3 Tips For College Students With ADHD
College is an exciting time for any young person’s life. With endless possibilities and opportunities, everything feels like entering the real world for the first time. For students with ADHD, this transition phase can be challenging on top of managing their ADHD. Going to college and succeeding there is a greater responsibility. Unlike school, where there was plenty of support be an inclusive classroom teacher or support from IEPs, learners with ADHD in college can easily be overwhelmed with the level of independence – less structured more distractions, and a place that comes with a lot of new social situations.
College students face greater responsibilities with less structured time, numerous distractions, and new social situations. Dealing with ADHD in college can present unique challenges. Nevertheless, with adequate resources, students can overcome those challenges and have a rewarding experience in their adult life.
If you are new in the college, read on these strategies to make your college a smooth and less overwhelming experience.
PLAN YOUR DAY AND STICK TO IT
Actively planning a routine and spending the day with that schedule helps to manage forgetfulness, impulsivity, and lack of concentration. Time management is something learners with ADHD often struggle with the most. Routine can help you to develop a healthy habit to be organized and proactive towards the day-to-day tasks. You can use a planner, reminder, and even digital calendar to organize your class schedules, assignments, and other timely activities. This does not mean you cannot do things for fun, keep a weekly routine from Monday to Friday to cover your classes, a reading time, and use your weekends for exploring things you would like. With time you can use your routine to be more proactive as it will also give you a window to review as assess where you are losing time (if any) and make changes to take care of it.
SOCIALIZE
It is commonly found that students with ADHD often struggle with Interpersonal skills. College is undoubtedly a dynamic plan to be in. most learners including those who are introverts can feel overwhelmed to socialize. But, friendships are important in everyone's life. Make an effort to connect with peers and don't forget everyone else can be shy like you. talk to people around you during orientation. Focus on being friendly, open-minded, and interact. Talking to new friends in class, dorm room, cafeteria, or at other places on campus can give you a lot of authentic experience in meeting new people. Furthermore, Colleges are also great places to explore new hobbies through activities and clubs this way you can bond with people who share the same interest.
STAY CONNECTED WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Be on talking terms with your doctor, counselor, and also at home. The first few days are always overwhelming not just for you but for anyone. Keeping regular communication with family and friends can help you to feel centered, as they can also be a good support system to guide you in navigating all the unknown territory of college life but staying in touch by phone, text, or social media can be a great source of social support. This is just as important to keep old friendships as it is essential to be building a new network of peers, and even professors at school. They can help you maintain a healthy academic-social life balance.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The transition of moving from high school to college can be both thrilling and nerve-wracking especially for students with ADHD. College life is a sudden change in responsibilities and finding oneself in a completely new place. This phase of life comes with a windfall of independence – students are on their own, without support, structure, and in most situations less accountability.
All of these call for you to be proactive and get your strategies in place early on so you can settle in that new space with more effectiveness. It is also a good idea to be in touch with your school teacher with ADHD training course. Bear in mind, you are not alone in this journey, ask for help whenever necessary. The transition to college life to make it a happy, successful, and productive one can be made better when you have people around you who care for you.
