1. Help Exists

• Encourage the student to take advantage of services offered through a variety of departments. The disability services office is always a good starting point.
• Getting to know their professors and teaching assistants is also important, as they can provide resources and guidance.

2. Location, Location, Location

• Finding a place that is conducive to working effectively is important.

3. Making Work a Habit

• Spending a little time each day increases the likelihood of being on top of work. Encourage the student to use the small blocks of time between classes.

4. Write it Down

• Things move fast at university. Encourage the use of planners and calendars to organize.

5. Getting Energized

• When the student is hungry, tense or tired, the brain cannot function at its full potential. Encourage eating, exercising and sleeping to avoid distraction.

6. Attendance

• Encourage the student to attend class. It is easy to get into the habit of skipping class, or following the example of others.

7. Lectures and Textbooks

• Encourage the mindset that a course is a whole rather than many parts. This way, information becomes linked and easier to remember.

8. Memory Techniques

• There are many ways to increase retention of course material. Many of these methods can be introduced through the disability services office. Students should be encouraged to develop these skills.

9. Remember Key Points

• Encourage the student to self-test. Study partners or groups are an excellent way of doing this.
• Also encourage the use of old exams and practice questions.

10. Feeling Successful

• Encourage the student to set goals, relax and reward themselves regularly.

Adapted from:
Trent University, Disability Services Office: www.trentu.ca/disabilityservices.