College Advice & Tips
You're going to make some of the best memories in college. College is the first time you will be able to live independently as a young adult. You will have to advocate for yourself and manage your food allergies without the supervision of your parents. Though this may seem difficult and challenging, if you prepare ahead of time, you will be able to manage everything successfully. Before the semester starts, you should aware disability, dining, and housing of your food allergies. When I was preparing for college, I talked to the dining hall manager before starting. We worked out a plan that I discuss in my blog. It is really helpful to do all of this before it is too late. It was also helpful to see an allergist to discover if you still have the same allergens or any new ones. You should know any of this before you are exposed to new foods at the dining hall.
Food allergies may be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. When you have chosen a university, discuss your food allergies with the disabilities office. You can work them to find a solution for managing your food allergies. They can help advocate for you regarding resident life, dining, and your health. If there are any problems, work with the disability office immediately.
Disability Services
Food allergies may be covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act. When you have chosen a university, discuss your food allergies with the disabilities office. You can work them to find a solution for managing your food allergies. They can help advocate for you regarding resident life, dining, and your health. If there are any problems, work with the disability office immediately.
You will be experiencing new things in college but make sure you still keep your safety in mind. When you go out, bring your EpiPen and don't hesitate. In addition, drinking alcohol may be dangerous because alcohol doesn't have ingredients so always check or ask.
Dining Services
Social Life
It is also very important to communicate to the dining hall as well as the disabilities office. They will be able to be knowledgable of what you can and can't eat. After all, they are serving your food. Set up with a meeting before you start the semester. I attend Rutgers University and I met up with the manager of Busch Dining Hall (my campus' dining hall). They asked me about my allergies, my previous reactions, and what happens if I have a reaction. Then they told me about what they do when a student has food restrictions. They have a Text-to-Order system in place. They took note of my allergies and my preferences and put it on the computer. They also wrote down my number and email. After looking at the menu, I text the dining hall about what I want for my mea, my allergies, and the time of pickup. They get the chef to ensure that I am able to eat it, confirm the order, and make it separately. You can read more about it on my blog.
Managing Food Allergies in your Dorm
When finding a roommate, you should discuss your food allergies with them before ensuring that you will be living with them for a year. There may be a fridge and a microwave in your room so make sure your roommate will not bring foods you are allergic to. Make sure they respect your space and don't leave any food on your side of the room. In addition, teach them how to administer an EpiPen in case of emergencies.