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JDRF has now rebranded to Breakthrough T1D.
Our name has changed, our mission has not.

Going to university

Going to university is a big change, especially if your child is moving out of home for the first time. If you’re used to being involved in their type 1 management every day the transition may seem daunting, but there is lots of support and information to help you along the way.
Content last reviewed and updated: 09.10.2024

A group of young people celebrating starting university

Getting prepared for university

You child going to university may be a big step, especially if they’re moving away for the first time. There are lots of ways you can support your child and ease them into university life.

Their diabetes care

Your child may have already moved from seeing their paediatric team to seeing an adult Diabetes Healthcare Team. If they haven’t, consider moving them to adult services about a year before they go to university so that they can get used to adult appointments before they start university.

Encouraging your child to self-manage

You may be used to being very involved in your child’s type 1 diabetes care up until now. Before they go to university, encourage them to be more independent in their type 1 management by brushing up on skills like carb counting, treating hypos, and managing type 1 diabetes around exercise, alcohol and changing routines.

Find out more about these skills in our everyday life section.

Type 1 technology

Technology that measures glucose levels or dispenses insulin can be reassuring for parents whose children are becoming more independent or moving away from their support network for the first time.

Not only do alarms on glucose monitors signal to your child when their glucose level is going too high or too low, but, if they choose to, your child can share their data with you. That means that you can still support them, even if you’re no longer living together. Talk to you child about what feels right for them.

Find out more about type 1 technology for children.

Support from the university

Legally, type 1 diabetes is a disability. Make sure your child ticks this box on their UCAS application so that they can access support. They may also be entitled to Disability Students’ Allowance (DSA).

You can also contact the university to find out about the types of accommodation available, so that you and your child can decide how to manage type 1 around catered or uncatered accommodation, and check there are the facilities you need, like a fridge to store insulin.

Find out more in our University Toolkit content developed in partnership with Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, Diabetes UK and NHS England.

 

 

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