Going To College Next Month, Any Tips/advice?

[Deleted member 27181]

There was a post about going back to college by another user earlier, however, that was the for the US college system and was more about how to live and be comfortable away from home. So I'm looking for some advice catered to my questions.

I'm in the UK and going to be starting college in September. I have my interview on the 15th as well as flying out to germany a couple hours after that, so it's going to be an extremely stressful, panicky day. Does anyone have any tips for interviews and how to not mess up my words or how to stop my mind from going blank?

They don't know about my PTSD yet, they know I have mental health issues (since I had to note it down on the application form), so I know I'll also have to bring that up during the interview and let them know if I need any accomodations. Only, I don't know what accomodations I need. I know that focusing in class is difficult for me, focusing in general is difficult for me.

On my personal statement I wrote down I was reading The Illiad by Homer, since I'm going to be doing Ancient History, I thought it'd be good to mention, and at the time (about 3 months ago) I was reading it. But over the last couple months, I have managed to read about another 3 pages which is dreadful. The book in general is difficult to read but for me, it's close to impossible. I have been stressed and all over the place this summer so reading hasn't been something I have been able to do, at all, as much as I love to read. So I have no idea what to say about that during the interview if she brings it up.

I have no idea what accomodations to ask for, maybe being allowed to record the classes on my phone (just audio) so I can re-listen to them at home.. but I don't know what else. I haven't been in this situation, last year I didn't try college, I did but I gave up after a couple weeks and stopped going - which got me kicked out. I told them it was anxiety preventing me from going, which it was and still is, so they understand that part a little. And I've promised I'll attend this year and I have my boyfriend there too which makes me feel less scared about it all.. but still.

When you went to college, in the UK, how did they take your mental health needs and what did you ask for help with? If I could, I'd have a service dog which would make the world of difference and I know my college allows them, but my mum refuses to let me get a dog, which crushes my heart and pretty much makes me housebound - since the only time I will go out is if I am with someone, mainly my boyfriend.. but I have such a deep love for dogs, it makes me think I'd have so much more ability to improve and work on deeper and more things during therapy and such because I wouldn't have uncomfortablitly and anxiety holding me back as much during the day.

Ugh rant over. So what type of things did you request from college/ask them to allow you to do/what things helped you get through college - i.e. studying, note taking, making friends/not feeling totally uncomfortable in class?

This is for the UK, but if you went to an american college, please still feel free to post and give your advice/experiences. I'm desperate right now. Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I get the impression that you feel like you need to know all of your needed accommodations ahead of time, but this isn't really the case. Most schools have a list of standard accommodations and you are allowed to use any of those as long as your medical condition warrants it. Here in the states, that means a doctor has to explain why each accommodation is necessary for you. The flip side of this is that you may need something, but it can lie outside of the standard list of accommodations. In my case, my school is aware of certain things that may help me, but it is really up to the individual instructor as to how much leeway I actually get.

Its ok to go into the interview and say only a few things that would help you, followed by "I don't know all of the available accommodations so I need a bit of assistance". The interviewer isn't going to look down on you simply because you don't know the ins and outs of disability accommodations. Really, there are literally hundreds of accommodations, many of which won't apply to your case, and some of which you will likely be eligible for but had no clue it was an option for you.

Oh, and I am in the USA, not the UK.

 

[Deleted member 27181]

Thank you @Solara, I appreciate you taking the time to post. I understand I don't need to know it all now, but I'm one of those people who stress out if they don't. Maybe I need to learn how to relax and take one step at a time instead of wanting to know and do everything right now.

I'm not asking to take weeks off or even a day off, I just want some help during college hours so that I can do the best that I can. Should I say something like that, along those lines, to college during the interview?

 

[Ladyghosthunter]

Can I join you? I need to complete my criminal justice degree.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Yes, I think it would be a good idea to say something along the lines of needing extra assistance while you are at college. I explained my situation to my disability advisors and instructors like this.... "I have anxiety issues and the way that I deal with it is that I sometimes need to step away for a few minutes. That means I may step out of class for a little bit, but usually I am able to regroup and rejoin the class. I don't do this to be rude and I don't want you to think that I am taking a cell phone call or anything like that!" All of my instructors so far have been very understanding and it hasn't been an issue. I don't know exactly what sort of support you are looking for during college hours, but I know that my school offers free tutoring sessions as well. I think that this semester I am going to take them up on it. Perhaps this would be an option for you, too? Even if it is a subject that comes relatively easy, a tutor would take a little bit of the pressure off of you so that if you did have to miss a few minutes of class, you wouldn't get stressed about falling behind.

I am sorry if this is off base, as I don't know exactly what kind of support you are looking for. @Ayesha also receives disability accommodations from her school, but she is in the USA just as I am, and not the UK. I tagged her because she's a mod and hopefully she'll wander in here and be able to give you some advice as well. I know that there are others in the UK who receive accommodations, but I can't remember who they are off the top of my head.

It might be a good idea to take a list in with you to the interview so that you can remember everything you want to discuss. This way you won't forget anything important.

 

[kylerobson]

If you wish to get away from home, then do whatever you wish.