What is Ulcerative Colitis?

Ulcerative colitis  belongs to a group of chronic conditions known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), and affects the colon, also known as the large intestine. The severity of symptoms may vary and can include abdominal pain, bowel urgency, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. The inflammation begins in the rectum and extends up the colon in a continuous manner. It is important to know that ulcerative colitis is not the same as Crohn’s disease, another type of IBD. In ulcerative colitis, only the innermost lining of the colon is inflamed and often involves the rectum, but depends on the location of the disease.

No one knows exactly what causes ulcerative colitis and no one can predict how this disease- once it is diagnosed- will affect a person. Some people go for years without having any symptoms, while others have more frequent flare ups (when symptoms are active).

Living with Ulcerative Colitis in College

Ulcerative colitis involves more than just medications and symptoms. It is a life changing condition that you are learning to manage, and it represents only part of your story. As you continue your journey with ulcerative colitis while in college, there may be many questions that you will have to navigate in order to help make your experience rewarding. This Campus Connection website will cover some helpful tips and information that you should know before, and during college, and offers a way for you to potentially connect with others like you.

Read our Living with Ulcerative Colitis brochure to learn more about the disease, treatment and daily living.