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Podcast Episode

Episode 363: University Life and Celiac Disease: Lessons from Students and Parents

A Canadian Celiac Podcast··6 August 2026·22 min

About this episode

Heading off to university is an exciting milestone, but for students living with celiac disease, it can also bring unique challenges. From dining halls and shared kitchens to residence life and managing independence, maintaining a strict gluten-free lifestyle on campus requires planning and confidence. In this episode, Sue welcomes Anna Cowan, a university student living with celiac disease, and Manisha Kothary, whose daughter has just completed her first year of university. Together, they share practical tips, personal experiences, and valuable lessons learned about navigating campus life safely while staying gluten-free. Whether you're a student preparing for your first semester, a parent helping your child transition to university, or someone looking for strategies to manage celiac disease away from home, this conversation offers encouragement, insight, and plenty of real-world advice. What you'll learn: How to prepare for residence and campus dining Communicating gluten-free needs to university staff and roommates Tips for staying safe in shared kitchens and social situations The realities of managing celiac disease independently Advice for both students and parents during the transition to university life Join us for an informative and reassuring discussion as we explore how students with celiac disease can thrive at university. Download our back to school guides: Back to School - Celiac Canada To learn more about Celiac Canada, visit www.celiac.ca. Follow us: Instagram: @ccaceliac Facebook: @ccaceliac Twitter: @ccaceliac Threads: @ccaceliac LinkedIn: @Celiac Canada