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ADHD College Survival Guide

The constant assignments, anonymous lecture halls and daily independence of college can prove challenging for students with ADHD. Use this guide to get organized, study smarter, and put in place the school accommodations you need to succeed.

HEAD OF THE CLASS
10 tips to help ADHD college students achieve academic, social and personal success at school and in life

PLUS: How Parents Can Help
Simple ways that parents can help their teens arrive at college organized, independent and excited

College Handbook

Secure Academic Accommodations

Talking with Teachers
How to discuss ADHD accommodations with your college professors

After the Expulsion
How to return to college after failing grades... and and ADHD diagnosis

Will This Be On the Test?
Sometimes securing academic accommodations means forsaking popularity with college professors

Get Organized

Organization Help for ADHD College Students
10 tips for managing classes, studies and work in college

Smart Gadgets: ADHD Gizmos That Work
7 high-tech gadgets that help people with ADHD get organized

33 Best Organization Tips
Organizing guru Judith Kolberg shares her 33 top strategies for an uncluttered life

Study Smarter

College Study Guide
Organization tips to help you choose where, when and how to study smarter

How to Cram for Tests
5 strategies to help ADHD students study for that big exam - tomorrow!

How to Ace Exams
7 simple study tricks to improve test scores

End-of-Semester Survival Techniques
How to avoid panic and meltdown as final exams near

Stay Healthy

The ADHD-Friendly Diet
An approach to weight-loss and exercise catered specifically toward ADDers

Tips for Better Sleep
Strategies for falling asleep faster and waking up without anguish

Foster Relationships

Make a Great First Impression
How to make friends and impress colleagues right off the bat

Making and Keeping Friends
Four simple steps for making new friends and keeping touch with old ones

Where Do Boyfriends Fit In?
As a college student with ADD, I sometimes find that dating requires more time and energy than I can spare

Find Work!

The Right Work for Adults with ADHD
The best job is the one that lets you work at what you do best and love most

Find Your Dream Job
How to choose a satisfying career challenge

Succeed at Work with ADHD
10 ways to get organized at work, focus on the job, and maximize your effectiveness at the office

ADHD College Toolkit

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ACADEMIC TIPS

During a study session, build in small rewards as incentives to keep going

Assemble study groups (with non-ADD classmates) for each class

Bring high-protein snacks to sustain energy in class

More academic tips...

SOCIAL TIPS

Draw boundaries by turning off your phone at 11 pm each night

Recognize that ADHD impulses put you at risk for alcohol abuse

Take advantage of college counseling services

More social tips...

ORGANIZATION TIPS

Get rid of anything you don't use at least once a week

Put your daily schedule in writing - from waking up to checking email

Block off 2 to 3 hours for study during your most productive part of the day

More organization tips...

ADHD College Blogs

Christine Brady

ADHD on Campus: How I Get Motivated

Battling Anxiety at College

Learning to Achieve Independence

More ADHD College Resources

DISCUSSION FORUMS
Lost in College
"I couldn't seem to focus under stress, or study no matter how hard I tried..."

Just Not Trying Hard Enough?
"I'm just not sure where to draw the line at what is my ADHD, and what's just me being lazy, unmotivated and irresponsible..."

Scared About Heading to College
"I just don't know if i can do this: Get my GED go to college..."

More ADD Forums

EXPERT ANSWERS
Staying on Task
"I'm having trouble studying and getting to class on time..." (Read the answer...)

Late Assignments
"My grades suffer because I hand in my assignments late..." (Read the answer...)