Starting university is one of the most exciting times in any young person's life, and a period of personal and academic growth. It's a time of greater independence – both living away from home for the first time and all that entails – and academically. There's likely less 'life organisation' from teachers and parents, which a lot of students will welcome.
However, for some students, not having that same level of structure as at home and being part of the more self-directed study at university can sometimes present challenges. This may be especially true for students with neurodiversities, such as those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For some individuals, symptoms of ADHD that may not have been obvious in secondary school may start to present more of a problem at university, making adjusting to university life trickier.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition that affects people's behaviour, with common symptoms including a shorter attention span, impulsivity and hyperactivity or restlessness. In adulthood, people with ADHD can struggle with organisation and staying on top of many different tasks. At university, this could mean becoming more easily overwhelmed with reading and assignments, struggling to prioritise, and procrastinating so much you fall behind or feel very stressed. And with lots to keep track of when first starting university, it can all feel a bit much for some students.
It is estimated there are 1.9 million adults in the UK with ADHD. I have spent over ten years researching ADHD and how it is diagnosed and develops over someone's life course, with many people (especially women) not receiving a diagnosis until they're well beyond childhood. A big question that guides my work is who the people are who have this late diagnosed ADHD.
How to manage it
Here are my top tips for making the transition to university as smooth as possible for students with ADHD, or for those who suspect they may have it:
1: Find what works best for you
