Rhiannon talks openly about studying at university while coping with Ulcerative Colitis.
Press Play: Rhiannon's Story
Rhiannon was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis shortly before her 17th birthday, when she was studying A-levels at college.
It took her an extra year to complete her A-levels but Rhiannon remained determined to go to university.
Leaving home, I was full of anxiety, but I told myself: 'The only way you are going to find out if you can do it is by trying'
In one of five films created about young people living with Crohn's and Colitis, she shares her experience of studying at university.
Her lecturers must have been impressed because despite periods of ill health - including a hospital stay that caused Rhiannon to miss two months of university - she graduated with a first-class honours degree last summer!
Our young person films project received £17,000 of funding from players of the People’s Postcode Lottery through People’s Postcode Trust.
Starting college or university?
Hear how you can make the most of your time as a student, while also looking after your health and accessing extra support in our blogs written by students with Crohn's and Colitis.
About Crohn's and Colitis
Helpline Service
Last updated: 22/07/2026
Our Helpline team can't take calls, chats or ring you back for the rest of the summer. But you can still reach us by email.
If you need to contact the team, please email helpline@crohnsandcolitis.org.uk and we'll answer you as soon as possible.
Thanks for bearing with us.
How Can We Help?
- We can help you understand Crohn’s and Colitis
- Listen and talk about living with IBD
- Help you connect with others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community
- Give you contact details of specialist organisations
- We can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis and provide up-to-date, evidence-based information
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.