Help! Failing uni because of potential adhd

I have never been able to concentrate on a single task for a long time, constantly fidgeting and pacing around my room for hours on end not being able to start studying or complete an assignment. I've struggled with this in high school as well but always attributed it to a poor study regiment.

Recently one of my roommates sat me down and told me that he is concerned and thinks I may have some form of adhd. He's known me for a few years so I believe what he has to say.

I am getting evaluated this week at a clinic, if I end up getting diagnosed do I inform my university? Will this somehow affect my academic career?

Any advice is appreciated!

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by PuzzleHeadedBee

Yes, you inform your university. They can work with you to establish what they can do to help.

When it comes to exams and other assessments, they might be able to offer you extra time, for example, or breaks.

During the time you're studying / revising, it's less clear how they'd be able to help - but you should absolutely tell them. Doing so can only be of benefit to you.

Reply 2

CardiffUni Rep 2

Official Rep

Original post by PuzzleHeadedBee

I have never been able to concentrate on a single task for a long time, constantly fidgeting and pacing around my room for hours on end not being able to start studying or complete an assignment. I've struggled with this in high school as well but always attributed it to a poor study regiment.
Recently one of my roommates sat me down and told me that he is concerned and thinks I may have some form of adhd. He's known me for a few years so I believe what he has to say.
I am getting evaluated this week at a clinic, if I end up getting diagnosed do I inform my university? Will this somehow affect my academic career?
Any advice is appreciated!

I agree with DataVenia and add that, if you get a diagnosis, definitely consider applying for DSA (Disability Student Allowance)! There are some things that DSA can support you with in terms of practical stuff to support your learning. If you get assessed, it is also possible to get support such as a mental health mentor.

~ Fatiha, Cardiff University Student Rep

Reply 3

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post by PuzzleHeadedBee

I have never been able to concentrate on a single task for a long time, constantly fidgeting and pacing around my room for hours on end not being able to start studying or complete an assignment. I've struggled with this in high school as well but always attributed it to a poor study regiment.
Recently one of my roommates sat me down and told me that he is concerned and thinks I may have some form of adhd. He's known me for a few years so I believe what he has to say.
I am getting evaluated this week at a clinic, if I end up getting diagnosed do I inform my university? Will this somehow affect my academic career?
Any advice is appreciated!

Hi there,

Try not to worry about this! It will be good to get diagnosed as then at least you know whether you do have ADHD or not. Lots of people do so your uni will be used to this and will be able to help you!

I agree with what has been said here - make sure you tell them as you may be entitled to extra time in exams or coursework extensions. You may also be entitled to a bursary of some kind, depending on your uni so have a look into this and tell them.

They may also be able to tell your tutors in case they can help you in any way and if you need extra help or support they will be there to do this for you.

I hope some of this helps!

Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂

Reply 4

YSJstudents

Official Rep

Original post by PuzzleHeadedBee

I have never been able to concentrate on a single task for a long time, constantly fidgeting and pacing around my room for hours on end not being able to start studying or complete an assignment. I've struggled with this in high school as well but always attributed it to a poor study regiment.
Recently one of my roommates sat me down and told me that he is concerned and thinks I may have some form of adhd. He's known me for a few years so I believe what he has to say.
I am getting evaluated this week at a clinic, if I end up getting diagnosed do I inform my university? Will this somehow affect my academic career?
Any advice is appreciated!

Hi!

Definitely inform your university as they will be able to offer you extra support if you would like it (e.g. deadline extensions or taking exams in a separate room). You may even want to inform them that you are getting an evaluation, this may help put a plan into action quicker. To do so contact your university's disability team or ask the admin team who to speak to.

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂

Reply 5

LittleFire10

Original post by CardiffUni Rep 2

Hiya, one of my friends told me that you can only get a DSA if you are also getting normal student finance ( tuition fees and maintenance loan). Do you know if this is true?

Reply 6

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

Original post by PuzzleHeadedBee

I have never been able to concentrate on a single task for a long time, constantly fidgeting and pacing around my room for hours on end not being able to start studying or complete an assignment. I've struggled with this in high school as well but always attributed it to a poor study regiment.
Recently one of my roommates sat me down and told me that he is concerned and thinks I may have some form of adhd. He's known me for a few years so I believe what he has to say.
I am getting evaluated this week at a clinic, if I end up getting diagnosed do I inform my university? Will this somehow affect my academic career?
Any advice is appreciated!

Here’s a thoughtful and supportive reply tailored to your role:
Hi! 😊 It’s really commendable that you’re taking steps to understand your challenges and seeking an evaluation—it’s a big step toward finding the right support for yourself. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, informing your university can be very beneficial. Most universities, including Coventry University, have dedicated support services for students with diagnosed conditions.
At Coventry, for example, the disability and learning support team can help with adjustments like extra time for assignments, exam accommodations, or access to a mentor or study coach. Disclosing your diagnosis won’t negatively impact your academic career—it’s all about ensuring you have the right tools to succeed.
If you’d like more information on the support available, feel free to ask or contact your university's student services team directly. Wishing you the best with your evaluation this week! 😊

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Reply 7

Admit-One

Universities Forum Helper

Original post by Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Here’s a thoughtful and supportive reply tailored to your role:

Did you copy and paste this from elsewhere?

Reply 8

Anonymous #1

Original post by LittleFire10

Hiya, one of my friends told me that you can only get a DSA if you are also getting normal student finance ( tuition fees and maintenance loan). Do you know if this is true?

I’m pretty sure it is true, but in your case DSA would probably only be a bit of software which you could auto finance if you felt it would help.
What you would be entitled to without a DSA is help from the university in the form of study support and special exam conditions.
Just be aware that the treatment of ADHD is not an exact science as yet. Some people find the medication helps from day one whereas others find it makes the symptoms worse and they are unable to sleep or concentrate at all and suffer irritability. It can take severely months to get the dose right so don’t expect a miracle straight away.

Reply 9

UCLan Student

Official Rep

Original post by PuzzleHeadedBee

I have never been able to concentrate on a single task for a long time, constantly fidgeting and pacing around my room for hours on end not being able to start studying or complete an assignment. I've struggled with this in high school as well but always attributed it to a poor study regiment.
Recently one of my roommates sat me down and told me that he is concerned and thinks I may have some form of adhd. He's known me for a few years so I believe what he has to say.
I am getting evaluated this week at a clinic, if I end up getting diagnosed do I inform my university? Will this somehow affect my academic career?
Any advice is appreciated!

Hi @PuzzleHeadedBee,

I see you have already had some excellent advice!

I 100% agree you should tell your university if you do get diagnosed. This way they can give you advice and assistance with your studies. They can work alongside you to make sure anything that can benefit your ability to complete your studies can be put in place.

If you don't get diagnosed, I still recommend sharing your concerns with your personal tutor and hopefully you can receive some guidance.

I hope this helps, please feel free to ask me any questions.
-Sophia (Business and Management)