College success tips for neurodiverse freshmen
Congrats—you’re officially going to college. Heading off to university is nerve-wracking for everyone. But if you’re a student with a learning disability or part of the neurodiverse community, this whole “college thing” can be especially intimidating.
No more IEP meetings. Supportive parents could be far away. No one’s making sure you get what you need—unless you ask for it.
Here’s the good news: You will absolutely thrive in college. You just need the right playbook. So I want to share what that can look like,
🧠 Step 1: Embrace the ADA
Let’s start with the basics: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), colleges are required to provide reasonable accommodations. Translation? You’re legally entitled to the tools and adjustments that help you do your best work.
These might include:
Extra time on exams and assignments
A reduced-distraction testing environment
Priority course registration
Notetakers or access to lecture recordings
Flexibility with attendance for disability-related reasons
Remember: These are not “cheats” or “special favors.” They're ramps in an academic world built for stairs.
📂 Step 2: Register with disability services
Even if you’re not sure you’ll need accommodations, get them in place anyway.
Here’s how to do it:
Find your school’s Office of Disability Services (ODS) website.
Fill out their intake form and submit your documentation—this might include:
A recent psychoeducational evaluation
A doctor’s letter
Your high school IEP or 504 Plan (this alone won’t carry over, but it helps build the case)
Schedule an intake meeting with a coordinator.
Be honest about your needs. This is your time to shine a light on how you learn best.
Some schools will offer temporary or provisional accommodations while you’re updating your paperwork. Use them.
🏢 Step 3: Scope out your support
College is filled with people whose actual job is to help you thrive. Get to know:
Your academic advisor – to help with class schedules and academic planning.
The writing or tutoring center – for help breaking down assignments or decoding a syllabus.
The counseling center – it’s free!
Professors – attend office hours early and often. The 15-minute chats can lead to life-changing connections.
Any neurodivergent student organizations – a built-in support crew that gets it.
Remember: Look out for peer mentorship programs or academic coaching tailored to neurodivergent students. These often fly under the radar but offer major support.
📅 Step 4: Time-block for better organization
If executive functioning is your nemesis, college’s “you’re on your own now” schedule can be chaos. Use: time-blocking.
Use a digital calendar (Google Cal, Notion, etc.) to map out:
Class times
Study sessions
Breaks
Meals
Chill time and hobbies
🖥 Step 5: Use technology that works for you
Your phone and laptop aren’t just for Spotify and memes—they’re your assistive tech toolkit. Some faves:
Ginger or Grammarly – for real-time writing help
Speech-to-text tools – like Otter.ai or built-in dictation
Web Captioner – for real-time captions during lectures
Mind mapping tools – like XMind or Miro to organize info visually
Dyslexia Toolbox – changes fonts and filters distractions
👥 Step 6: Build social systems that energize you
If you’re not a fan of noisy mixers or open-ended “get to know you” nights, that’s ok. Instead:
Seek structured social events (clubs, interest groups, game nights, workshops)
Use digital platforms (Discord, GroupMe, or college apps) to connect from your comfort zone
Set boundaries. “I’m not feeling up to it tonight” is a fair statement.
Remember: Find quiet zones on campus. Every school has them—study lounges, meditation rooms, art galleries. Make them your sanctuary.
🛋 Step 7: Set up a recharge station
Designate a space in your dorm or apartment that’s 100% yours. Stock it with:
Noise-canceling headphones
Fidget tools
Cozy lighting
Weighted blanket (if that’s something that’s helpful for you)
🎓 Final thoughts: College shouldn’t be a solo mission
The biggest myth about college? That you’re supposed to do it all on your own. No way.
Being neurodivergent means you probably do things differently—but “different” isn’t less. It often means you’re more creative, more strategic and more resilient.
So take the time to build your systems, find your people and advocate like the future genius you are.
Looking for help with any part of the college admissions journey? Reach out to Inclusive Admissions.