Ready, Set, College – Leave for College Prepared with a Plan for Success!

One of the biggest steps that a young person can take is the transition from high school to college.  It is one filled with awe, anxiety, and excitement for both the student and the parent.  However, these feelings can be further magnified if this transition involves a diagnosis of ADHD for the student.

Below are some helpful tips for parents and students to help ease the transition and support a healthy college experience.

Tips for Time Management/ Planning and Prioritizing

• Create a weekly schedule of assignments, classes, tests, etc. Parents and students can practice immediately with this schedule at home before college by including household duties and more.
  • Use technology to the fullest to customize reminders etc. using iPhones etc.

Advocating for Yourself

• Schedule time to tour the campus before the semester begins.
• It is not the responsibility of colleges to provide services. Therefore, students and parents should reach out on their own to support groups and organizations on campus.  Leverage the college’s office of disability services and meet with faculty advisors to arrange for special accommodations or available assistance.
• Communication is essential. Make teachers and professors aware of your student’s diagnosis.  If possible, meet with your professors one on one. Take advantage of free services such as writing assistance labs in reviewing college papers and study groups.

Self-monitoring

• Discuss necessary chores with your child such as laundry and housework. This is probably the first time your child will be sharing space with someone other than a family member for an extended period.
• Take advantage of available resources on campus such as yoga or meditation. Both have been documented to have a positive effect on individuals diagnosed with ADHD. Also, this is an opportunity to meet fellow students in a different space outside of the classroom.
• Sit down and go over budgeting. Along with the schedule as mentioned above, prepare a budget and determine how much your child will be allotted each month.  Help your child decide how much money will be spent on necessities such as food, books, etc.  Then determine how much will be available for discretionary expenses, such as entertainment.

The foundation for all of the above is communication.  You will not be there daily as before to provide guidance and support and ask how her day went.  Therefore, again use technology such as facetime, skype, etc. to keep an open line of communication.  This will be your primary mode to support your child and support their needs.

For more information and to help your child prepare for college, sign up for the webinar, Ready, Set, College! on August 9.  The registration fee is $15.