Managing Chronic Illness at University

When you’re living with a chronic illness, a long-term health condition that requires ongoing management, such as diabetes, asthma, Crohn’s disease, or mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. Also known as long-term health condition, it doesn’t stop when you start university — but your support system should adapt to help you succeed. Many students assume they’ll have to choose between their health and their degree. That’s not true. With the right tools and knowledge, you can thrive — even when your body or mind needs extra care.

The NHS healthcare for students, free, accessible medical services available to all registered students in the UK, including GP visits, prescriptions, mental health support, and specialist referrals. Also known as student NHS access, it’s one of your strongest assets. Registering with a local GP as soon as you arrive isn’t just paperwork — it’s your lifeline. You can get repeat prescriptions, referrals to specialists, and mental health counseling without extra cost. And if your condition affects your ability to attend classes, sit exams, or manage deadlines, the university accommodations for students, formal adjustments offered by universities to support students with disabilities or long-term health conditions, including flexible deadlines, exam extra time, or remote learning options. Also known as disability support services, they’re legally required and often underused can make all the difference. You don’t have to struggle in silence. Most universities have a disability office that handles this — you just need to ask.

Managing a chronic illness isn’t just about medicine. It’s about routines: knowing when to rest, how to track symptoms, how to talk to roommates or lecturers, and where to find quiet spaces on campus. It’s about learning to say no — to late-night parties, to extra shifts, to overloading your schedule. It’s about finding other students who get it. You’re not alone. Thousands of UK students manage conditions like yours every day — and they’ve figured out how to balance meds, meals, sleep, and deadlines. The posts below pull together real, practical advice from students who’ve been there: how to get your prescription sorted without missing class, how to talk to your tutor about flare-ups, how to use campus health services without feeling judged, and how to avoid burnout when your body is already working overtime. You don’t need to fix everything at once. Start with one step. Then another. You’ve got this.