GFTogether

Coeliac Disease Advice for University Students

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My advice as a final year university student who was diagnosed a year before going to university! I can't believe three years have passed already but I have to say my experience at university with coeliac disease definitely improved massively in my final year!

I don't think it is talked about enough how difficult it can be navigating coeliac disease whilst at university. I honestly was lost to begin with, I was only just adjusting to the coeliac diet and gluten free food let alone moving into a flat with strangers! It can be super daunting but I would never want coeliac disease to put someone off going to university or living on campus because it is possible to be safe sharing a kitchen. So, I thought I would share my advice for everyone who is planning on going to university or if you're already at university this may be helpful advice for you too!

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Here is the things I wish I had known before going to university!

Go for ensuite bathroom in you accommodation! I know it seems super expensive but I applied for ensuite because I could not face sharing a bathroom with a stranger especially if I had glutened!! The reason I am saying this is because I found out once I was at university from my flat mate who had IBS, she recieved a DSA (I will share more on this). This meant she had her accommodation discounted due to needing an ensuite bathroom for a medical reason. I think I had about £20 a week roughly discounted from my accomodation fees, which made the world of a difference.
Apply for a DSA- Disabled Student Allowance. You can do this through your student finance and you will need your GP to sign a letter confirming you have coeliac disease which can impact your day to day life. By having this DSA it means that you can email your student accommodation office and explain how you want to apply for a "Partial reimbursement" due to medical evidence through your DSA. I was then directed to fill out a health questionnaire.
Extra Time 25% and coursework extensions- Through having a DSA you can also receive other benefits, such as extra time. I had a meeting with the disability advisor who goes through a list of extra support you would like or could have due to coeliac disease. Therefore, extra time is one thing which massively benefitted me but also the ability to have unlimited extensions to coursework throughout the year too. If you get glutened by accident you can be in bed for a few days, have brain fog, constant trips to the toilet etc and it is best to sleep it off. So, having unlimited extensions is so helpful as it takes the pressure off you. Extra time also means that if you are suffering that day you are able to have more time to go to the toilet or to let your brain function. There is nothing worse than brain fog when you are stressed and under pressure but your brain just won't function!
Check your campus cafes for options- I transferred to a different university for my second and final year. But it was only in my final year that i discovered and my university began to offer gluten free sandwiches in the Business building! I went to Kent university and in my final year Sibson building brought out not one sandwich option but about 5 different options, plus a salad with breaded chicken that was gluten free! They also do jacket potatoes too! I was so amazed and grateful. The library cafe also had a Mexican rice bowl which was gluten free so I had an option!. Coop also started to do their egg salad sandwich and both Coops on campus stocked this so it was amazing to have options.
Bring snacks/ always have snacks on you - Depending on your university I would always recommend you have snacks in your bag. Coop is pricey and if you can just be organised and keep something in your bag, for example I always had the Bliss snack bars with me. It saves you money and also starving! I would also take popcorn or almonds sometimes just to snack on in the library if I hadn't prepared lunch.
Prepare food- If you know you are at university all day, make lunch, use your dinners left overs for lunch just be prepared! You will thank yourself when you save money but also I would never rely on there being a gluten free sandwich in stock as I have done that before to see no options! So, just being prepared as and when you can will benefit you massively.
Have distinctive cutlery/utensils- When sharing your flat, I would pick out unique cutlery or utensils, just to reduce the chances of anyone using your stuff! I was lucky enough to not have to worry about my flat mates using my stuff, they would always ask but there is always one flat mate who comes under prepared with utensils so just be careful
Toaster bags! Or your own toaster- this is a MUST!!! My first university which was Sussex, they gave us 1 toaster between 8 so I brought toaster bags. This was a low cost option which meant I did not have any cross contamination options. When I moved to Kent, they gave us no toaster between 8. So, I brought myself a toaster for £12 and kept it in my room. This way no one would use it so I had no issues of cross contamination!
Eating out- Use apps to help you, or just do your research! For example, Find me GF or Atly are great for finding places local to your uni! I would also just check out what chain restaurants there are! Don't find it scary, it is exciting to discover new places to eat out and enjoy gluten free food! When I moved to Sussex, the biggest regret of mine now is not exploring all the gluten free options there are in Brighton, so make the most of it! ALSO, use 'Too good to go" to get low cost food and deals!
Educate others! - Do not feel embarrassed or a burden for having coeliac disease! Use it as an opportunity to educate and raise awareness! The real friends you meet will be understanding and enjoy eating out with you in restaurants which are safe for you!
Join the Gluten Free Students Facebook group! I made this group for others to share their advice and for individuals to meet others who may be at their university or have been there and have specific advice for them! Also feel free to ask any questions

So, enjoy yourself! Explore new restaurants and discover new places to go! University is meant to be fun so do not let coeliac disease hold you back!

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I hope this is helpful and if you ever need any advice or want to talk to someone my messages are always open!

Join the Gluten Free Students Facebook group and ask for advice on there, you may even find someone at your university who is gluten free too which can offer help or even become a friend!

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See my TikTok about university as a coeliac!