Transitioning to university: managing serious allergies

Heading off to university is an exciting milestone filled with new opportunities—but for students with serious allergies, it can also bring unique challenges. The good news is that with the right preparation, you can take control of your health and fully enjoy the independence and experiences that university life has to offer.

Before you arrive

• Learn to cook
  If you’re in self-catered accommodation, practise preparing a few safe, reliable meals before moving out. This helps you feel confident about eating well without taking unnecessary risks.
• Request a mini fridge
  Ask your university about having a mini fridge in your room. This can prevent cross-contamination with shared foods and keeps your ingredients separate.
• Medical identification
  Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet or pendant which includes information about your allergies and emergency information.
• Check food labels
  Never assume—always read food labels, even for familiar brands, as recipes and suppliers can change.
• Manage your medication
  Take responsibility for prescriptions, doctor’s appointments, and ensuring you always carry your two prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors.
• Update your allergy action plan
  Share your allergy action plan so others know what steps to take in an emergency. Download or update your allergy action plan.
• Monitor expiry dates
  Regularly check your adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs). Many manufacturers offer online reminder services.

Starting university

• Educate your flatmates
  Tell your flatmates and friends about your allergies, what reactions might look like, and how to use your AAIs. Consider ordering trainer pens for practice.
• Speak to university staff
  Inform accommodation services, your personal tutor, and catering teams about your allergies so they can support you.
• Be prepared in shared spaces
  Label allergen-free foods and utensils in shared kitchens. Put up an emergency action poster and always carry your AAIs.

Be aware of

• Alcohol and drugs
  Parties and social events are a big part of university life. Alcohol can lower your awareness of symptoms, and some mixers or cocktails may contain hidden allergens. Drugs can also interact with medication or increase risks. Always check ingredients, drink responsibly, and make sure your friends know how to help if you have a reaction.
• Medication and storage
  University halls can get warm or damp, which may affect medication. Store AAIs at room temperature (not in fridges or near heaters). See our adrenaline factsheet for more information.
• Health precautions
  Freshers’ flu, colds, or other illnesses can make allergy symptoms harder to spot. Keep up with vaccinations, stay hydrated, and don’t ignore changes in your health.
• Dust mites and mould
  Student accommodation can sometimes have dust or damp problems. If you’re sensitive, bring dust-proof bedding covers and report mould issues quickly to accommodation services.
• Travel, placements, and study abroad
  If your course includes placements, field trips, or study abroad, plan ahead. Research local allergy labelling laws, check airline policies, and learn emergency phrases in the local language (e.g., “I have a serious allergy to…”). Carry translation cards and ensure your insurance covers allergy-related emergencies.

University is about independence, but it’s also about building support networks. Being open with your friends, flatmates, and staff makes it easier for them to support you, helping you stay safe while making the most of student life.

For more information visit our University Guide.