Thriving in College with Epilepsy: A Guide for Students

Austin Cole
8 hours ago
10 min read

College is an exciting time of newfound independence, new friends, and academic challenges. For students living with epilepsy, it can also come with extra considerations – but epilepsy doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, you're not alone: about 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy at some point in life, which means hundreds of thousands of college students in the U.S. are affected. With a bit of planning, support, and self-advocacy, you can successfully navigate college life. This guide offers tips on everything from accommodations to social life, all in a supportive, casual tone.

Accessing Campus Disability Services and Accommodations

One of the first steps to setting yourself up for success is connecting with your campus disability services office. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), every U.S. college must provide services and reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities (including chronic conditions like epilepsy). Don’t wait until you’re struggling – reach out early (ideally before or at the start of the semester) to register and learn what support is available.

Common accommodations for students with seizure disorders include:

Extended time on exams and assignments: This can reduce stress or make up for time lost if you have a seizure before or during a test.
Flexible attendance policies: Some schools allow a certain amount of flexibility if seizures or recovery periods cause you to miss class.
Note-taking support or recorded lectures: If you lose track due to a seizure or medication side effects, having notes or recordings ensures you don’t fall behind.
Preferential seating: Sitting near the door or in a spot that's comfortable for you can help, especially if you need to slip out or have a quick exit during an aura.
Housing considerations: Many colleges can accommodate needs like a ground-floor dorm or avoiding bunk beds. For instance, you might request not to have a top bunk, since climbing up high could be unsafe if you have a seizure.

Registering with disability services means you’ll likely receive an official accommodation letter to share with professors. Be proactive: set up brief meetings or emails with your instructors at the start of the term to discuss the accommodations. You don’t have to share every detail of your health, but letting them know “I have a condition and I have accommodations such as extended test time” or similar ensures they aren’t caught off guard. Many students find that professors are understanding and appreciate the heads-up. Remember, these accommodations are your right and are there to level the playing field – using them isn’t asking for special treatment, it’s making sure you have the support you need.

Managing Medications and Staying Healthy

Living independently at college means taking charge of your health routine. Medication adherence is crucial for controlling seizures, so build it into your daily schedule. Here are some tips for managing meds and health on campus:

Stick to a routine: Take your medication at the same times each day. Tie it to daily habits (for example, after brushing your teeth every morning and night) so it becomes automatic.
Use reminders and organizers: Set alarms on your phone or smartwatch for pill times, and consider using a weekly pill organizer. This helps prevent missed doses. If you do accidentally miss a dose, follow your doctor’s guidance on what to do – often, taking it as soon as you remember is best (unless it's very close to the next dose).
Plan for refills: Make sure you’ll have steady access to your medications. Find out if there’s a campus pharmacy or a nearby pharmacy in town, and note their hours. Many pharmacies offer automatic refills or text reminders – take advantage of these services so you don’t run out of meds.
Stay organized with healthcare appointments: If you’ve moved away from your hometown neurologist, set up a plan for follow-up appointments (some doctors may do video visits). If you need a local doctor or your college has a health center with a physician, find out early. Keep a copy of your prescriptions and health insurance card handy in case you need them.
Prioritize sleep: All-nighters and erratic sleep schedules are common in college, but lack of sleep is a notorious seizure trigger. Aim for a consistent 8 hours of sleep per night. Don't be afraid to nap if you need rest – maintaining a regular sleep schedule can help minimize seizures.
Healthy habits and triggers: Eating regular nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and exercising moderately all support your well-being. Avoid or limit things that can lower your seizure threshold. For some, alcohol can trigger seizures, especially the day after drinking or when combined with sleep deprivation. You don't have to abstain completely if your doctor hasn’t forbidden it, but know your limits – for example, heavy binge drinking isn't worth the risk. If you do choose to drink, stick to a moderate amount and always have friends who know about your condition around.
Stress management: College can be stressful, and stress can sometimes exacerbate epilepsy. Build in time to relax and unwind. Whether it’s listening to music, hitting the campus gym, or chilling out with friends, find healthy outlets that help you de-stress. Consider practices like yoga, meditation, or using campus counseling services to learn coping strategies for anxiety.
General safety in dorm life: Make small tweaks to your living habits to stay safe. For instance, prefer showers over baths and try not to lock the bathroom door, in case you need help. If you love the top bunk, think twice – it’s safer to take a lower bunk or a single bed if possible, since a fall from a bunk during a seizure could cause injury. When cooking, use back burners on the stove to reduce the chance of pulling a hot pot onto yourself if a seizure strikes. These little precautions can give you peace of mind as you start living on your own.

