Starting university brings a lot of change all at once — new routines, more independence, less structure. For students who experience executive dysfunction, whether due to ADHD, autism, anxiety, or something else, this transition can be particularly challenging.
Managing your time, planning ahead, remembering appointments, or even starting a task in the first place can feel much harder than it looks on paper. That doesn’t mean you’re not capable — it means you might need systems that actually work for the way your brain processes things.
The good news? There are ways to prepare that can help reduce overwhelm before you even arrive.
1. Start Building Routines Early
You don’t need a perfect schedule — just something that adds predictability to your week. Even small habits now (like setting regular meal or sleep times or planning your mornings) can make the jump to university life feel less chaotic.
• Try adding reminders to your phone or calendar
• Use a weekly planner (digital or physical) to map out rough routines
• Practice waking up at the time you’ll need for uni — or at least close to it
2. Use Tools That Reduce the Mental Load
You don’t need to “just remember” everything. Offload the admin to tools that can prompt you when your memory or focus dips:
• Use Google Calendar or the Aspire app (set reoccurring events and alerts)
• List tasks whether digitally or on a more visual whiteboard in your room.
• Try time-blocking your week so tasks aren’t just “floating”
You might need to experiment to find what sticks. The right tools don’t fix everything — but they can remove some of the pressure.
3. Break Down the Big Stuff
Settling into uni can feel overwhelming – there’s a lot to figure out all at once. Breaking things down into small, doable steps can make a big difference.
For example:
• “Get to know campus” becomes → “Download map” → “Walk to the library” → “Find the nearest café”
• “Do a food shop” becomes → “Write a short shopping list” → “Pick a time to go” → “Buy three basic meals”
Each small step is progress. Whether it’s moving in, meeting new people, or learning how the laundry works – chunk it down, and take it at your own pace.
4. Set Up Your Space to Work for You
Your environment can make a huge difference. Think about what helps you feel calm and focused — whether that’s background noise, visual reminders, or a separate space for studying.
• Consider things like noise cancelling headphones, a visible timetable, or even putting your bin where you’ll actually use it
• Plan for where you’ll keep important documents (e.g., student ID, medical info, support plans) so they don’t get lost.
You don’t need to create a Pinterest-perfect setup — just one that feels manageable.
🎓 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to feel “ready” in every way before uni starts — most people don’t. But if executive functioning is something you struggle with, even a bit of preparation can take the pressure off and help you feel more in control when things get busy.
This isn’t about fixing how your brain works. It’s about creating a setup that gives you the best chance to succeed — on your terms.