Pediatric Diabetes Program
Winthrop University Hospital
Looking At Colleges:
What to Consider
When visiting colleges, there are certainly many factors to take into consideration. This handout is only focusing on the information you may want to compile regarding diabetes care.
- Health Center – Look at the health center facilities
What are their hours and days of operation?
What occurs on off hours?
Can you meet with one of the staff?
Do they need a medical summary letter from Peds Endo?
Can you leave equipment there that can be used in emergencies?
Does the staff have suggestions regarding local hospital/local Endocrinologist that an appointment can be set up with/local pharmacy?
- College Dorms – Ask regarding living situations
What are the rooms like? 2 bed, 4 bed, private, bathroom facilities, air conditioned rooms?
Refrigerators in the room: Rent or Buy?
Where are the cafeterias in regards to the rooms?
Where do you send a letter regarding special requests?
Is the ‘RA’ on the floor with the students?
- Cafeteria – Where are they located?
Is there more than one cafeteria?
What are the hours of operation?
What are the food choices like?
If there is more than one cafeteria, can the student eat at any of them?
What is the weekend schedule of operation?
Is there a college deli or bookstore that has food available for purchase? If so, what are their hours of operation?
Do they offer flexible meal plans – if so, get the ’21 week meal plan’ – and remember – shop for ‘off’ days.
- Office of Campus Disability – Support Services – Is there one on campus?
What support services do they provide?
Do they require a letter from the Pediatric Endocrinologist regarding diabetes? (monitoring, extended test times, etc.)
- Campus Set-Up – How is the campus set-up?
If on a sprawling campus does it have bus shuttle service?
Where are the dorms in regards to classroom buildings?
Is there a college gym? What is the cost/hours of operation?
Are there intramural sports? How do you sign up?
Where is there the closest 24 Hour pharmacy?
(Stop by and see about setting up your health insurance for pharmacy refills)
Where is the closest food store? Will you be able to walk to it?
What are the college regulations regarding cars for freshman on campus? Do they make exceptions if in a rural area and there is a medical need?
Does the college have a ‘tuition insurance’ fee per semester?
Are there counseling services on campus and/or support groups?
While searching for colleges remember to also search the internet and discuss with your guidance department the opportunity that may exist for college scholarships.