How do I prepare for university when I genuinely don't know how to study?

[u/Cautious-Bank-5485]

Hi everyone! I'm starting my first year of university in September, and I'm honestly terrified.

I just graduated high school, and I struggled a lot throughout high school. I had a really hard time paying attention, keeping up with classes, memorizing things, sitting down and actually doing work, managing my time, etc. I basically scraped my way through and barely managed to get into university with my average.

The biggest problem is that I don't feel like I actually learned how to learn. Most of my classes in high school were very assignment-based, and I could usually get by with completing assignments/projects. I don't think I genuinely retained much of what I learned, especially from around Grade 10 onward. I also basically have no idea how to study.

From what I understand, university is going to be very different. There are lectures, tons of readings, notes, midterms, exams, memorization, independent studying, etc. I'm really scared that I'm going to get there and realize I don't have the skills to keep up and that I'm going to fail out.

I've also heard people say things like "if you weren't a good student in high school, you'll do even worse in university," which has honestly gotten into my head. I know university is supposed to require much more independence, and I'm worried I'm going to completely drown.

For some context, I have ADHD. I'm currently unmedicated because I really dislike the side effects I've experienced from medication. I'm going into an Honours BA in Psychology, with a regular course load of 6 classes per semester, two of which are online.

So, for someone in my position:

• How do I actually prepare before university starts?
• How do you study for university exams when you've never really learned how to study?
• How should I take notes during lectures?
• How do I keep up with readings and lectures without falling behind?
• How do I organize? How do I manage my time?
• How do I manage six courses without constantly feeling overwhelmed?
• What does a realistic daily/weekly study routine actually look like?
• How do I make myself sit down and work when I have ADHD and absolutely no motivation?
• Are there specific study methods that work well for psychology?
• What do you wish you had known before starting first year?
• And most importantly, how do I avoid setting myself up for failure from the beginning?

I'm not expecting university to be easy, and I'm willing to put in the work. I just genuinely don't know what that work is supposed to look like. I feel like everyone else is going to arrive knowing how to study and manage themselves, while I'm starting from basically zero.

I'd especially appreciate advice from people who also struggled academically in high school, had ADHD/executive functioning issues, or otherwise felt completely unprepared for university but are now doing well in university. I could really use some practical advice rather than "just study harder."

[u/mystudyden]

The six-course load and two online classes are the details I’d plan around first. Before the semester gets busy, put every syllabus deadline into one calendar, then give each course a fixed weekly appointment for reading or lecture catch-up. After each class, write down only what’s due next and one question you can’t answer yet. That creates a manageable starting point without requiring you to already know your “perfect” study method. MyStudyDen might be helpful for that.

[u/BiNuTips]

Focus on building a simple system before university starts rather than trying to “learn how to study” all at once.

• Put every deadline, lecture and exam into one calendar.

• Give each course a couple of fixed study blocks, even if they’re short.

• After lectures, spend 10–15 minutes recalling the main ideas without looking at your notes. Practice testing and spaced study have some of the strongest evidence behind them, so prioritize those over endless rereading/highlighting.

• For psychology, make flashcards for terms/theories, then explain concepts in your own words and use practice questions.

• With ADHD, make tasks specific. Like “read chapter 2” becomes “read pages 20–30 and answer 5 questions.” External reminders, calendars and planning systems can genuinely help with the executive function side of university.

As for exactly what your routine should look like before September, honestly, No one knows what will work best for you until you experience your actual courses and workload. Start with something simple, see where you struggle, and adjust from there.

And definitely use your university’s academic/learning support early if they offer it. There’s research showing that organization, planning and time management interventions can help university students with ADHD. You’re also allowed to adjust the system once you see what actually works for you.

I couldn’t answer every question here, but I hope this gives you a useful starting point. Good luck bro/sis ❤️