ADHD University Success: 7 Smart Moves to Help Your Teen Thrive Away from Home – Part 1
It’s summer. The A-level slog is over, the fridge is mysteriously empty by lunchtime, and your teenager is blissfully horizontal by midday. All seems peaceful.
But if your young adult has ADHD and is off to university this autumn, there’s a conversation we need to have before they pack that toaster and three T-shirts.
Because university life isn’t just a new adventure. It’s a big leap in responsibility, structure, and self-management. And for young adults with ADHD, that leap can be both exhilarating and overwhelming.
Why ADHD students need more than just good intentions
Let’s get one thing clear. ADHD students are smart, capable and often bursting with creativity, curiosity, and drive. They’ve made it through school in a system that wasn’t always built for them, and that’s no small feat.
But now, they’re stepping into a new world. One where:
- Lectures stretch for hours with no one checking if they’ve taken it in
- Assignment deadlines stack up like Jenga blocks
- There’s no one nudging them to eat, sleep, or breathe when stress kicks in
- They have to manage their own prescriptions, money, meals, laundry, and (eventually) coursework
This shift is a lot for any 18-year-old. But for someone with ADHD, it can feel like jumping into the deep end before learning how to swim laps.
Recent UK data paints a concerning picture:
- Students with ADHD are 2.3 times more likely to drop out of university than their peers (Kumo Study)
- Only 12 percent of students feel their university handles mental health well (UK Commons Library)
- Thousands are stuck on long waiting lists for wellbeing or counselling support (BBC)
But there’s good news too. The right support, given early, can make a life-changing difference. And it starts before they even unpack.
7 smart moves to make now
1. Set up ADHD coaching before term starts
The best coaching helps students get to know how their brilliant brains work, and gives them tools to navigate life in a way that works for them. It’s empowering, strengths-based, and deeply personal.
But a word of caution. ADHD coaching isn’t regulated in the UK. That means anyone can call themselves an ADHD coach without proper training. And that can cause real harm, not just by being unhelpful, but by knocking confidence and making a young person reluctant to ask for help again.
Look for coaches with accreditation from trusted bodies like ICF or PAAC, and check out trusted directories like:
In my practice, I offer a free 30-minute discovery call for young adults and parents to explore whether coaching is a good fit. It’s informal, informative, and all about them.
Ask yourself:
What do you want for your young adult as they step into this new chapter? How do you want their future to look? And what are you prepared to invest to help make that happen?
2. Sort out the paperwork now, and talk about money
University admin is never anyone’s favourite pastime. But getting ahead of it can relieve huge pressure later. Help them:
- Register with a GP
- Transfer prescriptions
- Contact the disability support team
- Apply for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
And while you’re at it, have an honest chat about money. For many students, this will be the first time they’ve had to manage their own finances. They’ll be approached by banks offering overdrafts and credit cards, often with no real understanding of how they work.
For young adults with ADHD, the combination of impulsive behaviour, peer pressure, and the tap-and-forget nature of cards can lead to accidental overspending and even debt. It’s not about irresponsibility. It’s about brain wiring and the lack of real-world financial preparation.
In my ADHD coaching, I build financial awareness education into our work together. That means helping young adults understand budgeting, the psychology of spending, and how to make informed choices, without shame or overwhelm. It’s about confidence, not control.
3. Build confidence with daily life skills
Let’s not assume they can cook three meals, manage their budget and clean a bathroom without guidance. Not because they’re incapable, but because many haven’t needed to until now.
Help them practise:
- Simple meal plans and food shopping
- Using a calendar app to stay organised
- Doing their own laundry (colours and all)
- Setting routines that support sleep and energy
It’s not about perfection. It’s about confidence.
4. Prepare for a different kind of learning
University learning is less structured, more independent, and often requires long periods of sustained focus. That can be tricky for ADHD brains, especially in giant lecture theatres where note-taking is tough and distractions are everywhere.
Help them get ahead with strategies like:
- Recording lectures (with permission)
- Using speech-to-text apps or smart pens
- Colour-coded digital notes
- Scheduled study blocks with breaks
- Accountability buddies or ‘body doubling’ sessions
It’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter.
5. Create a weekly rhythm
Routines reduce stress. They don’t have to be rigid, but a loose weekly structure provides scaffolding for independence.
Try:
- Meal planning on Sundays
- Booking gym sessions or clubs in advance
- Keeping consistent sleep and wake times
- Protecting downtime to avoid burnout
6. Discuss emotional wellbeing
Leaving home is a big emotional shift. Rejection sensitivity, anxiety, and loneliness are common, especially for those with ADHD.
Talk through:
- Who they’ll talk to when things get tough
- How they’ll stay connected with friends and family
- What signs of overwhelm look like for them
You can’t protect them from every wobble. But you can help them spot it early and take action.
7. Be their supporter, not their manager
You’ve helped them this far. Now your role is to cheer from the sidelines, not run the show.
Celebrate progress. Be curious, not critical. Let them know it’s OK to struggle and it’s brave to ask for help. And remind them, they’re not alone.
Final thought
ADHD university success isn’t about being perfect. It’s about feeling prepared, confident and understood. Coaching, structure and self-awareness help young adults not just cope with university, but thrive.
The support you help them put in place now can shape how they see themselves and what they believe they’re capable of for years to come.
Read the full BBC article on student mental health for more insight on why early support matters.
Click here to book your discovery call with me today and let’s talk about how ADHD coaching can help your young adult build the future they deserve..
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