Bipolar and university

Starting university is a big milestone, which can be overwhelming especially if you’re living with bipolar. Planning ahead can help you stay well and make a real difference to your university experience.

Choosing a university if you live with bipolar

There’s a lot to think about when you’re deciding where to apply for university, including course options, location and the grades you need to get in. But if you live with bipolar, it’s also a priority to consider how well a university can support your mental health.

Three things to do before you apply

1. Research which student support services are available, and how easy are they to access.
2. Review student wellbeing and satisfaction rankings – surveys like the Times Higher Education’s Student Experience Survey rate things like sense of community, campus environment and wellbeing support services.
3. When you’re on open days, ask about mental health support and wellbeing facilities – and drop in for a visit if you can.

What should I say on my UCAS form if I have bipolar?

When you apply for university, you’ll fill in a UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) form.

There is a section where you can choose to share if you have a mental health condition, including bipolar. If you tell them about your diagnosis, your university is legally required to consider your needs and make reasonable adjustments.

Reasonable adjustments for someone living with bipolar are tailored to the individual's specific needs with the aim of helping to manage symptoms and prevent episodes. For example, you might need extra time in exams or time off for medical appointments.

You may also want to mention your diagnosis in your personal statement, to explain time off school or college, or lower than predicted grades, for example. But this is totally up to you.

How can I prepare for university if I live with bipolar?

The summer before university is a great time to build habits that will support your health and independence at uni and beyond. You might be doing these things already but, if not, have a think about:

• using our resources to track your mood to spot any early signs of an episode
• managing your prescriptions and remembering to take your medication yourself
• booking and attending your own healthcare appointments
• figuring out what self-care practices help you stay grounded and well

And take time to find out what support is available at your university, like:

• a wellbeing officer at the Students’ Union
• mental health advisors
• free counselling services
• university health centre with GPs
• drop-in clinics and wellbeing groups
• peer support networks
• helplines

How can the university wellbeing team help someone with bipolar?

Most universities have a wellbeing team. They’re there to support you with your mental and physical health while you’re studying. They can help you with things like counselling, referrals and academic adjustments, or they can help you settle in.

It can be helpful to get in touch with them early on, even if you’re feeling well. Lots of students do, and it doesn’t mean you can’t cope. It simply means you’re making the most of the support available.

For many people, university is the first time they’re living away from home, so it’s normal to find parts of it challenging. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Getting a diagnosis of bipolar at university

Research has found that half of people with bipolar first get symptoms of bipolar before the age of 21. Starting university can be a time when symptoms of bipolar appear for the first time or get worse.

The change in daily routine, sleeping patterns, alcohol intake and stress levels can be a major trigger. If you’re struggling and worried that what you’re experiencing could be bipolar, it’s okay to ask for help.

You could:

• speak to your GP or university wellbeing team
• reach out to a trusted tutor or mentor
• talk to your family or a friend and ask them to come to an appointment with you
• take the bipolar test and download our ‘Bipolar Diagnosis Journal’ to support your journey to diagnosis
• download our free Mood Tracker app to monitor your mood, sleep and emotions so you can show your healthcare professional what you’ve been experiencing

A diagnosis can feel scary, but it’s the first step towards understanding what’s going on and getting the right help to manage your condition. Delaying support can make things worse.

What if I notice my university friend has bipolar symptoms?

If you think a friend at uni may be showing signs of bipolar, you could see if they want to talk about it.

They may be worried too but unsure where to turn. Gently encouraging them to speak to the wellbeing team or a mental health professional can be a huge help. If you feel able to, sharing your own experiences might make them feel less alone.

Why not find out more about bipolar to help you understand what they’re going through:

• take our 20-minute eLearning course
• read up on the bipolar facts
• learn about how someone gets a diagnosis

If you think your friend needs urgent help at any point, don’t hesitate to call 999 – or you can find other crisis support options.

Bipolar UK is here for you

Being at university while you’re living with bipolar, or if you’re in the process of getting a diagnosis, can feel really daunting.

But with the right treatment and support in place, uni can be a brilliant opportunity to find some independence, make lots of friends and get a qualification to open up your options in the workplace.

Whether you’re managing bipolar well already, or you’re at the start of your journey with the condition, you don’t have to do this alone.

We offer free support to anyone who has a diagnosis, who thinks they may have bipolar, or who has a loved one, friend or colleague with bipolar. Reach out today.

More ways to get support

You can find more helpful info about mental health and university life from:

• Student Minds – the UK’s student mental health charity
• The University Mental Health Advisors Network – a network of mental health specialists working in higher education