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Leaving home and starting your college experience is a stressful transition for any student. You suddenly find all of the ‘grown-up’ responsibilities you need to live happily and healthily on your to-do list, all while juggling academic and social obligations that are part of college life.
For a neurodiverse student, unique challenges can arise and there can be different hurdles to overcome. Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and other neurodiverse brains face unique challenges with transitions, and going to college is a huge transition with a vast array of new experiences and changes. But with the right strategies in place, neurodiverse students can ensure a smooth, successful transition from home to college, and make the most of this valuable time.
Understand what support is available
It’s important to remember that you’re never alone when it comes to surviving the college transition. But, if you don’t know where to start, it can soon feel overwhelming and like you’re very much out on your own.
Fortunately, as our understanding of neurodiversity improves, colleges are improving their student support services to provide better, more tailored assistance for this part of the student population.
For the best college experience, it’s worth considering what support options are available when picking a school, since some are naturally better equipped than others. However, across the board, more institutions are recognizing the importance of promoting neurodiversity on campus; there are now 75 support programs across colleges in 29 states.
✔️Before school begins, be proactive - speak to college services for more information on accommodation, learning needs, and tailored support services to give yourself the best possible start during this transition.
Allow yourself plenty of preparation time
In the U.S., you can expect to receive a college acceptance letter in the spring time – usually in March or April. With most courses beginning in August, this gives you a few months to prepare yourself and gather any items, information, or pieces of equipment you need to make the transition as smooth as possible. While you’ll still want to enjoy your summer break, it’s always best to begin preparing sooner rather than later, so you don’t feel rushed unnecessarily as your start date approaches.
Prioritizing and time management skills are typically things that people with ADHD will find challenging. However, these are both skills that are important for succeeding at college. So, when preparing for your first semester, it might be helpful to experiment with different time management strategies to find what works best for you. Not only will this help you to feel more prepared for the transition to college, but it’ll also set you up for success in your studies.
Familiarize yourself with the campus
Whether you go with a trusted friend or family member or on your own, you might find it helpful to familiarize yourself with the college’s campus before starting your first semester. Once your coursework begins, you’ll likely find yourself with less spare time to work things out as you go, so having an understanding of what’s where on campus will help you to feel more comfortable there from the beginning.
Plus, seeing the campus and surrounding areas in person can give you a better idea of what support services are available and the infrastructure in place. This is also an excellent opportunity to ask questions to current students or members of staff about campus life and what you can expect once you arrive in the summer.
Consider ADHD coaching
ADHD coaching can be an invaluable resource for neurodiverse students transitioning to college. These specialized coaches can provide personalized strategies to help students manage their ADHD symptoms and thrive in the college environment. Here are some examples of how ADHD coaching can benefit students:
- Developing effective time management and organization systems
- Creating study routines that align with the student's learning style
- Building self-advocacy skills for communicating with professors and accessing campus resources
- Identifying or creating an ADHD-friendly study space
- Navigating social challenges in a new environment
- Managing stress and anxiety related to academic pressures
- Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
- Improving focus and concentration during lectures and study sessions
- Setting goals and creating action plans to achieve them
By working with an ADHD coach, students can gain confidence in their abilities and develop the tools they need to succeed academically and personally during their college journey. If your college or university doesn’t yet offer specialized support for neurodiverse students, or if you find their support inadequate, finding an online ADHD coach is a great way to ensure you have affordable, accessible support.
Managing the transition
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to managing the college transition. As you prepare for this exciting chapter in your life, experiment with different strategies, and make the most of any specialist support on campus or external ADHD coaching services to set yourself up for success.
