How to make it easier to focus on your work, from a current student
“I just can’t focus today!” is something I have heard from all of my friends at one point or another throughout my university career. For someone with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is difficult to focus every day. When I began my post-secondary education, I was thrown for a loop when I was diagnosed with ADHD in first year. Last-minute assignments just weren’t cutting it anymore, and I needed help.
With the goal of helping others who struggle to stay focused at school, here are a few of the studying tips and tricks I’ve learned over the last four years at U of G.
Site blocking apps
In university, Internet access can be necessary for research and to access course materials, but trying to avoid the temptations social media, online shopping, and streaming sites like Netflix can be a big struggle! Apps that prevent you from accessing certain sites while allowing you to continue using the Internet are extremely useful in this area. My go-to is the SelfControl app, where you choose the time you want to block your favourite sites for. But beware, there is no way to turn it off until the timer runs out. Other apps, such as FocusMe, allow you to set up break periods within the timer.
Put your phone in your bag
The temptation lessens when you can’t see the device. Texts, calls, and other notifications are not as important as your school work, and answering one always leads to scrolling through more!
Get to know your medication
If you have a prescription for your ADHD, talk to your doctor about any issues you have with it. Taking the right medication at the right dose and time is crucial for it to work. Read the information and recommendations sheet that comes with the pills, and don’t forget to refill on time — lest you find out you have no refills left and midterms are next week!
The quiet floor in the library is your friend
Minimizing distractions is key to staying on task. Not being able to chat with your friends may suck, but a quiet study floor with minimal noise helps you to maintain a clear head. Visual and auditory stimuli, such as movement and chatter, can be very distracting to a student with inattentive type ADHD.
Write down every assignment
Physically marking down due dates is a great way to prevent missing a deadline. Wall calendars, agendas, or calendar apps on your phone are good for keeping a schedule. My favourite strategy is a semester assignment sheet to keep every assignment organized, like the one found here.
Plan study time in advance
Avoid cramming right before a test, or starting a complex assignment the day it’s due. This method has always left me blanking on information that I know I read the night before. Try out a handful of new study methods to figure out what works best for you, like practice questions, old tests, Quizlets, and reading notes to yourself out loud.
Register with Student Accessibility Services
Accommodations can be arranged for students with learning and attentional disabilities or mental health disorders. After providing official documentation, students can reach an arrangement with the university’s Accessibility Services to find the most suitable accommodations, including in- and out-of-class assistance.
Get regular exercise
Physical activity has many benefits for someone with ADHD. Tiring your body out increases sleep quality, helping you wake up refreshed for the next day. Getting your blood flowing has natural anti-depressant effects with endorphins that also help you deal with stress. For those with hyperactive ADHD, exercise can help control restless energy and the need to move around while studying.
While these tricks work well for me, they may not be for everyone! The most important part of being successful in university with ADHD is sticking to your plan – which is 100 per cent up to you.