Starting university can feel like an exciting adulthood milestone: no more parents reminding you about homework or teachers constantly checking in on you; there's also no one telling you what you need to study and when. Sounds like a dream, right?
For many students, this freedom is exciting, but for someone with ADHD, this sudden loss of structure can become overwhelming very soon.
In order to succeed academically at university, you will need a few skills that people with ADHD tend to struggle with: planning, organizing, managing time, starting tasks, remembering deadlines, and of course: staying focused. This is why, so many times, students with ADHD (especially those with the predominantly inattentive type) tend to have a lower academic performance than their peers [1].
In fact, sometimes, university is actually where ADHD symptoms become much more noticeable. Even if you did relatively well at school, the loss of structure and supervision once you start university can suddenly make your symptoms more noticeable and challenging.
As you're expected to organize your own schedule, attend all your classes, and keep track of multiple deadlines at once, here are some of the difficulties that might be affecting your learning:
University is a big transition regardless of if you have ADHD or not. For many students, going to university means leaving family and friends behind, moving to a new city for a few years, figuring out public transport, making new friends, managing your own finances, etc.
On top of that, when you start university, you suddenly lose all the external structure: teachers and parents checking in on you, regular timetables, and frequent reminders to help you stay on track. At university, all of this responsibility now falls on you!
The good news is that a good support system can make a difference. Universities usually offer support groups, tutoring, and/or disability or accessibility services, as well as other forms of academic support [4].
The goal is to create a structure that compensates for the things your brain finds difficult to manage. Research suggests that students with ADHD can experience greater academic difficulties and may benefit from specific support and interventions during university (the earlier you start, the better!) [4].
Remember: University can be challenging for everyone, and even though having ADHD can add an extra layer of difficulty, that doesn't mean you're less capable of succeeding (lots of people with ADHD graduates and build a successful career every year!)
The key is finding the right strategies and support for you: whether that's creating more structure, using practical tools, accessing university accommodations, or seeking professional support.
Whether you're here to focus better, calm your mind, or just feel a little more in control, we’re here to support you. One game at a time.
