College students have a lot on their plate and finding time to study for upcoming classes and exams can be a difficult task. Due to this, the majority of students end up cramming for a big test the night before in hopes that they will be able to retain all the knowledge needed the next day. In theory, cramming seems like the best route for studying. It consumes only a small amount of time and the information should be fresh in your mind. Although it sounds like it could work, cramming is proven to be one of the least effective study methods for students and even less effective for students with ADHD.
For students with ADHD, it is important not to study more but to study differently. Setting yourself up for success using tools you can learn from and retain knowledge with is vital. Students with ADHD struggle with recurring problems, get distracted easily and become overstimulated. Luckily, you can make a few simple changes to your study routine to meet your study goals. Preventing distractions is crucial when it comes to studying. Setting your study space up in a small, private, quiet, and comfortable area will be beneficial in more ways than one. You will not be distracted by the noise of others and you will not have so many different things happening around you that grab your attention. If you can not avoid a public space, try investing in noise-canceling headphones to drown out the commotion.
ADHD can make it hard to focus, but it also allows a person to become overstimulated and burn out quicker while studying. Working in small increments of time to study prevents overstimulation and burnout. Set a timer for 20 minutes, study, and then give yourself a 10-minute break before you start studying again. During your break, you can do a mindfulness activity, go on a walk, or have a healthy snack to energize and get ready to study again. It may also be helpful to keep sensory toys and fidgets nearby so that you can keep yourself calm and occupied while studying. If you are studying at home, try using a weighted blanket or pillow for support to keep your body calm and focused.
Lastly, using visual aids instead of old-fashioned reading and note-taking can be the change you need to retain information and study like a pro. Looking at many words in books and trying to find what key terms are essential to know can burn you out before you even get started. Try using flashcards with colors and pictures to remember definitions and critical topics. If you are studying a specific lesson or topic, find educational videos online that you can watch and take notes from, this may be easier to follow along with than reading from a textbook.
Next time you are prepping for a big exam, make these study changes and watch your grades and memory improve. Still not sure how to create a study plan that works for you? Connect with a provider at RIVIA Mind to get professional support that will keep you on track this semester.
