Preparing for college
Headed off to college and feeling overwhelmed with next steps? Don’t worry – we’ve a created a checklist to help you prepare!
Please note that this list is not exhaustive but is intended to serve as a starting point as you begin making preparations for college.
Campus and housing
Apply for housing accommodations and keep in mind the following:
- Where is the nearest bathroom in relation to my room?
- Does the dorm have air conditioning?
- Can I bring an additional refrigerator to store my medication?
- Apply for dining hall accommodations (as needed).
- Tell your roommates that your insulin must remain in the refrigerator, and they cannot eat your low snacks.
- Bring an ice pack for insulin.
- Bring extra storage for medical supplies.
- Meet your RA/HD and tell them about T1D and how to help during a severe low.
- Display a list of your emergency contacts (physicians, parents, close friends).
- Connect with campus police/safety personnel to help prepare for any instance of low blood sugar.
- Learn how mail is sent to your dorm if you receive medical supplies through the mail.
The essentials
- Locate a pharmacy close to campus. Do they accept your current insurance plan?
- Make sure you have your insurance card.
- Pack 30 / 90 days of supplies, including:
- Infusion sets
- CGM
- Charging cords
- Batteries
- Test strips
- Lancet
- Meter
- Back-up insulin method
- Ketone testing strips or ketone testing meter
- Learn how to order your own supplies if you are unfamiliar with this process.
- Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or keychain on your bag that indicates you have T1D.
- Locate a nearby endocrinologist.
- Purchase a first aid kit.
- Prepare for a sick day! Have a care package with pajamas, a change of clothes, and extra diabetes supplies in case of illness. Visit our Sick Day and Illness Guide for more tips.
Academics
- Work with the Accommodations Office or Disability Services to request any accommodations you feel you need, including:
- Extended exam time/rescheduling
- Ability to take food into exams
- Meal plan flexibility
- If comfortable doing so, email your professors prior to class (depending on your school’s policy) to inform them you have T1D.
- Keep extra low snacks and glucagon with you at all times.
- Familiarize yourself with the campus and learn where your classes are located and determine how far you will need to walk before classes begin.
- Additional resources from Beyond Type 1:
Having fun
- Eat before leaving your dorm.
- Share your glucose levels with a trusted friend.
- Educate a friend on how they can help you in the event of a severe low.
- Bring juice and other snacks in the event of a low blood sugar–do not assume others will have food readily available.
- Stay hydrated and eat food if consuming alcohol (and be sure to learn about the impact alcohol has on your body).
- Be very cautious about lows the night after drinking–have a low snack prepared for a sudden drop in glucose levels while sleeping.
- Closely monitor your blood sugar the next day as alcohol can cause you to go low hours after consumption.
T1D Resource Library
What you need to know about navigating life with type 1 diabetes, including insurance, school, relationships, pregnancy, and more.
