Starting College with ADHD

In recent weeks I have brought on several new clients who are starting or going back to college. It is that time of year.

Starting college is exciting… and scary. If you have ADHD is can be a little overwhelming because there are so many little pieces that need to be done, your support systems aren’t going to college with you and your routine is about to completely change.

What can you do to make the transition smoother?

First, congratulate yourself! Getting into college is a big deal! You probably worked hard.

Before you get to school:

Set up services:

1. Get a copy of your IEP or 504 from your old high school if you don’t have one already. An electronic copy would be most helpful. Most likely you can email either your Special Education teacher who was your case manager or your high school counselor to ask them to email it to you. Do it now before you continue reading.
2. If you don’t have an IEP or 504, get a letter from your therapist standing your diagnosis, and what types of support you need to be successful. Again an electronic copy is best.
3. Contact the Disability Services at your new college to make an appointment with a counselor (or whatever your school calls them).
4. Unless you live close to your college, the appointment will be by phone. Set a reminder on your phone. It will be your responsibility to call him/her. You may want to concern doing it on speaker phone with a parent the first time.
5. Email the counselor your documentation before the appointment, so she has it in front of her during your phone appointment.
6. Talk honestly about what you need and what will be helpful for you to learn. You are not asking for special treatment. You are evening the playing field; we all need help somewhere in our life’s. You are entitled to what you are asking for.

Pack only what you really need.

1. Talk to friends who are already away in college. Ask them what did you bring that you thought you needed but never used, what was the most helpful thing you packaged, and what can wait until you are settled in a bit.
2. Keep in mind you only have half of a room.
3. Talk to your roommate before packing, see what you can share. You don’t both need to bring a fridge and TV or even a trash can. Split it up and save some money.

Have your medications:

1. If you take ADHD or other meds that are considered controlled substances. Make sure you have a plan for getting them while at school. If you use a mail order system, have them change the address. If you go to the pharmacy every month with a paper prescription make sure you have enough for a good while after getting to school. If you call fill your prescription without needing a new prescription every month, make sure to transfer it to a location closer to your college.
2. Buy a locked box. Seriously, keep your medications and other valuables in it. Stuff goes missing in dorms.  

When you arrive:

1. Bring help to move in but also to set up your new room. Recreate as many systems that work you for as possible. If you know you need to see it to do it. Don’t think that just because you are in college you will suddenly start remembering stuff.
2. Find a study group and study partner for every class. Even if you think you’ll be fine in that class. College classes are different. Studying with other will also externalize your accountability. Most people with ADHD will come through for others before themselves. So help out both others with studying and repeat the benefits yourself.
3. Time between classes is not free time. This is the most difficult concept for new students to grasp. Most of it is study time. Get a calendar and schedule classes, studying, fun, activities, and even eating and sleeping. It may sound boring but structure will help you be successful.
4. Don’t wait – If you are having a hard time in a class get help right away! Classes will build on past information and finals are cumulative. Go to your professors’ office hours, the tutoring center or someone in your class. Hopefully, you found that study group; use them!
5. Know yourself and honor who you are- If you know you get more done when are busy, create a busy schedule by joining activities, getting an on campus job, exercising, etc. If you are an early riser, take 8 am classes.
6. Text your parents daily – your parents will love it but in addition, they know you like no one else. If you are overwhelmed, talking can help.
7. Use campus services like free counseling if you need to talk to someone in person for more support than Mom and Dad can provide from where they are.

College can be stressful and overwhelming or exciting and engaging. Your perspective will impact how you feel day to day. Practice good self-care and develop habits to support yourself and put in place some external form of accountability.