Students

Studying at college or university

We have come up with answers to some of the questions that you might have about coping with an eating disorder at university or college.

Choosing a university or college takes a lot of careful consideration. What is it you want to study? Do you want to do a very practical or academic course? How far away from home do you want to go? Which city would you like to live and study in? Aside from answering these life affirming questions, you may wish to keep your mental health in check too. Here are some answers from young people about their eating disorder and studying, whether it be at home or away from home.

“Should I tell the uni when I apply? And if I did would it mean that I wouldn’t get in?

Some university courses ask you to tell them about any on-going conditions. This includes your eating disorder. It could benefit you to be honest and inform them. This does not mean that they will automatically disregard your application. They may work out how they can best support you throughout your course and time at university while you are ill.

“I was getting help from my doctor at home – what help do I get now I have moved?”

You will need to register with a doctor in the area where you at uni. They will send for your notes.  Most universities have a medical centre or a doctor that works at the uni that you can register with. You might find it hard to tell a new doctor about your eating disorder but it can be worth it to gain help and support.

“This is the first time I have had to buy my own food and cook my meals. Having a eating disorder makes this really hard.”

Often being a student means that you don’t have much money – this can give your eating disorder the perfect excuse to not buy any food. It is important to look at your finances and allow yourself a realistic amount each week for food. Often buying things in bulk is cheaper, e.g. a big bag of pasta instead of a small bags every couple of weeks. When thinking about what to buy it can help to break the day down. What could you have for breakfasts and what will you need for this, e.g. cereal and milk and so on for lunches and dinners. There are useful student cookbooks available to (see side for examples), you can find many more in bookshops on the high street and on-line. Many beat people used books like this when they left home or went to uni.

“I’m at uni and finding it hard to keep up to date with all my work, my eating disorder makes it difficult – what can I do?”

You might want to think about telling your personal tutor, they could then let your other tutors know that you need extra time and some support. Most uni’s have medical centres or a doctor on-site a couple of days a week, you could also ask the doctor for some help.

I’ve only just got here and I don’t want to be known as an eating disorder. My housemates have already started to notice.”

The nature of an eating disorder means that you may want to conceal it but it is likely that people will notice. This can be hard to deal with but isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Eating Disorders thrive on secrecy and it can be easier to beat it with the help and support other others. In time you may feel that there are housemates and friends that you can confide in. It can be helpful to talk things through with the helpline . Remember that there is so much more to you than your eating disorder. People will get to know you.

“I only feel comfortable eating at certain times and foods fell unsafe to me – it’s really hard when my housemates order takeaways and food at different times. I want to join in but I can’t.”

Your first instinct might be to stay in your room when this happens, another option is to allow yourself to stay with your housemates. Eating together is not just about the food it is a social thing to do as well. You might to be honest and say you can’t manages the takeaway but  want to join them anyway to have a chat, watch a film, listen to music etc. Remember that eating at different time and having the odd takeaway is normal. Your eating disorder might tell you otherwise but spending time with those who do eat normally (even though it’s hard) can help you to gain perspective.

“This is all hard – I can’t cope.”

Beating an eating disorder is much easier with the help of others. Most uni’s have on-site counsellors. It can be hard to admit it when you can’t cope but this is often the first step to getting help. Counsellors are trained to help you to understand your eating disorder and find a way to cope. It can be really helpful to talk to someone confidentially about the stuff you are finding hard. This is also another situation when you might want to consider talking to a doctor.

Further links

Studenthealthservices - thesite.org

Studenthealth

Student Times

Students Against Depression

Student Counselling in UK Universities