff like laundry, and feeding you properly.  Go hang out with the dog, and get caught up on your homework.

Thanks to Rebecca, for a great list.  I almost want to be back in school, to see if I would be able to cope better – with these tricks.  For those of you, who are taking classes this year (and I know at least one of you is doing that) – let me know of any other tricks you use to succeed in university.

Post from: Blisstree

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