Help with Psoriasis If You're At University

University should be one of the most exciting times in your life. It’s a chance to break free from the confines of usual living and experience what it’s like to be a student. And that isn’t just studying! Many universities also have campus activities and societies which can make your experience a lot better. But, what if you have psoriasis?

Psoriasis shouldn't hold you back on enjoying the university experience

Well, as has already been said, this shouldn’t hold you back. Most people at university will have probably heard of psoriasis or they will have friends and relatives with the condition: they may even suffer from it themselves.

Nonetheless, it’s important for you to feel confident with the condition and not let other people define your path. Here are some tips and advice on how to make the most of your university experience if you’re going this year, planning to go in the future or if you’re at university right now.

Set up a student society

In the UK, many universities will have what’s called a ‘student society.’ This is basically where students come together to meet, have fun and enjoy themselves all-around a particular theme, idea or topic. The football society, for example, is an obvious one whereby the members are interested in football so meet to coalesce around that theme.

There’s nothing stopping you from speaking to your societies coordinator about setting up a psoriasis society. It’s likely, as I’ve already said, that there will be students on campus who suffer with psoriasis so it may be in all your interests to set something up that will allow you all to speak to one another about that topic.

However, if it turns out there aren’t enough people either willing to join or you can’t find enough people wanting to join, then try setting up a skin condition society for all skin problems. That way, you open it up to a wider pool of people who all have a mutual interest in skin conditions. Don’t forget, socializing is as important as discussing what condition you have, so it may be worth thinking about the different activities you could arrange. If it’s alcohol-free events you’re after, then you could try that. Equally, if some of you are not confident about going swimming, then you don’t all have to go to the local pool. Build it how you want, but see how you go!

Let your tutor know about the condition if you feel that will help

If you have particularly severe psoriasis, then it may be worth contacting your tutors to let them know. You may need an extension on an essay or have to delay your exam if the symptoms are causing trouble. Another option may be to take creams and ointments into the exam hall. That way, you can take care of any issues right away at your desk. See first if you’ll be allowed to do this, but it’s worth considering.

Consider what self-help stuff you can do

University isn’t just about academia. One area where you may feel challenged by your psoriasis is accommodation. If your psoriasis is particularly bad you may not feel like shared housing is for you. Equally, you may be uplifted by the idea and it may help you with confidence and self-esteem. Other things that may help include taking up some form of exercise. You could get involved with the yoga society, running society or again, set a different one up yourself.

Enjoy the experience

Whatever you decide, make sure you consider the positives and negatives and see what is going to help you. University should be a time for you to work hard but also socialize and embrace all the activities, opportunities and skills on offer. You can leave with more than just a degree, but a whole host of friends and extracurricular activities too. Don’t let your skin condition hold you back: go out there and make it your own.