Fresher's Week 2014

A new term just around the corner and first year students will be readying themselves for Fresher’s Week.

For the diabetics, this means making sure you’ve got enough supplies to get you started at university, bringing a copy of your repeat prescriptions, finding a way to keep your insulin cold (…etc.)

We’ve put together a short list of tips for fresher’s week so you don’t miss out of the important things - like meeting new friends and exploring a new city!

1. Medical ID

Wear it. Few people would know to tell a paramedic that you have a pre-existing condition; while that can be true at any time, it’s especially important when you’re on a night out with other Fresher’s for the first time.

2. Tell someone about your T1D

For the same reason as wearing medical ID, it’s important that someone knows that you’re a diabetic. As much as we all hate it, it’s a part of life to test bloods and inject insulin at the dinner table – explain it over tea during the week!

3. Medical registration

Between Monday and Thursday, every new student will come to visit the medical registration fair in the Trent Great Hall. It’s going to be busy and you’ll probably be there a long while. Make sure you’ve brought along any medical letters and repeat prescriptions.

You’ll be taken downstairs where you get to talk to one of the doctors from Cripp’s Health Centre. They’ll tell you everything you’ll need to know about getting medical care and supplies while studying at Nottingham.

4. Exam arrangements

Type 1 Diabetics can get alternative exam arrangements. Get in contact with the Student Support services and set up a meeting with a liaison officer. They can help you sort out allowances for exams - as well as organising things like medical refrigerators for insulin and discounts for gym membership.

Drop an email to ssc@nottingham.ac.uk in the first few weeks in order to get exam arrangements sorted before the first revision period in January.

5. Jelly babies and glucagon injections

The University of Nottingham is a huge campus. It’s best to carry a little extra glucose for the first few weeks as you get used to trekking to the Portland building every day!

6. Fresher’s events

The focus of any university freshers week – the evening events. Enjoy it! It’s a unique experience that begins lifelong friendships. Just remember to take along medical ID, glucose and a BG meter…

For tips on alcohol and type 1, click here to visit the JDRF website. There is some great information about balancing drinking and diabetes from a more realistic point of view.

Of course, there is every opportunity to enjoy the week without drinking too!

7. Visit us at the fair

The Diabetes Support Group will be at both the Fresher’s Fair and Medical registration. Come and have a chat to find out more about our events, fundrasiers and opportunities to write for our blog!

8. ENJOY IT!

University is often romanticised as “the best years of your life”. There’s a reason for that!

Diabetes will not stop you enjoying your time at Nottingham – take every opportunity offered to you and more. There is always someone on campus that can help you achieve your goals, as long as you are ready to ask.

Good luck moving and settling in! We hope to see you all over the next few weeks…

photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/msylvesterphotography/10466261834/">MartinSylvester Photography</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/msylvesterphotography/10466261834/">MartinSylvester Photography</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>

photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/msylvesterphotography/6345387577/">MartinSylvester Photography</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">cc</a>

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