Admitted to College? Three Critical Steps to Take Now

Admitted to College? Three Critical Steps to Take Now

by Caroline Moassessi, FAACT Vice President of Community Relations

Short on time but need to get organized about food allergies now that you said yes to your college of choice? Work with FAACT’s You’ve Been Admitted Student Checklist to explore tips and questions to ask! Let's review the three most crucial steps to take now, and a bonus tip for managing your food allergy on campus.

1. Establish Accommodations—Even If You Don’t Think You Need Them. An accommodation means more than securing safe meals. It affects housing’ class work (allergens in the classroom); potential research; and conferences, performances, and athletic or academic travel. Contact the college’s Office of Disabilities and check the college’s website for information about how to establish accommodation. Do this ASAP! It can take months to schedule an appointment with your allergist to fill out the required documentation.
   
   
2. Safe Eating on Campus. Although your accommodation might not be confirmed yet, start conversations with Dining Services. Ask the Office of Disabilities for contacts in this department. Explore how you will eat safely on campus each day. What are your responsibilities? Some schools offer food stations free from the top 9 allergens while others will create individual safe meals for you. Ask about how you will communicate with Dining Services to secure safe meals. Get specific about how to avoid cross-contact and meet your food allergy needs, including safe brand ideas. Bonus Tip: When working with the Office of Disabilities, ask who your champion in that office will be should you ever run into a challenge.
   
   
3. Living on Campus. Whether you want to enjoy a roommate or want to live in a single dorm room, explore these options and how they work at your college. Learn how to secure a medical single if this is an option. What documentation does your doctor need to provide to confirm your need for a single room? Speak with your doctor, parent, or caregiver about the best living arrangements for managing your health. Some colleges offer kitchenettes or access to shared kitchens. If you are considering sharing a room, ask about how roommates are matched and how to convey your allergen needs to potential roommates. Also include in your housing accommodations a separate refrigerator and microwave to avoid cross-contact with allergens.
   
   Please note the following ruling explains why you should not be charged a single rate for a single room and should be charged a double rate. Visit FAACT’s Legal Considerations section for details.

Be Ready for an Emergency 24/7. Make a plan to always carry epinephrine, including fast access to epinephrine in your dorm room. Plan how you will train friends and classmates and how to call for help during an allergic reaction. Visit FAACT’s Treatment of Anaphylaxis section for do-not-miss information.

Each college handles emergencies differently. Ask if you should call 911 directly or Campus Security (they often must give special road access to emergency vehicles).

Note: When calling for help, be sure to say you are having anaphylaxis or an allergic reaction so that EMTs can prepare as they drive towards you.

Keep epinephrine in your dorm room and ask your doctor for prescription refills. You can use apps like Allergy Force to remind you to refill your epinephrine device. Speak with your doctor to understand the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and when to use your epinephrine.

Also speak to your college about disaster preparedness and create an emergency Go Bag with medications, safe foods, money, etc., in case of a natural disaster or emergency in your area. (Check your college’s website or talk with the dean of students about preparing for a natural disaster.) Check FAACT’s Disaster Preparedness at College handout for more information.