Regardless of your housing situation, for students living with migraine, whether living on campus or commuting, there are accommodations that can be arranged specifically for students who will commute to school.

To make college fun and a place where individuals can obtain personal and intellectual growth, here are some tips on what commuter students can do to be prepared.

Creating a Class Schedule That Works for You 

It is important to maintain a schedule that can help you be as migraine-free as possible. Start by planning out a schedule that allows you to take breaks in between classes if you have more than one class a day. Doing so can allow you to rest and recharge and can even help reduce stress or fatigue after lectures and long periods of studying.  

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle  

Making sure you get enough sleep, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and eating nutritious food throughout the day can positively impact your performance to prevent an attack, in which it will also help provide the energy and focus needed to do well in school.  

Carrying Migraine Care Items 

When faced with experiencing an attack, consider having the following items with you when commuting to school to help relieve pain:   

  • Ice packs or heating pads 
  • Sunglasses, headphones, or earplugs 
  • Healthy snacks 
  • Refillable Water bottle 
  • Eye mask 
  • Motion sickness relief and other medications 

Examples of Accommodations as a Commuter Student 

Reasonable accommodations can include, but are not limited to: 

  • Ability to wear sunglasses, noise-canceling headphones, or earplugs during class 
  • Access to flexible schedules and attendance policies 
  • Access to alternative remote learning options, including audio-recordings and/ or recorded lectures 
  • Obtain reserved parking spaces to lessen exposure to potential environment triggers 
  • Available resting areas/rooms for students to rest in between classes or when migraine symptoms  
  • Extended time to complete exams and other assignments 

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