Don’t Wait Until Move-In Day: A Spring and Summer College Transition Guide for Students with ADHD

If you’re starting college in the fall, you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation — and maybe a little anxiety too. For students with ADHD, the transition from the structure of high school to the independence of college can feel like a big leap. The good news is that you don’t have to wait until move-in day to start preparing. The spring and summer before college are actually a valuable window of time.  By taking a few intentional steps now, you can start the fall semester feeling more prepared, more confident, and less overwhelmed.

Some Differences Between College and High School

One of the first things many students notice is just how different college feels from high school. Classes are often larger, professors don’t track whether you’re keeping up, and the expectation is that you’ll manage your time, complete your work, and seek help when you need it—independently. And in your dorm, you’re likely managing additional personal responsibilities as well.  Understandably, this shift can feel particularly overwhelming.

Common Challenges You Might Face

It’s common for incoming college students—with or without ADHD—to find the college transition to be overwhelming.  Academically, the workload increases significantly from high school.  Socially and emotionally, adjusting to a new environment takes time.  If you add in the demands of balancing your workload with chores, socializing, and personal well-being, it’s easy to see why the first semester can feel like a lot.  Acknowledging these challenges ahead of time, and making a plan to tackle them, can make a big difference. 

Four Things You Can Do This Spring and Summer to Prepare for College

1. Practice Independent Living Skills

Daily life skills play a bigger role in college success than many students expect. This spring and summer are a great time to practice the routines you’ll rely on once you’re living more independently—waking up with an alarm, doing your own laundry, scheduling appointments, answering emails, handling a basic budget, and managing your medications (if applicable). These may seem like small things, but building confidence in these areas now can make a noticeable difference in the fall.

2. Strengthen Your Time Management and Organizational Skills

For students with ADHD, time management and organization are two of the most important skills to start building before college begins. This spring and summer, experiment with planning systems to keep track of appointments and due dates—such as a planner, calendar, or written to-do list. Use reminder systems and mobile apps to stay on top of tasks, and analog clocks and timers to make time more visible throughout your day. The goal is to start practicing and discover what works best for your brain before the demands of the semester kick in.

3. Understand and Apply for Accommodations

When it comes to accommodations, it’s important to understand the difference between high school and college. In high school, the school system is responsible for identifying students with a disability (including ADHD) and for providing accommodations or services. In college, that responsibility moves to you — it’s up to you to disclose your ADHD or coexisting conditions and ask for help.

If you plan to request accommodations for the fall semester, reach out to your college’s Disability Services office this spring or summer (ideally with the support of a parent or mentor) to find out what documentation is required. Typical documentation includes a recent psychoeducational evaluation that identifies your ADHD and any coexisting conditions.  Shortly after that, Disability Services will schedule a meeting with you to discuss your eligibility for appropriate accommodations. Common accommodations include extended time on tests or projects, recording lectures, note-taking support, and priority registration. Don’t be reluctant to do this.  You are now your own best advocate.

4. Build Your Support Team — Both In and Out of College

Most colleges offer a range of resources that can support student learning, as well as physical and mental health. These resources include disability services, counseling, student health services, tutoring centers, peer mentoring, and study groups. The key is to familiarize yourself with these resources before you need them—not in the middle of a stressful semester—so you know exactly where to turn. 

This spring and summer are also a great time to put outside supports in place—such as an ADHD Coach, therapist, or mentor—so you’re not starting from scratch when the semester begins.

A Simple Challenge to Start This Spring and Summer

You don’t have to tackle everything at once — and if you have ADHD or executive functioning challenges, starting small is often the most effective approach. Ask yourself which area feels most urgent and what steps you could take this spring or summer.

Pick one area, take one small step, and build from there. If you would like support navigating this transition, we are here to help — together we can build a plan before the fall semester begins.

Looking for more support with ADHD, and getting a good start for college? Consider booking the services of myself or any of the other Center for Living Well with ADHD coaches as a partner in helping with this important transition. The initial get-acquainted session is free and is a great opportunity to get your concerns addressed.