Why the First Two Weeks of the Semester Matter (and How to Use Them Wisely)

You know that feeling when the semester starts, and suddenly it’s midterms before you’ve even caught your breath? For students with ADHD or executive function (EF) challenges, time can slip by very fast. The truth is that the first two weeks of the semester are more important than most students realize.

Think of them as your foundation; the base you build now that will hold up the rest of your semester.

The Power of a Fresh Start

ADHD brains love novelty. That “new semester energy” you feel is not just excitement, it’s an opportunity. This is the time when routines are easier to start, habits are easier to stick with, and motivation feels a little more accessible. Every stone you lay now becomes part of the foundation you’ll stand on later.

Why the First Two Weeks Matter So Much

A lot happens in those opening days that shapes the rest of your semester:

• Disability Services offices get slammed with students requesting accommodations. Getting a meeting as early in the semester as possible gets your accommodations in place before the first quiz, test, or project.
• Professors form first impressions. Showing up and engaging early goes a long way.
• Syllabi set the roadmap. Most of your deadlines, big projects, and exams are already laid out.
• Routines start to solidify. How you spend your days in week one often becomes your default.
• Social circles form quickly. Study groups, friendships, and clubs tend to take shape in this window.

Miss these opportunities, and it’s much harder to catch up later.

ADHD-Friendly Moves for Weeks 1 & 2

Here are a few simple steps that can make a huge difference:

• Request a meeting with your disability support office ASAP. Professors can’t grant you accommodations until they have been approved! Bring any documentation with you; check their web page for what is required.
• READ your syllabi. Don’t just shove them in your backpack or leave them unopened online. They contain SO much information! Watch for key deadlines, notice patterns (like weekly quizzes or big projects). New to college? Read Syllabus 101 to learn more.
• Set up your calendar. Yes, it feels boring. But Future You will thank you when deadlines don’t sneak up. Figure out whether you are a paper person or a digital person or both. Once you select your system, add all those deadlines from your syllabi! Color code your schedule by class, or by work/home/school, or whatever works for your life. Get more information about time management and time blindness at the blog.
• Try different study spots. Library? Coffee shop? Dorm lounge? Under a big shady tree? Test them out now and see what actually works for your focus. Maybe you would work better or focus more easily using a body double.
• Introduce yourself to professors. Even a quick hello or one question after class helps build connection. Drop by their office hours. Read this article to learn more about talking to professors.
• Start tiny routines. Something as simple as a five-minute nightly review, filling your water bottle before bed, or laying out your backpack can set a foundation. Read more about creating habits that stick.

Watch Out For These Pitfalls

A few traps are easy to fall into:

• Saying yes to every club or activity.
• Skipping “just one class” that turns into more and becomes a bad habit.
• Avoiding systems until stress and panic forces you to create them.
• Realizing at midterms that your notes system or organization style isn’t working.

The earlier you notice these things, the easier they are to avoid or correct.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about experimenting, trying things out, and setting yourself up with even one or two solid habits that can carry you through the semester. Think progress over perfection. Remember: the first two weeks are your foundation. The small steps you take now will support you when the semester gets busy. Your challenge: pick one strategy from this list and try it this week. You don’t need to do everything — just laying one strong stone in your foundation is enough to make the rest of the semester more manageable.

(P.S. If procrastination is already sneaking in, check out my free Procrastination Escape Plan designed with ADHD brains in mind.)

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Ready to stop spinning your wheels? Learn more about ADHD Coaching and how we can create personalized systems to help you move forward. If you’re interested, schedule a free 30-minute consultation. You don’t have to do this alone.

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