As a college student with ADHD, keeping track of assignments and due dates can feel like an impossible task. Many students find themselves in a cycle of procrastination and stress, waiting until the last minute to complete assignments and feeling overwhelmed in the process. But there are strategies you can use to break this cycle and stay on top of your assignments.

The Power of Writing Things Down

Research has shown that writing things down can help you remember them better. Handwriting in a notebook, for example, triggers more robust brain activity and is associated with stronger neural encoding and memory retrieval. People who vividly describe or picture their goals are also more likely to successfully accomplish them than those who don't.

Strategies for Setting Up a Study Schedule

Here are some strategies you can use to set up a study schedule and reduce feelings of overwhelm:

1. Add all dated assignments to your calendar at the beginning of the semester. Whether you prefer paper or digital, use the system that you are most likely to pay attention to. Digital calendars allow for reminders to be automated, but if you get lost in a digital app, find something simple that integrates with your workflow.
3. As assignments are given, make a list of the steps that need to be taken to complete the assignment. Then, working backward, add those steps to your calendar as tasks on the dates that you plan on working on them.

4. Create a physical list of your assignments and post it somewhere visible. Every time you finish an assignment, cross it off the list. This visual representation of your progress can be motivating and help you stay focused.

Taking the First Step

If you're feeling overwhelmed by your assignments, the first step is to gather your course outlines and put all your due dates in your digital or paper planner. From there, you can start breaking down your assignments into manageable tasks and scheduling them accordingly.

By taking control of your study schedule and breaking down your assignments into manageable tasks, you can reduce feelings of overwhelm and stay on top of your coursework. Remember, the key is to find a system that works for you and stick with it.

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