Coping with TS

You have your high school diploma, but you are not yet ready to start working. Then studying further at university or college might be something for you. Are you in doubt? Not everyone has to go for an academic education. You can also find very unconventional and practical courses, from making jewelry to social work, everything is possible. Below you will find some information and tips about studying with TS.

Should I say that I have TS?

You have undoubtedly asked yourself that before. Maybe you used to do it, but now you see university or college as a new start and you think differently about it. It might be an opportunity to show who you really are and probably no one knows you there. So it is entirely up to you whether you tell or not.

It is also much less structured than at school and you are much freer in your actions. The other students are also new and come from all over the country. You are more of an individual and that is also appreciated more there. So it may also be that people are more open to people with TS. There are also different groups that can inform you.

You can tell professors and supervisors that you have TS. They can make sure that you get the right support.

Then you have your roommates. It might also be a good idea to inform them. You share things with these people, such as the kitchen and the bathroom. So it can be useful to be open about your TS: this way you prevent annoyances when a vocal tic keeps someone awake, for example, and maybe you can see the humour in it together!

When you live with several people under the same roof and share rooms, it comes down to making compromises and when you are open about your TS, it can help to create a more relaxed atmosphere in your room and that is really worth a lot. In some cases, you can already find out who your roommates will be. Then you can perhaps inform them by email, which might be easier. If you decide not to inform them, that is of course your decision and completely okay.

Then there are your fellow students and friends. Again, you are not required to say it, but it can help you when you have a vocal tic during class. Then they know it is not on purpose. Compare it to someone who coughs or sneezes a lot. These are sounds that you cannot prevent, so it is a bit the same with TS. Most people are only temporarily distracted by sounds. If you are not ready to say it in the first class, do it a few classes later. You will also be able to concentrate better if you are not trying to suppress that tic all the time.

Do you need special accommodation?

It is possible that your form of TS means that you need special accommodation, for whatever reason. Perhaps environmental noises aggravate your tics, so a room further away from the hustle and bustle would help. Contact the student organisations, they can do a lot for you.

What if I cause damage with my TS?

Rooms on campus: the regulations will say that you are responsible for any damage you cause to the accommodation. If you are concerned that your tics could cause damage, be sure to discuss this with your university. They will be more understanding if you are open about your TS and report any damage immediately so that there is no dispute later. Be sure to include this in your contract.

Landlords. When it comes to landlords, it is not always that simple. You sign a tenancy agreement and it usually states that all damage, except from daily use and wear and tear, is the responsibility of the tenant. Before you sign the contract, it is therefore advisable to inform your landlord of your TS, otherwise you may lose your deposit. Depending on the landlord, you can suggest including a clause stating that you cannot be held liable for damage resulting from your TS. There is a good chance that you can get legal advice from your university or college before you sign a tenancy agreement. By the way, you cannot be refused as a tenant on the basis of your TS, that is discrimination.

What if my tics disturb my neighbours? You may think that your tics will bother your neighbors. That is very considerate of you, but you should not worry too much about it. Most students are exposed to sounds or noise from their housemates, so most of them are even aware of this and are used to it. You will probably encounter many louder people. If you still feel uncomfortable, ask for advice on campus, they may be able to help you by providing better insulated accommodation.

What if I tic during class?

Tic during class can be annoying for you and your fellow students. For you, it may be difficult to take notes while ticking or to stay focused while suppressing your tics. Here are a few tips: you can talk to your lecturer and they can give you a written version or you can borrow the notes from a fellow student friend. You can always bring your laptop if you type better than you write. You can also record the class so that you can listen to it again later and write out the notes. Also let your lecturer know that you will be making noises during class. This is polite on your part and it lets the lecturer know that you are not disrupting the class and he or she will not get annoyed. If you still feel uncomfortable, talk to the study coach about it and remember that you have just as much right to be there as your fellow students.

What if I have difficulty with assignments and exams?

Perhaps you have had difficulties with exams in the past. The university or college should give you the opportunity to take the exams in a separate room and/or give you extra time. To be sure of that extra time, make sure that your supervisor is informed of your difficulties well in advance. Well in advance means months, not weeks or days! As for tasks, it is best to inform your supervisor from the beginning and ask for help. It can be useful to sit together every few weeks or when deadlines are approaching. That way you are sure that you can keep up with the work. You can also ask for help from friends or volunteer study supervisors. If you have already fallen behind, ask for help. It is often possible to make up for it and then there is always the second sitting, but don't count on it too much, see it only as a last resort. It is better to ask for help in advance to stay on schedule.

What if I need a doctor in my student room?

If you are staying in my student room for a long time, find a local GP. Your GMD (Global Medical File) can be consulted by that doctor. In some universities there are also student doctors that can help you. If you have to take medication, also report this to your supervisor or the study guidance so that everyone is informed in case something happens.