Talking to Roommates and Professors (If You’re Comfortable)

Deciding who to tell about your epilepsy is a personal choice. You are never obligated to disclose your medical condition if you don’t want to. However, sharing some information with the people around you can make your life easier and safer. Many students with epilepsy find it beneficial to talk with their roommates, close friends, or trusted faculty early on.

When it comes to roommates or dorm-mates, consider having a casual chat once you’re comfortable with each other. Explain that you have epilepsy and describe what your seizures typically look like (if you have them). Knowledge is power – if your roommate knows what to expect and how to help, it can ease both your minds. Let them know things like:

What a seizure might look like for you (so they won’t panic if it happens).
How to keep you safe during a seizure (for example, gently laying you on your side, cushioning your head, and not putting anything in your mouth).
When to call for help – e.g. call 911 if a seizure lasts too long (over 5 minutes) or if you’re injured.
Who to contact in an emergency. You might share an “in case of emergency” contact (a parent or close friend) with your roommate just in case.

Invite your roommate to ask questions. It’s normal if they’ve never been around someone with epilepsy; a little education goes a long way toward preventing misunderstandings. Many people initially “freak out” at the word epilepsy simply because they don’t know much about it. By chatting openly, you reduce that stigma and build trust.

For professors and teaching staff, you can be more selective about details. If you have official accommodations, your disability services office letter might already state the basics (like “student has a neurological condition requiring flexible attendance”). Still, it’s wise to speak to or email your professors at the start of the term. Something simple like: “I have a medical condition that can occasionally interfere with class. I don’t expect problems, but I wanted to let you know in case I ever have to miss class or step out,” can prepare them. If you feel comfortable, let them know what an emergency would look like for you (e.g., “In the unlikely event I have a seizure in class, just give me a few minutes to recover – I will be okay. I’ll have a friend or a plan to get home safely if it happens.”). Most professors appreciate the heads-up and will be glad you told them rather than having a surprise later. Plus, if something does happen, they’ll be more understanding about any absences or deadline issues.

Remember, how much you share is entirely up to you. You might tell all your professors, or just a few that you trust or that teach courses where having a seizure could be more disruptive (like a lab or physical activity class). Do what makes you comfortable, but keep in mind that having at least one or two people who know about your epilepsy (whether it's a roommate, friend, or mentor) is helpful for your safety.

Emergency Planning and Seizure Action Plans

Having a plan in place for seizures will give you confidence and ensure others know how to assist you in an emergency. A Seizure Action Plan (SAP) is essentially a written set of instructions on what to do if you have a seizure. Work with your doctor to develop a personalized plan – include details like the types of seizures you have, how long they typically last, what helps you recover, and when to call an ambulance. It’s a good idea to put this in writing (even just one page) and share it with a few key people on campus. For instance, you might give a copy to your roommate or a close friend, and maybe have one on file at the campus health center if they allow it.

Key elements to consider in your seizure

emergency plan:

When and who to call for help: Make sure it’s clear when someone should dial 911 or campus security. For example, “Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, or if I’m injured or not waking up afterward.” Also list who to call after the incident – an emergency contact like your parent/guardian or another relative.
Medications or first aid steps: If you have a rescue medication (such as a nasal spray or emergency pill), note where it’s kept and how to use it. Teach a roommate or friend as well, if you’re comfortable, so they can help administer it if needed. Outline basic seizure first aid for those around you: stay calm, keep objects out of the way, gently roll you on your side (for convulsive seizures), and don’t put anything in your mouth.
Aftercare instructions: Let others know what you usually need after a seizure. Do you typically need to take a nap afterwards? Are you confused or exhausted for a while? Would you want someone to stay with you until you feel fully alert, or do you prefer to be left alone to rest? Including these notes helps friends know how to support you until you’re fully recovered.

