ADHD and university studies – how to prepare for exams and the exam period at PUZG?
Studying can be a huge challenge for you, especially when you struggle with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. As a student with ADHD, you know very well that you put in much more effort than others to prepare for exams during the exam period. Learn practical tips to help you cope better with your studies.
ADHD in students – how do the symptoms affect your functioning at university?
You probably already know that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is associated with your brain functioning differently. It accompanies you throughout your life and does not disappear when you reach adulthood, which is why it also affects you during your studies. Although there is no cure for this condition, you can effectively alleviate the symptoms of ADHD that make learning difficult for you. Consider psychotherapy—you will get the best results with cognitive-behavioral therapy, as a specialist will help you develop useful habits. Sometimes, problems with hyperactivity and concentration are so severe that the therapist will refer you to a psychiatrist. The doctor may prescribe medications containing methylphenidate or guanfacine, which will make your daily difficulties less burdensome. Properly selected medications will make it easier for you to lead an academic life.
ADHD has a strong genetic basis and is associated with disturbances in dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmission. These substances are responsible for your concentration, impulse control, emotional regulation, working memory, and motivation.
Problems with attention regulation in ADHD
With dopamine deficiency, you find it difficult to manage your attention, although it is still possible to focus on a task. As a student with ADHD, you sometimes fall into hyperfocus, which causes you to immerse yourself intensely in the activity you are doing. This state, which is similar to flow, can help you study or write a term paper. However, when you come out of it, it leads to nervous system overload and sudden exhaustion.
Difficulties with planning and organization – a symptom of ADHD
During your studies, you face numerous challenges because ADHD causes you to have problems with planning and organization. Both activities require efficient working memory and good executive functions, and with impaired neurotransmission, you have a significant deficit in this area.
When the end of the semester approaches, you feel overwhelmed by the huge amount of material you need to master in order to pass your exams during the exam period. No wonder you sometimes experience analysis paralysis, which prevents you from deciding where to start studying.
Psychomotor hyperactivity and learning difficulties in ADHD
As if that weren't enough, you can't always sit through lectures and focus on what the lecturer is saying. When you can't satisfy your need for movement, you feel a growing tension that gives rise to difficult emotions, including anxiety. Your brain would rather worry than allow itself to remain in a state of boredom.
Chaotic notes that make studying difficult
Your notes are not always suitable for preparing for exams and tests. This is because you take them in a chaotic manner – you are unable to separate the important things from the less important ones. It is also possible that you are struggling with dysgraphia, which is strongly linked to ADHD. As a result, your handwriting is illegible and difficult to decipher, even for you. All of this makes it difficult for you to study systematically.
Impulsivity and lack of motivation in students with ADHD
You also have problems with impulse control and motivation. When you receive a birthday invitation, the desire to have fun wins out over your previously planned studies. Added to this is time blindness, which gives you the false impression that you have plenty of time. You are unable to estimate how long it will actually take you to write your final paper, prepare a lab report on mechatronics, etc. When it comes to motivation, you achieve it in three situations:
- completing the task gives you an immediate reward,
- the activity fits in with your hobbies and interests,
- the activity evokes strong emotions – for example, you know that by deciding to do it, you will help someone.
Mistakes made on exams as a consequence of ADHD
Exams reveal additional cognitive burdens that you struggle with on a daily basis. During them, you tend to skim through the instructions, which increases the number of mistakes and lowers your grade. Due to the stress you feel, you act carelessly and give answers on impulse. In college, there are no frequent tests, which you were used to as a high school student, so systematic learning becomes particularly difficult for you.
Practical learning methods for students with ADHD – what really works before a mechatronics exam at PUZG?
Start preparing for the mechatronics exam at PUZG in advance and tailor your preparation to your individual needs. Remember that by procrastinating and leaving your studying to the last minute, you increase your stress levels, which impairs your memory. ADHD often means that deadlines motivate you, but procrastination costs you a lot of energy and resources. Studies have shown that time pressure impairs cognitive functions, including memory. Try to break the material down into smaller parts and find your own rhythm of work.
