Success for college students with ADHD involves formally acknowledging the condition to gain support from Disability Services, creating a predictable, structured study environment, and employing active learning techniques. Using assistive technology, prioritizing sleep, and choosing the right college significantly improves focus and academic outcomes.
Why is studying with ADHD often difficult for college students?
Studying with ADHD is challenging because the increased academic expectations and social pressures of college often conflict with symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
College puts pressure on students to take charge of their learning. Complex lecture timetables, seminars, and course requirements can all cause stress. ADHD is what’s called a spectrum condition.
That means, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, every person will experience different symptoms and face different challenges. ADHD can cause inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in individuals, but not everyone will experience all these symptoms. Psychologists have classed ADHD into categories:
- Inattentive Type (ADHD-I): People struggle to focus, make frequent mistakes, and ignore conversations
- Hyperactive Type (ADHD-HI): Causes restlessness and excessive talking
- Combined Type (ADHD-C): The rarest type, blending symptoms from both categories.
Understanding how your specific symptoms impact your studies is essential for identifying effective strategies, studies, tools, and techniques.
What is the most important first step students with ADHD should take?
The most important first step students should do is to acknowledge that they have ADHD and report it to their college Disability Support Services to receive necessary accommodations.
It sounds obvious, but studies have shown that 37% of students don’t, sometimes due to shame or a belief they won’t get the support they need. It’s critical to tell your college so that you can receive the support and adaptations that you need—something they have a duty to provide. A lack of support can cause feelings of anxiety and depression, all of which can impact educational attainment.
How can choosing the right college improve success for ADHD students?
Choosing the right college can improve success because some colleges are better than others at understanding and meeting the requirements of students studying with ADHD.
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association has 5 tips for students with ADHD when selecting a suitable college:
- Search for a college that can provide accommodations and has support groups
- Check the number of ADHD-LD specialists available to support students
- Find a college with a large number of registered ADHD students
- Share your ADHD diagnosis with the appropriate person as soon as you start college
- Ask your college to make appropriate accommodations that you need.
How can I build a structured study environment with ADHD?
You can build a structured study environment by creating an organized place to study and maintaining a predictable routine, as people with ADHD often benefit from this consistency.
A 2006 study found that having a dedicated environment for studying that’s free from distractions improved focus and academic performance. The key is consistency. Where you study is up to you; while a separate room is ideal, you may find it easier to study at a desk or a shared space like a library or cafe.
What time management tools are recommended for students with ADHD?
Recommended time management tools include using planners, digital calendars, and apps specifically designed for ADHD, which can help students manage time and tasks more effectively.
ADHD can affect time perception, which explains why so many people with ADHD struggle to stick to a schedule. Breaking study assignments and tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks is also an effective technique that maintains focus and reduces feelings of being overwhelmed. The Pomodoro method, for example, recommends breaking tasks into short, focused intervals, followed by a break.
Why are regular breaks essential when studying with ADHD?
Regular breaks are essential because they help you maintain concentration and prevent burnout by giving your mind a chance to reset.
Learning how to manage your time and establish a study schedule is important for all students, but for those with ADHD, it can help you maintain concentration and prevent burnout. If you are struggling to take time away, tech can help; Genio Notes' Focus Timer function breaks studying into chunks, enabling you to schedule short and focused bursts of activity.
Can audio textbooks help students with ADHD?
Yes, audio textbooks can help students with ADHD because students can find reading a challenge, struggling to remain focused and internalize information.
Depending on your course, you can access audiobooks and audio textbooks that enable you to listen to essential course materials. There are several online resources, including LearningAlly, where you can find academic audiobooks.
Should students with adhd use active learning techniques?
Yes, students with ADHD should use active learning techniques because they involve summarizing and sharing information to embed it more deeply.
The principle follows that you improve information retention by summarizing information and sharing it with others. A 2016 study found that learners who taught others what they’d learned retained more information than those who didn’t. Students could form study groups or collaborate to explore new ideas and concepts, using active learning techniques to improve recall and understanding.
How do exercise, diet, and sleep affect studying with ADHD?
Exercise, diet, and sleep profoundly affect studying with ADHD because research has established that regular physical activity can improve focus, cognitive function, and information recall.
Students with ADHD should keep a close eye on their diets and prioritize healthy foods, as there’s a growing body of evidence that certain foods can affect people with ADHD. It’s advisable for everyone to:
- Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
- Prioritize a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Aim to get eight hours of sleep a night.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for cognitive function and focus, ensuring those with ADHD are rested and ready to study.
ADHD: How to study for success
If you’ve got ADHD, there are some tried and tested techniques you can use, as well as innovative new technologies to help you achieve your academic potential and enjoy the college experience.
Is mindfulness effective for people with ADHD?
Yes, mindfulness is effective for people with ADHD because techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises can help to reduce anxiety and improve concentration.
A meta-analysis by scientists Cairncross and Miller in 2020 found that mindfulness–based therapies can have clear benefits for those with ADHD.
How can assistive technologies help students with ADHD in class?
Assistive technologies, like Genio Notes, help students with ADHD in class by allowing them to record classes and re-listen to them as many times as they like, while labelling or highlighting any important bits to return to.
This means that students with ADHD can react and engage with class content in the moment, rather than trying to take notes and listen to the lecturer at the same time.
Where can I find more study strategies for ADHD?
You can find more study strategies and advice on how to study more effectively in our better learning blogs.
If you have ADHD, it’s essential to tell your Disability Support Services. Together, you can explore options and adaptations to ensure you achieve your potential.
