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Living with a roommate

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/27/2013 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
I started university a month ago and I've been considering living on residence next year. But I'm afraid of having to live with a roommate, mainly because I'm afraid of using the bathroom and having them hear. I was considering taking later courses so I could have the bathroom to myself in the morning. Any advice?
Posted 9/27/2013 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
good luck!!!

I would NOT be able to share a bathroom with someone I don't know. I commuted all my years of school just because I am not a "share a room" type of person. plus, i'm a germphobe.

I guess you just have to be honest with your roommate and hope that he/she is understanding. I didn't have a choice of what time my classes were so they were always 8 am classes. if you can chose, i'd do that!
Posted 9/27/2013 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
If you're going to have a roommate you might as well be honest about it all. You're not going to be able to cover it up completely.
Posted 9/27/2013 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Add laxatives to his food. When he complains about bowel problems, you'll have some common topics to talk about.
Posted 9/27/2013 8:25 AM (GMT 0)
I use to share a flat and the toilet as well. Before moving into the flat I explained the person the problems I have and what is colitis all about. She said ok ok and doesn't bother her.
But later she started to react strangely when I had a flare. She started asking sarcastically why the hell do you bleed and she broadcasted about my problem to her friends which I couldn't digest. And her friends told her that throw your flat mate out. I just thought oh God why did I move into this flat and why did I get this disease?
Also I thought myself, Life is a circle, you make fun of me - somebody will make fun of you.

I'm now going to move to an individual flat with full privacy. I wish this moving home doesn't cause flare.

So in my point of view its better we people do not share a flat/room unless you know the person for many years and fully understand you and doesn't make fun of you.

@StealthGuardian, I like your post. I wish I should have done that to my flat mate.
Posted 9/27/2013 12:11 PM (GMT 0)
Does your university offer single-occupancy dorm rooms, so you don't have to deal with a roommate? Mine did. Perhaps if you contact the housing people at the university and explain your need for it, with your medical condition, they can get you a single.
Posted 9/27/2013 12:18 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with iPoop.
Posted 9/27/2013 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
I was considering asking them about that, hopefully they'll let me do it.
Posted 9/27/2013 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
It says if I apply before april I'll be entered in a lottery for a single room so I'll ask them if I can have one.
Posted 9/27/2013 2:56 PM (GMT 0)
I lived in hals as a student loved it, we had 6 people in our 'flat' and two bathrooms, I wasn't particuarly ill at the time but I lived with all guys and it wasn't an issue. Some of our flats had ensuits but they were more expensive. I've always house shared though other than a stint living with a boyfriend and I wouldn't worry.

I'd never share a room though, but it's not a british thing to room share anyway. why would a university do that to people? Get a flat in halls as it's a great way to meet people.

Posted 9/27/2013 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
also, i'm sure you'd qualify for a single room by pulling the disability card.
Posted 9/27/2013 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
You've got to really sell them on the reason you need a single, if you're a good salesman you might get one of the few and prized singles. I think you'll get a lot of sympathy on the medical need. Maybe even get a note from your doctor or GI for additional emphasis/impact: explaining your frequent and urgent need for a bathroom and whatnot.
Posted 9/27/2013 5:33 PM (GMT 0)

MilkyChocoxD said...
It says if I apply before april I'll be entered in a lottery for a single room so I'll ask them if I can have one.


Talk to the authorities. Tell them about your condition and get a letter from your GI. They should be considerate enough (else get them some treats and follow iPoop's advice).
Posted 9/27/2013 5:40 PM (GMT 0)
First off, talk to residential life. They might be able to get you a single room if you have a medical condition.

Second, if you have roommates, you can just tell them, "Look, I have an illness and need to use the bathroom a lot." I've done it. It's not that hard, and people are really understanding. Crohn's and UC are more common than you think; a lot of people either have one or know someone who does.
Posted 9/27/2013 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
I agree about talking to them about your disability and that you shouldn't be subject to a lottery. That's fine for normal people without problems but you're different.
Posted 9/27/2013 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
I'm going to the Residence office on Monday and ask about it. Depending on how it goes I'll talk to my GI as well during my next check up. But the thing is I haven't told my parents at all I was thinking of moving out. I don't think they'll react well, but I really want to live on my own. I also haven't decided for sure, there are a lot of other things I'm worried about like the cost.

Edit: Regarding costs, my student health plan doesn't cover GI visits or colonoscopies. I live in Alberta so if anybody has any advice about this to it would be appreciated.

Edit 2: Single room with a private bathroom costs 700 a month holy crap.

Post Edited (MilkyChocoxD) : 9/27/2013 3:14:58 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/28/2013 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
talk with your parents, they'll likely help you out with costs. just tell them you are considering but haven't decided for sure.
Posted 9/28/2013 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
In the U.S. you can get single (with bath) as a reasonable accomodation under the ADA. At least someone here had success with that before, I remember.
Posted 9/29/2013 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, I think it was Callalilly who posted a while back about success with getting her college to grant her a single room. / Old Hat (33 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
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