Systematic learning
Consistency is key, as it allows you to organize your daily efforts and reduce cognitive chaos. Before each lecture, take a moment to review the content that was covered in the previous class. You can simply read it carefully—this will help you consolidate your knowledge and work on your ability to maintain your attention..
When you plan your studying in advance, you reduce mental stress, which makes it easier for you to manage your emotions. In addition, a clear schedule boosts your motivation to act – you don't have to think about where to start, you just do it. As you can see, simple strategies can go a long way when you're preparing for exams at university.
Reducing distractions
Make sure you have a suitable space to study, as your concentration depends on it. Silence limits the stimuli that reach your brain, and when you put your phone out of reach, you will stop reaching for it impulsively. Set a specific time and duration that you intend to devote to studying, and stick to it consistently.
Working in time blocks will help you stay on top of your tasks. You can listen to music in the background—silence isn't the best solution for everyone with ADHD. Some people need stimulation while learning. Choose songs that suit your individual profile—it can be anything from classical music to symphonic metal.
Dividing learning material into smaller sections
Divide large chunks of material into smaller parts – when you complete the stage planned for a given day, you will feel a rush of dopamine and your frustration will decrease. If you don't understand something, act immediately – don't wait until the backlog piles up, making it difficult to study and submit your assignments on time. Talk to your instructor about anything that is not clear to you. Every lecturer also declares their availability to students by setting consultation hours in their office. Take advantage of these facilities – after all, they were created with you and your colleagues in mind.
Acronyms, associations, and colorful highlighters
Write down the most important information in keywords and leave some space to fill in the gaps later. Use colors and associations, as these strengthen working memory in ADHD – remember that your way of thinking is characterized by neurodivergence (branched thinking). For example, when your friend mentions that she needs ointment for her knee, you remember that you need to renew your prescription at the doctor's office.
Use this resource – acronyms and sayings help your brain remember knowledge. To help you understand what this is all about, I will use two examples. You probably know the rhyme: "Remember, young chemist – pour acid into water." You may also have read that your goals should be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound). If you embed information in a context that you are familiar with or find amusing, it will become more accessible to you more quickly.
How to study with ADHD? FAQ
Should people with ADHD go to college?
Yes, ADHD does not ruin your plans and ambitions – you can develop academically and achieve great success in your studies. All you need to do is choose a field of study that matches your interests. To do this, take a look at your needs, hobbies, and strengths.
Does ADHD make learning difficult?
ADHD can make it difficult for you to concentrate, especially when your studies are based on a traditional teaching model. However, this does not mean that you lack ability, intelligence, or talent. The difficulties you face are more likely to be due to the way information is presented than to your cognitive abilities.
Do people with ADHD graduate from college?
Yes, many people with ADHD graduate from college and achieve professional success, as evidenced by examples of famous people. Dr. Jarosław Jóźwiak, MD, PhD, is a psychiatrist by training who himself struggles with this neurodevelopmental disorder. Despite his ADHD, he has written informative guides on the condition that help others better understand themselves.
How to study effectively with ADHD?
If you want to study effectively, seek professional support, flexible coping strategies, and self-awareness. You can also sign up for psychotherapy—during sessions, you will learn to regulate your attention and emotions. Medications containing methylphenidate have produced very good results in many patients—their use is determined by a doctor.
Bibliography
Jóźwiak, J., 2025, 107 myths about ADHD, or how to deal with ignorance, Wydawnictwo Wiedza Współczesna, Warsaw.
Jóźwiak, J., Tarnowska-Ciosek, I., 2024, You Don't Grow Out of It: A Compendium of ADHD, Groomedia sp. z o.o., Warsaw.
Levrini, A., 2025, ADHD in adult life: how to plan, achieve your goals, and regain peace of mind, trans. A. Haduła, ed. K. Foryciarz, Jagiellonian University Press, Krakow.
