I've returned to college for this school year and am already having multiple issues, including stresses over finances. I live in a dorm room with one other person, and with my sensitivity to sound it's becoming really hard in just two weeks to stand her. Her loud talking, her chewing, her always here so I can't unwind (and I can't go outside, more people and too hot). Along with all that it's becoming difficult in class to pay attention when people are making noises all around me, some people chewing on gum, the marker squeaking on the board, and so on. Let's also include other people talking on the hall, people outside the window, and the extremely loud, unbearable to listen to toilet flushing in the bathroom, I can't stand any of it and i'm completely losing it.

I can't stand it anymore, my stress and frustration levels are getting high and I don't know what to do music isn't helping any for the sound problems (as now I'm wanting complete silence but can't find it). With financial issues added on to the already stressful noises and such, I have no clue what to do and am having a hard time to calm myself down.

I wish I could figure out what I can do

I'm so sorry to hear you're having a stressful time right now. It does sound frazzling! Have you tried ear plugs while you're in your room? It wouldn't work in the classroom though. Would it be less distracting if you sat near the front of the room? That's a tough one.

Do you have any other calming techniques? Weighted blanket?

I'll see if I can think of anything else and maybe someone will have more ideas! Hugs!

When I was sensory stressed in college, I would go to an unused classroom or Library in a corner that no one else was using. Our Library had couches and so did some restrooms. Some of the restrooms near the administrators offices were very nice and didn't have any traffic after 6pm.

I was also lucky enough to have my own room in college, so I never had to share it. It was tiny, but I didn't have to worry about too much noise. One option if it gets too bad is to talk to a school councillor about potentially living off campus or getting your own room because sharing a room is causing you harm (you will need to be specific).

Thanks for your replies Lynn and beck Yeah it's definitely stressful, especially considering sound is my worst problem and there's a lot of unavoidable sounds. As for earplugs, they don't really fit in my ears too well, so I don't use them, and I do happen to sit near the front of the classroom in all classes, but there are still people to my left and right, and of course sometimes they're chewing gum or talking to others, I just try to convince my brain that the sounds don't matter. As for other calming techniques, I don't really have any other than the music. I do use visualization to try to get my mind away from this world and into a more peaceful area, but that only works so much. I don't have a weighted blanket (though about last year I did find that having weight on me helps me sleep, go figure) but I do have my pillows, so that's helpful in my room.

Beck, as for living off campus, I know it would be cheaper, but I don't have the money to pay rent, so it's not an option, sadly (I would love to live by myself, off campus), and i don't think you're allowed to get your own room here as there are many students that need to live in the dorm.

A few months ago a counselor had given me the idea about asking the instructor if I could listen to wordless music when doing a test, so that the noises wouldn't get to me, but I've yet to ask any instructors, it would feel like I was being given unfair privileges. I honestly just had to vent, but any suggestions would be greatly helpful. My biggest issues are with sound, as you can tell, some smell and touch (some smells I can't stand, such as oranges, and sometimes I just can't touch a paper without my hands feelling weird), and then a small amount of visual input, but that's rare (just random times my eyes choose to water and hurt due to sunlight, not fun), the biggest issues are definitely with sound.

Thank you again for the replies, I appreciate it

Best to you all

Amarose, I can relate! The classroom is the hardest part for me, because of gum chewing, foot shaking, pen tapping, mostly the repetitive stuff. I sit in the front of the class, and sometimes wear one earplug. Needless to say I don't always socialize much in class.

Do you have a 504 plan? I do (although mine only has ADD, not SPD on it, but I only use it for SPD reasons since my ADD is under control). It allows me to take my tests in my college's testing center. At my old college ANYONE could use the testing center, but I assume that most are through a Disability Support Services Department and therefore require documentation. I was also able to get a single room once when I lived on campus by using my allergy to dust mites and my ADD as reasons for needing one. In reality, I was only using it for my SPD, but they didn't have to know that. It also cost a tad more (maybe $200?), but it helped alot.

What types of earplugs have you tried? The cheap, foam kinds I find work really well at dampening sound alot (while still allowing you to hear the teacher's voice) AND you can cut them to make them thinner if need be. Other companies also make ones of different sizes. Sometimes if I need one during a test, I'll put one in one ear and let my hair down to cover it up. I can block my other ear with my left hand if need be. It feels VERY awkward since I always imagine someone would walk up to me and ask me something, and then I would have to take it out and that would look weird, but nothing like that has happened.

Best Wishes!

Sounds like you wanna sit all day alone. Though it's hard to deal these things, but sometimes, we all have to deal with them no matter what. Bubble gums, noisy roommates and dwindling finances are part just part of growing up. One day, they'll be gone and new things will emerge. Enjoy college and let yourself loose a bit.

I, too, wanted to offer my sympathies for your suffering. I suggest ear-plugs, the library, and any corner of the place where you can be alone.

I know all these suggestions are just band-aids. But, unfortunately a person has to take the best band-aid for the situation and stretch it as far as it will go.