I cannot function without meds, although I do a fair amount of self-care as well. I have tried before, but I cannot even use coping mechanisms when I am unstable. I was on and off meds for years and ever time I went off them I became severally depressed, although sometimes I managed I hypomania first. Although that usually turned into a depression with mixed features. As a result of the bipolar symptoms, I was required to withdraw from one university with failing grades and chose to withdraw from another, fortunately with a 3.0, though many withdrawals from individual course. I have gone back to school while stabilized on meds and the difference is night and day. I know that the meds have affected my academic functioning to some degree, but not to the point where it is impairing. Perhaps I lucked out in finding the right meds, but they work. I would recommend contacting the disability support of any college/university/technical institute you attend. They can help you receive accommodations and intervene with profs for you if you become more disabled during the year. They can also hook you up with tutors and academic strategists.