Tips for Transitioning to College

There are several things that you can do to get ready for life at Texas A&M. The list below is by no means exhaustive, as each student with a disability has unique needs and questions that should be addressed.

In general, students should:

• Review the services and support offered through TAMU Disability Resources. Law only requires colleges and universities to ensure access and prohibit discrimination, but A&M provides more services and support to students through the Department of Disability Resources.
• Learn about accommodations and how to request them. You can meet with an accommodations counselor at Disability Resources to identify what may be necessary to successfully transition you to college.
• Learn more about your disability and your unique characteristics. You should understand your own strengths, preferences, and weaknesses – to be able to self-advocate, to use and adjust learning strategies that work for you, and to independently make life choices.
• Work on time management skills. The college day is much less structured than the high school day. This creates many exciting opportunities for students, but also challenges. You need to be prepared to productively and independently handle this free time.
• Develop a positive disability identity. A positive sense of self will help you have a better relationship with your disability and the disability community around you, which can help you navigate life stressors and thus improve your mental health.

Adapted from: University of Connecticut.