Heading Back to Class or Campus with a Chronic Illness: A Biologics Readiness Checklist

Heading back to school or college is an exciting time, but when you’re living with a chronic illness and receiving biologic therapy, it can also feel a bit overwhelming.

Between managing your health, keeping up with academics, and juggling your social life, it’s easy to feel like you’re carrying more than just a backpack.

If you’re starting a new semester while receiving biologic treatment for a chronic illness, being prepared can make a big difference. This readiness checklist is here to help you navigate the transition with confidence and care.

Biologics Back-to-School Readiness Checklist

1. Confirm Your Treatment Schedule Early

Biologic infusions or injections follow a strict schedule.

Before classes begin, work with your healthcare provider to:

• Confirm upcoming infusion or injection dates.
• See if any treatments need to be adjusted around exam weeks, move-in dates, or travel.
• Ask your infusion provider if they offer weekend or early morning appointments to avoid missing class.
• If you’re moving to a new city or campus, ask your provider about transferring care to a provider near your school.

2. Keep Medications Safe and Accessible

If you’re self-injecting biologics or storing other medications:

• Bring a small, insulated cooler or medication case to keep your injections at the correct temperature while traveling or moving in.
• Ask your RA or campus housing office about mini-fridge availability or medical exceptions if your medication requires refrigeration.
• Keep an emergency kit on hand with medications, alcohol wipes, a sharps container, and any documents related to your prescriptions.

3. Plan for Travel Days

Heading home for a long weekend or flying during breaks?

• Always carry your medication in your carry-on luggage, never checked baggage.
• Pack a copy of your prescription and a doctor’s note in case TSA or travel authorities have questions.
• Consider setting up a phone reminder to take your medication; travel disruptions can make it easy to forget!

4. Set Up Academic Accommodations

You have rights as a student, including access to accommodations that support your health.

Reach out to your school’s disability services or student support center to:

• Register your chronic illness and treatment needs confidentially.
• Request classroom or exam accommodations such as extended deadlines, excused absences for medical appointments, or remote class options if flares occur.
• Ask if you can get priority class registration to manage your treatment schedule better.

The earlier you initiate these conversations, the smoother your semester will be.

5. Communicate with Professors (When You’re Ready)

It’s up to you how much you share, but a quick, respectful heads-up to your professors can go a long way in building understanding and flexibility.

You don’t need to disclose details. Consider using a similar message as this one:

“Hi Professor,

I’m managing a chronic health condition that may require occasional absences or medical appointments.

However, please know that I’m committed to keeping up with the classwork and communicating in advance whenever possible.

Thank you for your support.”

6. Don’t Neglect Self-Care

School stress, late nights, and poor nutrition can all contribute to flares.

To help minimize the risk, make sure to prioritize:

• Sleep, set a wind-down routine.
• Nutrition, keep healthy snacks on hand that won’t trigger your symptoms.
• Stress relief, whether it’s journaling, meditation, walking, or therapy, make time for what helps you feel grounded.

7. Build a Support System

You don’t have to do this alone. Look for student groups focused on chronic illness, online communities, or campus counseling services.

Surround yourself with people who get it and those who want to learn how to support you.

You’ve Got This!

Living with a chronic illness while pursuing your education takes strength, patience, and planning. Biologics can help you manage your symptoms and stay in control, but your voice, your needs, and your well-being matter just as much.

Take things one day at a time, advocate for yourself, and remember that it’s okay to ask for help. You’re doing something remarkable, not just going to school, but doing it while managing your health like a pro.

If you’d like help finding an infusion center near your school, or have questions about traveling with your biologic, reach out to your healthcare team; they’re here to support you every step of the way.