Being in college with ADHD makes being a student a lot different and a lot more difficult than being a neurotypical student. Though procrastination is something that many students struggle with, having ADHD makes procrastination worse. Many times, it is not about avoiding doing something or not wanting to do it, but not knowing how to start on the task at hand.
Being a student with ADHD makes completing schoolwork more difficult because as much as one might try, they still might not be able to focus on those things. Their brain leads them down multiple trains of thought that distract them and lead them further away from completing a task. In many instances, having ADHD looks different than the stereotypical symptoms or the symptoms that are commonly known, like hyperactivity. It can look like someone being chatty, it can also look like someone having difficulty with relationships (platonic or romantic). Some more symptoms include both physical or emotional outbursts, anxiety, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness. All these symptoms make being a student that much harder when you have ADHD.
In a college setting, the methods once used to cope in high school might no longer work or accomplish the same things they used to. Another common symptom of ADHD that is often overlooked is difficulty with academic achievement. These symptoms affect the student’s ability to do what is necessary to reach academic requirements or goals. These symptoms inhibit the learning of the student and hinders their ability to complete schoolwork. These symptoms make it harder for the student to prioritize important tasks and events no matter how big or small. Good time management is necessary as a college student, however, having ADHD also affects the way these students perceive time. Generally speaking, students with ADHD tend to have a distorted perception of time. This can cause them to be late for everything, even if it is important. One hour can feel like five minutes and five minutes can feel like an hour.
Though medication and/or treatment is always an option, it is up to each individual person and how they would like to cope with their ADHD. Because ADHD looks so different from person to person, the skills and advice that work for some might not work for another who is dealing with the same thing. Overall, having ADHD affects being a college student in ways that people would not typically think of. Having ADHD might affect other areas of one’s life that can create a domino effect and affect other aspects of life, like school. Though it might be harder to do, it does not mean it is impossible. It might mean that a person must take more steps to do the same thing another could do in fewer steps, but it does not mean that it is impossible. Students with ADHD might work harder but there is always beauty to be found in adversity.Â