Registration has started opening up, and with it comes the frantic rushing. Everyone is trying to get whatever classes they can before they are all filled. No one wants to be stuck taking classes completely unrelated to their major just in order to have the minimum 12 credits per semester to be considered a full-time student.
You get to junior year and discover that with the completed credits you have, while you may have started out trying to major in Business or Computer Science, it would be quicker to get your degree in Creative Writing or Religious Studies.
Now, obviously, this is a complete exaggeration and isn’t actually what happens to students. Nonetheless, I went around and asked some students what things they wish they had done differently or what tips they would give to Freshman registering for classes in this upcoming spring semester.
In general, the most common responses were:
- Don’t throw away the suggested course guideline and required courses for your major that they give you.
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- Know what classes are required prerequisites for the courses you have to take for your major because sometimes it won’t be listed under required courses. Then, once you know what these are, get them out of the way as soon as possible.
- Don’t be afraid to take some classes outside of your major, because you never know, maybe you’ll decide that the major you initially chose may not be the best fit for you, and find something else that you’re more passionate about.
- Get started as soon as possible so that you’re more likely to get into your desired classes.
Some less common tips that were mentioned include:
- Try to give yourself some time in-between your classes to get things done, or just to relax. However, don’t be worried that ten minutes won’t be enough to get from one class to the next, chances are that it will be quite sufficient.
- If you’re not a morning person, and know that you most likely won’t be getting up at five to seven am each morning, then don’t register for early morning classes -particularly eight am classes. Similarly, if you are a morning person, then try to get classes in the morning. Just know what is the best fit for you personally.
- If it’s an option, try to have at least an hour block where you don’t have class from 11 to 2 as there is frequently events going on or businesses on campus looking to recruit people during this time – especially on Wednesday’s.
- Don’t forget to set aside time for studying and homework, a job – if you have one, or plan to have one, meals and clubs – if you plan to join any and know when they meet. Most club meetings occur somewhere between three to seven pm.
- Make sure while registering for classes, to take your time since it is a stressful process. Also, DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS if you have any. If you just sit in silence when you’re confused about something, then it’s more than likely that you’ll just stay confused. Similarly, find out who your advisor is and set aside a time and make an appointment to talk to them.
So, now you should be ready to dive into the chaos of registration. From all of us at The Criterion, good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor.
