Starting university is often described as a time for adventure, independence, and endless social opportunities. For many students, it’s a chance to join societies, make new friends, and stay out late creating unforgettable memories. But for me, living with a constant headache has meant my university experience looks very different. My days are shaped by careful planning, limited energy, and missing out on many of the typical student experiences.

 Daily Life with a Constant Headache

Living with a constant headache means my life revolves around careful planning and constant adjustments. My days are shaped by a need to manage my limited energy and balance rest with activity. While a structured routine is my lifeline, it’s also a reminder of how much control my condition has taken from me.

Every day feels like a battle to reclaim some sense of normality. I’m” desperate to get my life back—the one where I didn’t have to think twice about making plans, where I could spontaneously head out with friends, or power through a busy day without the fear of a debilitating headache forcing me to stop. My routine has become my anchor, giving me a sense of stability in a life that often feels out of my control.

Connections and Friendships

One of the hardest parts of this journey is the impact on my social life. Friendships have become difficult to maintain. Cancelled plans and early goodbyes are common, and not everyone understands why I can’t just “push through.” Explaining the limits my headaches impose is exhausting in itself, and I often feel like I’m watching my social world shrink.

It’s hard not to feel like I’m missing out. Seeing others effortlessly juggle academics, social lives, and extracurriculars can make me feel like I’m on the sidelines, watching a version of university life I wish I could fully embrace. But my personal circumstances demand a different approach, and I’ve had to accept that my experience will look different—and that’s okay.

Despite the challenges, there are small wins I hold on to. Meeting even a few understanding friends who value quiet hangouts over wild nights has made a world of difference. Having people who respect my limits and support me has helped ease some of the isolation that can come with living this way.

I’ve also found strength in the routine I’ve built. Structure gives me control in a life that often feels unpredictable. By carefully planning my time, I can still make progress in my studies and occasionally carve out moments to connect with others. It might not be the typical university experience, but it’s my own version—one that works for me.

Structure and Routine

I’ve also found strength in the routine I’ve built. Structure gives me control in a life that often feels unpredictable. By carefully planning my time, I can still make progress in my studies and occasionally carve out moments to connect with others. It might not be the typical university experience, but it’s my own version—one that works for me.

Despite the limitations, I’ve found moments of joy and connection in smaller, quieter ways. Meeting friends who understand my situation and are happy to adapt—whether it’s for a low-key coffee or a quiet chat at home—has been incredibly meaningful. These moments might not look like the stereotypical university social life, but they’re just as valuable to me.

My routine, though restrictive, has become an important part of maintaining a sense of control. Living with a condition that dictates so much of my life can feel disheartening, but planning my time and pacing myself gives me a way to fight back. While I might not be able to attend every event or take part in everything I’d like, I can still celebrate the small victories, like completing a productive day or connecting with a friend.

Structure is what keeps me grounded. It gives me back a small sense of control in a life where my headaches often dictate what I can and can’t do. By organizing my day and prioritizing rest, I can avoid some of the worst symptoms. My routine doesn’t just help me cope—it helps me feel like I’m actively taking back some of the power my condition has stolen.

Living this way isn’t easy, and it can feel isolating at times. But I’m holding on to hope that, with time and patience, I’ll rebuild my stamina and find more freedom in my days. Until then, I focus on what I can control, finding meaning and purpose in the small victories. Whilst University life for me isn’t filled with wild parties or packed schedules, it’s a massive achievement in my eyes to have even have managed to get to this point in my life. It’s about making the most of what I can do, even when that looks different from the experiences of others. To anyone in a similar situation, know that your experience is just as valid, even if it doesn’t match the norm. And to those supporting someone like me, your kindness, patience, and understanding make all the difference.