Whether you’ve been dealing with it for 6 months or 6 years, chronic illness can be quite the life-changer. It interferes with your routine, friendships, family, and practically all aspects of your life. Throw in the transition to college and you are completely wiped out. But chronic illness does not need to ruin your college experience; it’s just about how you manage it. With some help, you will be loving your new university, sick or not.

1. Learn to say “no.” Your condition wreaks havoc on your body, despite how it looks from the outside. While others may not understand how much pain you’re in (because if you don’t look sick, you’re obviously not sick, right?), you know your limits. So decline an invitation when you’re not feeling well, or when you just need a break. You're allowed to say no; it is perfectly okay. And even better: you don't need to explain yourself. Just say no. Some people in college can study all day and party all night, but it is more than fine to stay in with Netflix for a few nights. Remember: make your own choices—"no" can be one of them.

2. Prioritize. When you’re at school, it’s hard to remember what’s really important. At first, you think making friends and fitting in is all that matters, followed by good grades. But what about your health? When you’re affected by chronic illness, making the right choices makes a huge difference. You need to put your body and health over the temporary things, and aim to keep your body health (if that can ever really happen). Remember: college is four years of your life, but living with your condition is forever.

3.Sleep. No matter what disease you’re fighting, you need sleep. Having eight hours a night under your belt makes a huge difference, and pulling an all-nighter to finish a paper is not something you can afford. Remember: do homework during the day and sleep during the night.

4.Eat healthy. It’s easy to order a pizza at 2 a.m. on a Friday and get it delivered to your dorm. Why else do you think Dominos stays open that late? But just because all your friends can afford to eat take out does not mean you can. Your body needs the correct nutrients even more than the average student, and you need to teat it right. I can assure you that your condition will be much better managed when you’re eating healthy, and you’ll feel better, too. Remember: make your own food and don't give in to late night meals.

5.TRY to manage your stress. Adding exams to the list of things you need to keep up with is nearly impossible, but this stress is temporary, when your condition isn't. If you can survive finals while still suffering from disease, then you can do so with less stress. Schoolwork is never more important than your health, no matter how it may seem. Remember: some deep breaths can bring you right back down to reality.

6.Meet people with the same condition. At home, your family and friends supported you in the struggle against illness, and now you’re alone at college needing the same thing. Go out and find local groups that deal with chronic illness and make friends who will support you at school. Finding a group of people you can count on will make all the difference physically and mentally. Remember: we all need support, and maybe your new friend will benefit from your shoulder to lean on, too.

7. Find a good doctor. If you're like me, you moved across the country and needed to find a new medical staff to treat you. Make sure to find a great doctor who specializes in your illness at the beginning of your freshman year- he or she will become your new best friend. Possibly even more important: find a good phlebotomist. No one likes a bad blood work experience. Remember: you are never too high maintenance when it comes to your health. Always find what you need.

8.Learn how to deal with questions. Maybe some people at your new school came from a small town and have never seen an insulin pump. Maybe some people have never heard the term, “invisible illness.” Whatever it may be, remember to politely answer questions that others may have about your illness, because you have the ability to open their eyes to something new. It is incredibly important to tell others about your disease, instead of hiding it. Remember: bring awareness- no matter how that conversation may play out.

9.Don’t let your chronic illness take over. You have chronic illness, but you are not your disease. Yes, chronic illness is scary, and it affects every part of your life. But remember that you have also been given this great opportunity at school, and you cannot squander it. Try to manage your condition, not let it take over. Your condition can be a part of you- but it shouldn’t be the whole thing. Remember: you are more than any medical term, hospital history, devices, and diagnostic tools.

Chronic illness has nothing on you. You’re off to college, ready to take on the world with bright eyes and new school supplies. While your transition may be tougher than most, you are up for the challenge. After all, isn’t that what chronic illness is all about? You’re always up for the challenge because you know you're worth it. Before we know it, you'll be taking over university life.