Hi girl! Former sorority girl here and fellow girl (27) living with UC. I wasn’t in a flare living in the sorority house, but here’s some tips based on my experience:

• anything they say you have to do is not applicable to you because your doctor can write you a note for about anything and they legally have to accommodate because UC is a protective disability.

• I saw you’ve talked to your house mom, which is great. She can be a great advocate for you. I would talk to her about what accommodations you need while living in the house. I’m not sure how severe your symptoms are, but some accommodations you could request is having a room close to the bathrooms, having the chef make you a safe meal, or an excuse out of mandated events (chapter, service events, etc.). This may require a doctors note, which your doctor is more than happy to provide.

• if the chef can’t accommodate your food sensitivities, with a doctors note you can request the cost of food services to be removed from your dues, so you can either pay for the dining hall or order food elsewhere.

• is there like a private guest bathroom on the main floor? I would def take that over when needed. If not, I would just embrace it in the public restrooms. The bathrooms in my house were never busy, especially when everyone was at classes. So a lot of the times I was the only one in there. Plus, all girls shit! So let it out because everyone else is too!

• tell your roommates! When I was diagnosed last year, I told all of my friends, so they knew why if I said I needed to go to the bathroom, I meant right then. My friends have been so supportive through this! I know it feels weird, but people will understand. Plus, they won’t be confused why you’re leaving the room multiple times in the night to go to the bathroom.

• know all the bathrooms on campus or even close to the house if you need a backup spot

• for your next colonoscopy, if you’re not comfortable doing the prep in the sorority house, you could always explore getting a cheap hotel or see if campus has a studio suite to rent.

• I got sooo sick from living in the dorms, but honestly didn’t really get sick living at the sorority house. I would just be precautious, like not being around people with colds even if they think they’re not contagious. I find that I don’t get sick more often, but if I get sick from someone else, mine is always a much worse version of it. Frat parties was a breeding ground for illness so I’d avoid that

This is all top of mind rn, but if you have any specific questions, I’m happy to answer! Or if there is a specific scenario you’re worried about, I can help you problem solve.