Attending a College

College might be your first time living on your own, but in many cases, you may be living with roommates. If you're used to having your own room and suddenly have to share, that can be a transition all its own. Student housing looks different at every university and can range from single rooms, double rooms, or even suite-style living. Some institutions offer apartment-style housing as well, where three to six students share a suite with several bathrooms, a kitchen, and common area. Although a suite means you're less likely to be sharing a bedroom, it also means you'll have more roommates in total.

Deciding Who to Tell

It's probably wise to tell your roommate about your epilepsy, especially if you share a room. If you live with multiple roommates, you might want to tell everyone or decide to tell the one or two people with whom you've grown closest. Disclosing information about your epilepsy may be difficult to do, but doing so can help those living with you feel more prepared to help. Having a seizure action plan you can share with others is a great way to start the conversation.

If you live in a residence hall with a Resident Assistant (RA), you may want to tell your RA about your epilepsy. If you have a seizure, chances are your peers will call the RA and it's important that they know what to do to support you. Residence halls often have professional staff members living in them to support students 24 hours a day. Disclosing details about your epilepsy with this team can help better support you if you have seizures while living in the hall. If you feel comfortable, you can ask your RA to let you talk about epilepsy during a monthly floor or dorm gathering. You can also ask to decorate a floor bulletin board with information on epilepsy.

How and What to Tell

How much information you share is up to you. You might just want to tell someone that you have epilepsy, describe your usual seizures, and let them know the best first aid strategy. They may have more questions, especially if they're a pre-med or nursing major. If you feel comfortable answering their questions, feel free. If you don't feel comfortable, you might want to give them a brochure on epilepsy or show them this website and offer to talk about it later if they still have questions. The Epilepsy Foundation offers free virtual Seizure First Aid training that may be helpful to promote as well.

If you have auras or a distinct feeling before a seizure arrives, you may want to describe these feelings or actions to your roommates and RA. If they know the signs of an impending seizure, they can help to move you to a safe place before the seizure starts. For times when you are alone, we recommend wearing a seizure alert device or a medical I.D. bracelet or necklace that can alert others about your epilepsy and seizures when needed. You'll also want to let people know when they should call 911, your doctor or your parents. Tell them to call 911 if your seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, you have an injury, you're having trouble breathing, or if you are having trouble waking after the seizure. Make sure to detail any other important requests in your seizure action plan.

Seizures look scary, but you've experienced them before. Remember, your friends, classmates, and roommates may have never seen a seizure before and only know about them based on what they have seen on TV. Try to acknowledge their concerns with positive reinforcements, but you can also let people know that epilepsy is just a small part of your life and it’s not stopping you. You may want to ask people to “watch out, not watch over” you.

Finally, it’s always a good idea to post first aid information on your room fridge or in a central location accessible to your roommates. List contact numbers for your doctor and parents with specific instructions. It may be helpful to purchase a stopwatch with a magnet on the back (or attach one with superglue) and put that on the fridge too. If you live in a single room, hang first aid directions on your room door and keep a stopwatch hanging on the door knob. People who have never seen a seizure before will think it lasts much longer than it actually did.