Student Resources – OLS Ashoka University

Resources for you as a high school student

Academic Preparation – As a high school student, preparing for college goes beyond grades – it’s about building the right skills and confidence. Our academic preparation resources will help you strengthen study habits, manage time effectively, practice self-advocacy, and explore assistive tools so you can transition smoothly into higher education. Here are some skills you can use for academic success

Organization – keeping track of tasks, deadlines, and personal responsibilities. (Plan Organise Prioritise, Concept Mapping)
Assistive Technology – using assistive technology can help you access resources and tools that can help you prepare better for academic in school or college. (Assistive Technology Solutions, AT Software Tools for SLDs, Discovering Assistive Technology)
Study skills – using some tips and tricks to make better study habits or notes can help you thrive in any academic setting (Note Taking, Cornell Method of Notetaking)
Resources for Using Productivity Suites – Google Docs Editors with a screen reader, Google Docs and Drive with NVDA, Gmail with a screen reader, use Microsoft apps with a screen reader.

Executive Functioning (EF) Skills – Life skills are just as important as academic preparation when transitioning into college. They help students manage independence, adapt to new environments, and balance responsibilities inside and outside the classroom. Building these skills early makes the shift to higher education smoother, more confident, and more sustainable. Some Key Life Skills for College Readiness include:

Time management – balancing classes, assignments, social life, and self-care. (Time Management Strategies, Time and Task Management Tools)

Self Advocacy – Knowing how to ask for help and communicating your needs clearly is an important skill to learn whether you are in school or joining college soon:

Socio-emotional Skills – Navigating college life requires more than academic preparation. Students benefit from developing socio-emotional skills that help them understand their emotions, build healthy relationships, manage stress, and navigate new social environments. Strengthening these skills also supports self-advocacy, confidence, and overall wellbeing. Related areas such as ‘Essentials of Communication‘* and ‘Gender Sensitivity‘*, are also important for building respectful interactions, expressing needs clearly, and engaging responsibly within diverse campus communities.

*This resource is shared in collaboration with Evoluer Solutions, an organisation specialising in skill development and support for neurodivergent learners and young adults preparing for higher education and employment.

Mental Health and Wellbeing – Students can support their mental well-being in several ways during the transition to college. Building a strong support network by staying connected with trusted friends, mentors, teachers, or family members can help students navigate challenges more confidently. Many colleges also provide counselling or wellness services where students can speak confidentially with trained professionals and seek guidance when needed. Maintaining healthy routines such as adequate sleep, regular physical activity, and balanced daily schedules can also contribute to emotional stability during busy academic periods. It is equally important for students to recognise early signs of stress, such as difficulty concentrating, persistent worry, changes in sleep patterns, or feeling overwhelmed, and to seek professional support from counsellors, psychologists, or therapists when these challenges begin to affect their wellbeing.

Seeking help is a normal and responsible step toward maintaining wellbeing. Students are encouraged to reach out for support whenever they need it, whether through campus services, trusted mentors, or national mental health resources.

Preparing for Hostel and Residential Life – For many students, college may be the first time living away from home. Hostel or residential life requires students to manage daily routines, organise personal spaces, coordinate with roommates, and handle responsibilities independently. Preparing for these changes can help students feel more confident and comfortable in a new environment. Learning basic independent living skills – such as managing time, maintaining personal schedules, communicating with roommates, and seeking support when needed – can make the transition to college life smoother. Here are some helpful skills to learn before moving to a hostel:

organising daily routines and managing personal schedules
communicating and setting boundaries with roommates
maintaining personal belongings and study spaces
navigating campus facilities independently
identifying support services available on campus

Here are some links to learn about support systems available to live independently*:
1. https://niepvd.nic.in/ – NIEPVD provides resources and training programmes that support independent living skills, mobility training, and rehabilitation services for individuals with visual impairments.
2. https://niepmd.nic.in/ – NIEPMD offers information and programs that focus on independent living, self-management skills, and community participation for individuals with disabilities.

*The resources shared on this page are sourced from external organisations and are provided for informational purposes only; the College Readiness Program does not claim ownership of these materials.

Choosing a Disability-Friendly College – Choosing a college involves more than selecting a course or university ranking. Students with disabilities should also consider whether the institution offers dedicated disability support services, accessible infrastructure, assistive technology, and inclusive teaching practices. Many universities now have disability support offices or equal opportunity cells that help students request accommodations, access learning resources, and navigate campus life. Learning about these services before applying can help students choose a college that supports their academic success and independence.

Here are some questions to ask when evaluating a college:
1. Does the university have a disability support office or equal opportunity cell?
2. Are academic accommodations available (extra time, note-takers, accessible materials)? Is this applicable to the application process as well?
3. Is assistive technology available on campus?
4. Are hostel and campus facilities accessible?
5. Does the university provide counselling or wellbeing support?

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Support Systems – Who’s got your back?

You don’t have to prepare for college all by yourself. Parents, mentors, and counselors can play a big role in making your transition easier. Parents can support you by understanding your strengths and challenges, helping you with applications, and standing up for your needs in school or college. Mentors – such as older students, alumni, or professionals – can guide you by sharing their own experiences, motivating you, and giving you tips for academics and careers. Counselors and teachers can help you plan better, manage stress, and build the life skills you’ll need to live more independently. In India, there are also programs and laws (like the RPwD Act, 2016) that make sure students with disabilities get fair support in education. Together, these support systems can give you confidence and help you feel ready to take your next step into college.