If you wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a medical ID card (which is highly recommended), that’s part of your emergency prep too. This way, if you have a seizure around people who don’t know you, first responders will immediately know about your condition.

Also, know your campus resources: save the campus security or emergency number in your phone and know where the student health center is. Some schools have quick-response teams or campus EMTs; it’s good to be aware of how to contact help on campus. It can be reassuring to know there are people ready to assist if needed.

Finally, talk through your plan with your friends or roommate so everyone’s on the same page. It might feel a bit awkward, but having that conversation means if something happens, they won't panic and you'll get the help you need quickly.

Social Life and Mental Health: Thriving on Campus

College isn't just about classes – it’s also about personal growth, friendships, and new experiences. Epilepsy may be a part of your life, but it does not have to define your college experience. You absolutely can enjoy a fulfilling social life on campus; it just takes some self-awareness and balance.

Social Activities: Don’t shy away from campus events or parties if you feel up to them. Having epilepsy doesn’t mean you have to hole up in your dorm. Go out with friends, join clubs, attend that concert – college is yours to enjoy. Just be smart about it:

Use the buddy system: Stick with friends who know about your condition when you’re out late or in crowded places. They can help watch out for you (and you for them) and step in if you were to have a seizure.
Practice moderation: As mentioned earlier, be cautious with late nights, alcohol, or environments with flashing lights if those are triggers for you. You can still have fun – for example, if strobe lights at a party are an issue, you might hang out in a chill area of the venue instead of the throbbing dance floor. If you know lack of sleep is a trigger, try not to schedule early classes after a big night out.
Find alternative fun: There are plenty of ways to socialize that don’t revolve around heavy partying. Join study groups, game nights, campus organizations, sports clubs, or volunteer projects. Building a circle of friends through shared interests can make campus life rich and give you a support network.

Mental Health: College can be emotionally challenging for anyone. When you add managing a medical condition, it’s even more important to take care of your mental well-being. People with epilepsy can be at higher risk for anxiety or depression, in part due to the stress and potential stigma of the condition. Know that this is not uncommon – and help is available. Here are some tips for maintaining good mental health:

Find your support network: Connect with others who understand. This could be a disability support group on campus, a Peer Support Group here at YAWE: https://www.youngadultswithepilepsy.org/peer-support-group, or simply a few close friends/family members you can talk to when you’re feeling stressed. Sometimes just knowing you’re not alone in what you’re experiencing makes a huge difference.
Counseling is okay: If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or down, consider reaching out to a campus counselor or mental health service. They’re there for exactly this reason. Talking to a professional can help you work through worries or sadness in a constructive way. It’s a sign of strength to seek help when you need it.
Manage stress proactively: Use time management to avoid last-minute panic (which can trigger seizures or just make you miserable). Break big assignments into smaller chunks. Keep a calendar or planner so you can balance school work, rest, and fun. And don't hesitate to say "no" if you’re overextended – setting boundaries is key to avoiding burnout.
Celebrate your wins: College is hard work for anyone. Give yourself credit for all that you’re accomplishing. Each semester you complete, each challenge you overcome, is a big deal. Epilepsy might mean you have to work a bit harder at times or approach things differently, but that makes your successes even more meaningful.

Above all, advocate for yourself – perhaps the most important tip of all. You are your own best advocate. Speak up about what you need, whether it’s asking a professor for an accommodation, telling a friend why you can’t pull an all-nighter, or seeking medical attention when something feels off. No one knows your experience better than you do. By advocating for yourself, you also educate others and pave the way for students who come after you.

References