Strategies for College Success with ADHD: Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Goals

Are you a college student with ADHD or know someone who is? Navigating the challenges of college life can be tough, especially when dealing with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the common struggles that college students with ADHD face and provide practical strategies to help overcome these obstacles.

Qualities for Student Success

According to ADHD coach Sarah D. Wright, successful students usually possess four key qualities: perseverance, ability to delay gratification, time management and organizational skills, and finding the right balance between fun and work. These skills may not come easily to individuals with ADHD due to impaired executive functioning.

How ADHD Affects College Students

College life brings increased responsibilities, less structured time, distractions, and new social situations, all of which can be challenging for students with ADHD. This can lead to poor academic performance, time management issues, and difficulty regulating emotions.

Tips for Succeeding in College With ADHD

1. Start the Day on Time: Set multiple alarms, create a morning routine, and stay organized.
2. Work With Your Urge to Procrastinate: Embrace procrastination but plan ahead to ensure tasks get done.
3. Study Smarter, Not Harder: Use multi-modal learning techniques and take study breaks.
4. Schedule Your Study Time: Allocate enough time for studying each week to avoid cramming.
5. Plan and Prioritize Your Time: Develop a weekly plan and prioritize tasks accordingly.
6. Implement Strategies to Stick to Your Plan: Use rewards, competition, or study groups to stay motivated.
7. Manage Your Medication: Adhere to your medication plan, find a local healthcare provider, and set reminders.

Social Strategies for Students With ADHD

Building and maintaining friendships can be challenging for college students with ADHD. Tips include being friendly, joining clubs, staying in touch with old friends, and exploring new social opportunities on campus.

A Word From Verywell

By being proactive and implementing strategies early on, college students with ADHD can increase their chances of academic and social success. Transitioning to college life can be a positive and fulfilling experience with the right support and tools in place.

If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD in college, remember that help is available. Consider seeking support from online therapy programs like Talkspace, BetterHelp, or ReGain to get the assistance you need.