The start of college is such an exciting time. After deciding on a place, and receiving confirmation that you’ve been accepted, one of the only super important things left to do is to create your perfect class schedule. I’ve gone through quite the class registration experiences over the last two years. From overloading too many classes to barely getting any at all, I can say that registration can be summed up in two words: exciting, but stressful. Let’s be honest. An absolutely perfect class schedule is pretty rare. Here on The Bella Insider, we’re gonna help you get your college class schedule lookin’ its best. Below are five tips on how to do just that:
1. Be prepared for your registration period.
Assuming your school requires you to take a certain number of credit hours to complete a degree, you’ll need to have a list of required courses out and ready to know the classes you’ll need to take for the semester/quarter. Make sure you’ve spoken with an advisor, fulfilled your prerequisites (required classes you need to complete before a specific class), claimed any IB/AP/dual credits (helpful AP Credit Policy Search here), connected to the Internet for online registration, and cleared any registration bars, so you don’t run into trouble while registering. The more prepared you feel, the smoother the process will be, so you can get right to registering for the classes you want.
2. Know your productive hours.
Are you a morning person? An afternoon person? Do you like to get up early? Or do you like to sleep in? Before you start looking at your college schedule, know what times of the day you feel most awake and in the mood to work. For example, I try to schedule my classes in the morning, because I really value afternoons to myself for working on The Bella Insider, doing homework, or working out. (Plus, it’s prime napping time!) I also try to set meal times as off-limits for classes, because I know all I’ll be thinking about is food if I don’t get the chance to eat. The trick is to be realistic, and schedule classes when you know you’ll be paying attention.
3. Discuss your classes with past students.
Making friends in college has its benefits, especially when they’ve already taken the classes you need to take. One of the most helpful things I do to plan for my perfect class schedule is ask past students what they think of a specific professor’s teaching style, grading scheme, exams, and general interest in the students. By asking people you know, you can take their recommendation into more serious consideration when choosing classes. If you don’t personally know past students, check out resources such as Rate My Professors or your university/college’s database of student feedback.
4. Use a visual guide to plan your classes.
I’m a visual learner, and I really enjoy looking at color. If you’re similar to me, I highly recommend using a computer program or a site like MyEdu to clearly see all your classes in calendar form. I love that I can customize my own colors and clearly see what class I have at what time, so I don’t miss it or accidentally schedule something during a class period. Below is an example of a MyEdu page with my Spring 2016 schedule. As you can see, food is important! #sawahthefatty
5. Have backup classes prepared just in case.
No matter how much you plan and how perfect you think your schedule is, sometimes things just don’t work out in our favor. In case there are registration issues, it’s great to have a few backup classes written down. Whether they’re a different section time of the same class or an entirely different one, backup classes are a good idea to still give you hours, so you can finish your degree on time.
If you’re just entering college, I hope you found these five tips helpful. In the real world, it’s rare to have the luxury of building your own perfect schedule, so enjoy college while you can! Here are my class scheduling tips from above summarized in Pinterest-friendly form:
i'm starting my classes soon so this is exactly what I need. thanks for sharing dear<3
http://www.rebelrebel.co | Youtube x
Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm headed off to college in the fall, and my registration is in a month and I have been freaking out. This post really helped me calm my nerves and know what to expect! As for what I'm most excited for, I'm excited to meet new people and to embrace all the opportunities provided at my school!
Ashley
MyWellDressedLife.com
I'm glad you found this helpful, Melisa! Thanks for stopping by! XO, Sarah
Hi, Ashley! I'm so glad you found this helpful! Meeting new people in college is so exciting. I think you're gonna love it! Hope you're having a great week. XO, Sarah
I loved your comment on prime napping time – it's so true! And to this day I'm a morning person – could never go to classes after 3 pm!
Candice, I'm glad you're with me on that one! And I'm the exact same way. I'm impressed you're still up and running in the afternoon with your fun, busy schedule. Have a wonderful day! XO, Sarah
Being prepared for registration is soo important! But back-up classes are always a good idea.
Alix | http://www.apintsizedlife.com
Totally agreed! Thanks for stopping by, Alix! XO, Sarah
Really great tips, my smarty pants friend! 🙂
Carrie
http://www.wearwherewell.com
You're too kind, Carrie! Thanks so much. Glad you think so! Happy Friday Eve. XO, Sarah
Great tips! I miss planning my schedule. I used to love creating charts, and having backup classes is so important!
http://morninglux.blogspot.com
I'm glad you think so, Samantha! I'm a huge chart-maker, too! Have a great weekend. XO, Sarah
You made me reminisce on my college days. It was so fun! Nice tips here babe.
Xo, Christianne
http://simplychristianne.com
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much, Christianne! Happy weekend! XO, Sarah
Ahh the college registration process…like you said, exciting and stressful! You are ON IT with your tips and I really love how thoughtful you are to the timing of your classes. I always just tried to schedule mine not too early and not too late in the afternoon, just get it done in one chunk in the middle of hte day. If I were doing it again I would definitely take into consideration my most productive hours and meal times like you suggested. Hope you having a fabulous Friday dear!
You are so pretty! Honestly i miss my college life after reading your post haha! I enjoyed your blog 🙂 <3
marisa
http://www.summersnackies.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Marisa! It's crazy that college flies by so quickly. Have a wonderful weekend! XO, Sarah
Tristan, thanks so much for your kind comment. I still can't really believe I'll only have two more years of this! AH! Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend, sweet friend! XO, Sarah
Ohh, i missed my college time. It was so much fun.
Great post. Thanks for sharing such nice tips.
Roxcii Boutique
Evening Dresses Sydney
I'm in my 5th semester now and still thought that this post was useful! 🙂 Definitely gonna try some of your tips for my exchange semester in Melbourne starting next month!
Leah / http://www.sunmoonwars.com
Hi, Roxcii. Thanks so much! Hope you had a wonderful weekend. XO, Sarah
I'm so glad you found these helpful, Leah. Have a wonderful time in Melbourne. I haven't been there for years, since I haven't had the chance to go back to Australia for a long time. I'd love to hear all about your experience! XO, Sarah
Great post dear! Have a great day!
BebaGottel
Instagram
Talking to my professors, special need counselor, and fellow students helped me prepared to get the classes I needed to finish my degree at my college, which was small but very competitive esp if taught by a fave professor or good/great professor on a tough subject! 🙂
Ursula
http://www.blueridgebeautyblogger.com
Thanks so much, Beba. You as well! XO, Sarah
That's one of the biggest things that helped me! Thanks for reading, Ursula! XO, Sarah