OCD in College: How to Combat the Obsessions & Thrive in School
By Emily Carter
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and College
College can be terrifying for a lot of students. It’s a long, challenging, and sometimes exhausting journey that pushes you to use everything you’ve learned to become an expert in your field. Whether pursuing business management, pre-med, or pre-law, every degree has its challenges. Now, throw neurodiversity into the mix, and those challenges can feel even more significant—but they don’t have to. One thing you learn over the years is that you don’t let it hold you back. You find ways to let it help you instead.
OCD can be overwhelming, even heartbreaking, but there are so many ways to turn it into something that works for you. A study by M.L. Sulkowski and E.A. Torch showed just how common and debilitating OCD symptoms are among college students, yet there’s still not enough research or resources out there for those who are affected. This is where we can change the game. By tapping into the tools at your disposal, connecting with others, and pushing through even when it feels like OCD has you in a chokehold, you’ll find your path to success. Here’s what worked for me and what might help you or someone you know as you move through college. Remember, managing your OCD in college is not just about survival, it’s about thriving and feeling empowered in your journey.
The great thing about being in college today is that more awareness is being spread about mental health, and that includes OCD. The conversation is slowly starting to change. The stigma is lifting, and more people are opening up about their experiences with neurodiversity. This gives you an advantage: more resources, understanding, and people in your corner. The support for students with OCD is growing, and with it, a sense of hope and optimism. But even though the support is growing, the work doesn’t stop there. You still have to learn to manage the challenges OCD throws at you—and that’s where the power comes in.
1 Don’t Procrastinate
One of the biggest challenges with OCD in school is feeling overwhelmed by all the work. When everything piles up, it’s easy to get stuck in hyper-fixation or feel like you’re drowning in assignments. My advice? Plan it out. Take big projects or exams and break them down into smaller steps. Focus on each task individually; suddenly, it doesn’t feel like you’ve got a mountain of work in front of you. You’ll feel more prepared and way less stressed.
For instance, if you have a 10-page paper due in two weeks, don’t wait until the last minute to start. Break it down. Spend the first few days just brainstorming ideas or researching. Then, tackle writing a little daily—maybe a page or two. Before you know it, the paper is done, and you don’t have to stay up until 3 AM panicking.
By planning, you can avoid the anxiety spiral of last-minute cramming. Plus, it helps you stay in control, which is critical when managing OCD. Structure is your friend here; taking things step-by-step can help you break free from the overwhelm.
2 Use Your School’s Resources
Don’t be afraid to check out what’s available on campus. A lot of schools offer access to therapists or counselors who can help you navigate some of the roadblocks that come with OCD. The best part? They’re usually right in your health center, so it’s not a ton of extra work to get the help you need. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a way to set yourself up for success.
On-campus counseling services can provide not only emotional support but also practical tools and strategies for managing OCD in an academic setting. For example, you might learn cognitive behavioral techniques to manage intrusive thoughts or develop personalized routines to reduce anxiety. Whether it’s a quick check-in with a counselor or ongoing therapy sessions, these resources are there to help you succeed, and they’re often included in your tuition.
Sometimes, schools also have workshops or groups specifically for students dealing with anxiety or OCD. Joining these groups can be a great way to feel less alone and share strategies with others in the same boat as you. Having a space where you can talk openly about your challenges without judgment is powerful—and you might even pick up tips from other students about what’s worked for them.
3 Connect with Your Advisor
College can feel like a maze sometimes, especially when ensuring you’re on track for your degree. One of the smartest things you can do is connect with an advisor from your department or major. They’ll help ensure you’re enrolling in suitable classes, but they can also offer tips on navigating the next steps toward your goals. It’s all about building that relationship and using it to stay grounded. Connecting with your advisor is not just a step, it’s a reassurance that you’re not alone in this journey.
Advisors are there for more than just academic advice. They’re also great sounding boards if you feel overwhelmed or unsure about your direction. Maybe you’re balancing a heavy course load while managing OCD, and you’re not sure if you can handle it. Your advisor can help you make those decisions. They can guide you through options like taking a lighter load or adjusting your schedule to fit your needs better. They’re there to support you, so use them as a resource.
4 Find Your People
College can be challenging, but going through it alone can be even more difficult. That’s why it’s crucial to build a strong support system of people who understand what you’re going through. Whether it’s someone from your class, a student group, or a study buddy from the library, surrounding yourself with like-minded people can help you stay focused and push through when things get tough. Your circle will celebrate the wins and help you on the tough days, which can make all the difference.
Your support system doesn’t have to be huge, but it should be strong. These people will encourage you, hold you accountable, and help lift you when things get rough. They don’t need to be experiencing OCD themselves, but having friends who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference. And sometimes, it’s just about having someone there—someone who can help you laugh when you’re feeling down or remind you that you’ve got this, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Finding your people also means leaning into your campus community. Join clubs, organizations, or study groups that interest you. Whether it’s an academic group or something more relaxed like a recreational sports team, getting involved helps you build connections and feel like you’re part of something bigger. And honestly, that feeling of belonging can be huge when it comes to managing the emotional ups and downs of OCD.
5 Make Time for Fun
Yes, college is about education, finding yourself, and experiencing new things. Don’t get stuck thinking you must finish in precisely four years to succeed. That pressure can hold you back. Enjoy the little things—go to a sporting event, catch a movie with friends, or take a breather when needed. It’s about balance, especially for people who experience the ups and downs of neurodiversity. Be kind to yourself and others.
Having fun might sound like obvious advice, but many students overlook it, especially when they’re laser-focused on school. But taking breaks and relaxing is essential for your mental health. When you’re managing OCD, your brain is constantly going, so giving it a break every once in a while is essential. It’s not about slacking off but finding that balance that lets you perform at your best.
Fun can look different for everyone. Maybe for you, it’s heading to the gym for a workout, running, or spending a day at the beach. Perhaps it’s a trip to Disney, a night of line dancing, or grabbing dinner with friends. Whatever it is, make sure it allows you to recharge and reset to tackle your next set of challenges feeling refreshed.
College can be both the most exciting and draining time of your life. But these experiences are what shape you, and that goes for everyone. If you’re living with OCD or any other form of neurodiversity, it’s okay to have moments where it feels challenging, but don’t let it define you. Work through it, lean into your strengths, and create a college experience that supports you. You’ve got this.
Source:
Sulkowski, M. L., Mariaskin, A., & Storch, E. A. (2011). Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorder Symptoms in College Students. Journal of American College Health, 59(5), 342–348. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2010.511365
Hello readers! My name is Emily Carter, and I am student at the University of Central Florida. I am originally from Rockford, Illinois but have since moved to the sunny state of Florida. I am currently a senior studying a major in biomedical sciences and a minor in biology. My goal is to obtain my medical degree to become an orthopedic surgeon. I am so happy to be a part of the Different Brains Inc. Internship program to hopefully continue to grow and learn about how different everyone’s brains really are.
