The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TCU chapter.
Having ADD/ADHD can make life challenging at times, but it is essential to be informed about strategies for managing life as a college student. As a college student with Attention Deficit Disorder, here are some personal tricks and tips for helping you thrive in college.
- Print out the syllabi for all your classes. Having a physical copy of when all your assignments are due is a brilliant way to visualize/plan out the weeks and months ahead!
- Take breaks, seriously! Relaxing your brain after studying and attending class is vital for keeping your brain sharp! Studying for prolonged periods could make you feel mentally exhausted (aka cognitive fatigue), so giving yourself a hiatus each day from the books is essential. Personally, some of my favorite ways to take breaks from studying in college are grabbing food with friends and watching television. Any Downton Abbey fans out there?
- Make sure to get enough sleep! I cannot stress this enough, but receiving a whole night’s rest can do wonders for your brain. Rest is as essential for your mind as it is for your body, so getting enough sleep is critical for your brain to function at a superior level.
- Your professors are there to help you. Ask for help or tutoring when you need it, and go meet with them during their office hours to review material from class.
- Cleaning your dorm room or apartment is a fantastic way to declutter your mind. If your living situation is well organized and prim, then your mentality will be the same way!
- Have a well-structured schedule. Organizing your time efficiently makes you more productive during the day and allows you to accomplish those tasks on your to-do list. Prioritizing your day based on a specific schedule reduces the panic of procrastination.
- Do not wait until the last minute to complete assignments or study for exams. Not only does completing homework and studying at the previous minute hurt your performance in your classes, but it also creates unnecessary stress. When we are stressed, our brains do not function as efficiently as they can. Instead, studying a little bit each day for your classes is a remarkable way of ensuring that the information is kept in your long-term memory.
- Know that you can accomplish anything. Small words of encouragement can make the most notable change in your attitude while stressed. Obtaining a positive mentality can make the most consequential impact on your school success and in your life.