Managing ADHD in College: Tips and Advice

Oh, and I have a notetaker. I was considered for the gifted program and I have ADHD. One semester, I got only As and A+s and nothing below that. (TBH, I'm not quite sure how I did so well besides working hard.) In middle school, I was in National Junior Honors Society and I barely missed National Honors Society in high school. Now I'm in my college's honors program. Just bc you have ADHD doesn't mean you always have bad grades. Yeah I have a few Cs once in a while, but I do pretty well overall. This is not to brag, but it's to say that ADHD does not determine grades. You are NOT lazy. Sometimes our brain just says "I don't feel like it." It's frustrating, but do your best. You're not alone in this and you're not the first to experience and feel what you are now

I'm in college and have accommodations with generally amazing professors (just one bad apple). I hate 2x extended time for, alternate testing setting, type notes instead of handwritten (though handwritten is shown to better retain info, so I default to that but it's nice to have something as a backup), and that's all I can think of rn, but Access and disability services has been really helpful. Idk if you have it, but I think I needed proof of the diagnosis/letter or something. Can't remember for sure though. Extended time and alternate setting are pretty common accommodations. Once you're an adult, your mom doesn't really have much of a say in any of it. It was a little scary, but definitely worth it. Remember, they are there to help you and want you to succeed! I hope that helps and let me know if you have any questions!

I totally agree with everyone else’s suggestions. I didn’t get diagnosed until after college and looking back it makes so much sense now. I would recommend finding your quiet place - if you’re on campus, on campus. If you’re off campus, a coffee shop, park or something. I did my best work when I was not at home or in my dorm with distractions, put in earphones, and found a quiet spot with barely any people around upstairs in the corner of the library. I also recommend no study sessions with friends or other people if you are actually trying to retain and memorize information. Of course have fun study sessions where you chat and have fun but, maybe it’s just me, I always regretted staying out too late with “study buddies” and was so distracted the whole time - I ended up getting so stressed and sadly regretting every session like that. Not too sound to rigid, but if you feel like that too, give yourself grace - you’re not unfriendly or unsocial - you just have ADHD 💕 Lastly, (i realize if you’re going to a big school this might be very hard) I made friends with professors, even if I didn’t want to. I did this because I needed them to know I was not a bad student and needed extra time with them to listen and ask extra questions as during class I was usually distracted by my thoughts. If you’re attending a big school, you could try investing in partnerships with someone in class who you can trust. Maybe meet them afterward on a call or park to go over stuff from class or the homework so you know you understand outside of a class setting. Best of luck - you can absolutely do this. I got through it and became a successful project manager despite my ADHD, and even though it still deeply effects me. I’m here if you need anything else at all!

I didn’t get diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive type) until my 5th year of college. If you’re diagnosed, you can get accommodations. I’m getting accommodations for the first time this semester (second semester of my 5th year). You can choose when to use your accommodations. Also, invest in good wireless headphones. Blocking out other noise while you do homework can really help. I also have sensitivity to sound, which can make me just shut down, so earplugs that direct sound properly or help block outside sound is a huge help. Getting a computer that is reliable and easy to use is huge. As much as it sucks, get into a routine of waking up and going to bed at the same time during the week. You can wake up at the same time but still be on your phone in bed until classes :). I have what I call an “energy rollercoaster” where I have ups and downs of energy all day when I don’t take my Adderall. I went to a super nerdy, small college where so many people struggled with talking to people, so I would ALWAYS suggest talking with the nerds. They often understand what it’s like to not be able to adjust well (there is a warning that with nerds, there may be some that think they’re better than everyone else because they know a lot. Just like regular groups of people). Also, communicate with your professors. Sometimes they will become a mentor to you, and sometimes they’ll be pretty useless outside of class. Also use the tutoring centers in subjects you struggle with, because they are often run by students who have gone through the same classes, and can explain topics in different ways. I know it’s really scary. My first couple days I was so stressed and scared I was literally sick. I couldn’t eat, and my stomach was killing me and I’d throw up too. You can depend on your Resident Assistant or the older students living in your hall in the dorms. It’s okay to feel anxious and depressed, and to be overwhelmed. Taking deep breaths and finding your confidence in certain things will help. Remember it’s totally okay to ask people where things are. I still do to this day on campus. This can be a lot, and let me know if you need to chat more 🤗

I wish I’d known I have ADHD before going to college. Ask for accommodations for sure! People with ADHD are often good at working under pressure when they’ve procrastinated.

I am here is you need to chat. College was too much for me I just couldn’t get used to it and adjust . I was diagnosed with ADHD very young but then depression and anxiety hit. I ended up at back home for a while and did dog grooming school and art school. Trade schooling

Ask for accommodations! Whether work or college there are accommodations that can be made for ADHD to help you, such as recording lectures or having someone else take notes or having written instructions to help you refer back to if you forget easily. Imposter syndrome is quite common with ADHDers but you’re not just lazy!! Your brain works differently and it makes things hard. Yes even if you still got good grades. Having planners, post it notes, alarms, and reminders can all be helpful tools. Schedule things, break tasks down one step at a time so you don’t get too overwhelmed. Use a ton of notebooks with specific colours for specific things. Example: Blue notebook means appointments, yellow means class schedule, etc. so you can hopefully find said notes later on. Finding what works best for your brain. Also the YouTube channel How to ADHD is a great resource if you haven’t seen it. I’m sorry you’re struggling, you can do this! You just have to do it differently than others but that’s not a bad thing