HA Blog

For many young adults living with hydrocephalus, college is the first time they are managing their medical condition(s) on their own, particularly if the individual has moved away from home to live on campus. For this reason, it is important to put into place a plan for local care, particularly in the event of a medical emergency.

There are a lot of moving parts once a student with hydrocephalus commits to a college and moves on to requesting accommodations (for those that need them), honing their self-advocacy skills, and preparing to navigate their health and wellness needs independently.

Alongside the typical comparisons for choosing a college, like cost, distance from home, academic major, etc., students with hydrocephalus should consider proximity to a medical center with neurosurgical care as well as compare the services and supports that the school offers.

Students with hydrocephalus may require more flexibility in their college experience, due to unpredictable hospitalization, medical procedures, and illness. It’s important for students and families to understand the policies on full- and part-time student status as well as leaves of absence before committing to a school.