In this section, the term chronic illness will be used, but the terms chronic condition, chronic disease, life-long disease/condition, long-term disease/condition are all commonly used interchangeably. They refer to conditions that are often life-long and can be limiting in terms of quality of life. 

The following table shows examples of common chronic illnesses but is by no means exhaustive.

Chronic illnesses can vary significantly in their symptoms and effects, and the symptoms and effects experienced by the individual can change significantly over even short periods of time, such conditions are usually referred to as ‘fluctuating medical conditions’. Where improvements and worsening of an individual's condition is usually referred to as a period of remission and period of flare. 

• Inclusive Learning Plans (ILPs) can be provided to students with chronic medical conditions. ILPs specify reasonable adjustments which will enable students to have appropriate arrangements for their programme of study, assessments and exams.

• To request an ILP, please contact Student Support & Wellbeing and register for support. You will be asked to provide a medical letter as evidence for the ILP.  

• ILPs can provide additional time for assessed tasks such as exams, to enable rest breaks and to provide resources to support the conduct of assessment (provision of reader/scribe or use of computer, or ergonomic furniture or desktop devices). 

• ILPs can be used to request some flexibility for coursework deadlines. 

Further Reading: 

• University and Chronic Illness: A Survival Guide by Pippa Stacey

External Resources: 

Whether you’re looking at attending university or looking at what support will be available for you once you start, we’d strongly advise you take a look at resources available from the charities that represent your individual condition. There are a vast amount of resources out there, but here are some examples... 

• Epilepsy Society – University and Epilepsy. 

• Crohn’s & Colitis UK – Students with IBD: A Guide for Students. 

• Versus Arthritis – University and Me: Four young people with Arthritis share their experiences.

• POTS UK – Tips for attending University with POTS. 

• Diabetes UK – University and Diabetes.