Tricks to making through higher education

Howdy,
Here are some tricks I have picked up while going to a major mid western university in the U.S.

Register with your schools office of disability services. All that is usually required is a letter from your doctor stating what your condition is, and how it affects your daily life. Also a list of medications is helpful as some will may cause you to be drowsy and some teachers may take it as your sleeping in class when your having a reaction from your meds. Using your schools office is confidential. And it allows you certain privileges like taking your exams in a separate office or extended time. The counselors you will work with are usually social workers so they know what to look for and understand confidentiality.

Get a planner and put all assignments in it and when they are due.

keep in touch with your teachers when you have drs appointments. All you need to say is "I will not be in class today due to a drs appointment". Get a letter from your dr, take it to your ODS counselor, and they will notify your teacher you were at the drs and won't know what kind of dr it was.

If you have an iphone, Blackberry, or Android, put class time,location and drs appointments into the calenders. They usually have a reminder option which is helpful.

Also communicate with your professor if your having a bad day and need a break due to your disability..

Good luck

Thank you for posting this. I will be attending college for the first time next year, and am nervous about how my mental illness will affect my success. Being on disability, I will definitely make sure to take advantage of the disability services they provide!

Definitely see DSS. They are sooo helpful!

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A point about disability offices and how helpful they can be.

I'm registered in both the Learning Disabilities office and the Mental Disabilities office. When I went through some major breakdowns they helped me get through my exams and projects. I ended up having to move one exam, and get an extension on an essay last minute. Also, I wright my exams on the computer because of my LD. They're also helping me petition a grade for a class that suffered because of my BP2 and LD.

Even if you don't think you're going to use them, register anyway incase you have to.

Also I find my department has a lot of seminars and stuff for help on note taking, concentration, time management and a whole bunch of other things.

And another side note, I'm aloud to take a reduced course load and still be considered a full time student. This is really helpful because I know I would die if I was taking the full 30 credits.

Please note: I'm in Canada, and I have no clue how different it is from the system in the States.

Great tips! Definitely agree with them. And I will add that if you are comfortable and they exist, seek out peer groups. My university (that offers mainly distance education) has a number of facebook groups for different courses, subjects and even different barriers to education eg. parents, mental illness, workers). They have been extremely helpful when I'm struggling.

I didn't know colleges had DSS and when my (now ex-boyfriend) suggested I sign up for it; I was stubborn and insisted I don't need it (I get really stubborn)
I look now and saw all the classes I dropped and didn't do so hot in when I was going through episodes (bipolar), I really regret not doing it....
I was also recently prescribed concerta for inattentiveness.... so I just need to stop forgetting/procrastinating and just sign up.

Very good advice

I am struggling terribly. Even with extensions I am at the deadlines. Too many priorities and too much happening at home. I am at my wits end. I loved University but I absolutely loathe it now. Plus, my vision is causing me to be ill. I am fighting the depression. How does one get through the mire and think? Actually work?

Buy the solution manuals and teacher editions online. Lifesaver!!

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Good tips!

Here are a few of my own:

The student disability office at my university runs all kinds of free workshops that teach study, stress management and life skills. If your school offers such workshops, sign up.

There are often upper level students taking first year courses. Befriend a few. Their guidance and friendship is invaluable in navigating the first year experience.

Be realistic with your abilities and situation. I had to drop a class because I felt very overwhelmed.

If you have a problem with a class reach out. Don't wait, until the last minute. Most professors and TAs want to help and see you succeed.

my school was in the East Coast, in what is probably the most densely populated area for mental health professionals, but it required a comprehensive neuropsychological evalution (mine was 9-4 or something, and exausting). It cost $1600.

I don't really need tutors, but I should have used tutors, because they help hold you accountable in your work. It's easier to not study or do a paper if I don't hav to meet a pretty girl to show my progress to. It also helps to see a therapist to check in each week, or at least every other week once you feel you have a system that works well for you. Also, don't do all-nighters, and finish papers early, so you can proofread them with a fresh, awake eye.