• Consider the distances between classrooms and dorm rooms. What may look acceptable now could pose a problem later if you have an injury requiring crutches. Also, the additional walking, especially if you’re susceptible to knee or ankle bleeds, might add stress to your ankles.¹
  
• How well would you rate the campus on handicap accessibility? Even if you don't need it now, an injury later might create a need for you to use these.
  
• Ask the school whether it can accommodate you in a dorm room closer to the Health Services Department. This will be especially helpful if you do not self-infuse because your factor and supplies will be stored there.²
  
• If you do self-infuse, ask whether you'll be allowed to have a refrigerator in your room to store factor and supplies.
  
• Tour the Health Services Department and interview the staff. Gauge your level of comfort with their ability to provide the healthcare you need. What hours is the department open and how well do the hours mesh with class schedules in order to minimize the amount of class time you'll miss?
  
• Check the distance to the nearest HTC and whether reliable transportation is available for getting there. While you're at it, how far is the nearest hospital emergency room and how could you get there? In some areas, cab service is neither reliable nor quick to respond.
  
• Review your health insurance plan and the criteria for maintaining your dependent status on your parent's policy. Often you must be enrolled as a full-time student to maintain your coverage.³ Be sure you understand how "full-time" is defined. A thorough understanding of your health insurance benefits will be integral to your care throughout your adult life.
  
• Be assertive about researching and applying for scholarship money that's available to you. NHF offers a list of scholarships available to people with bleeding disorders, including the Kevin Child Scholarship. LA Kelley Communications also maintains a scholarship list.

Perhaps the most important tip is... don't let hemophilia hold you back! By working towards a college degree you'll be making a positive impact on your future ability as an independent adult to earn a living, pay for health insurance premiums and maintain your hemophilia care. That, for sure, deserves an A.

Look for part 2 of this article, College Tips 201... coming soon.

¹ "College and Hemophilia", Jeff Bostwick, Veinline, Spring 2007.
² "Transitioning to Adulthood", Care for Life.
³ "Transitioning to Adulthood", Care for Life.