Spring registration is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably stressing about building a schedule and picking FSU classes that won’t drive you crazy. Trust me, you’re not alone.
I thought picking classes would be a breeze. You grab what you need, pick good times, and you’re done. Not so much. Suddenly you’re juggling prerequisites, professors, class times, walking distances, and online options you never considered.
After surviving my first FSU schedule, I realized a good schedule is more than just checking off requirements. It needs to fit your life, too. So, here’s everything I wish someone had told me before I built my first FSU schedule, so that you can skip the rookie mistakes!
Start with your requirements.
Before you start picking classes just because the time looks good, make sure you know what you need to take first. Trust me, it saves a lot of stress later. I started with my FSU degree map and reviewed the requirements and prerequisites needed, especially since I’m working toward getting into the College of Business. I also met with my advisor, and truthfully, I can’t recommend it enough.
Advisors exist for a reason, and they’re lifesavers. Mine helped me figure out exactly what I needed so I wasn’t just guessing. If you’re confused about what to take, ask for help! It’s much better to ask now than to realize halfway through the semester you took a class you didn’t even need.
Once you’ve got your must-take classes down, then you can start playing around with times and professors to see what works for you.
Figure out what time you function best.
Just because there’s an 8 a.m. spot open doesn’t mean you should sign yourself up for it. Trust me on this one. I learned this lesson the hard way. I had an 8 a.m. math lab this semester, and while I’m making it through, I’ve realized early mornings aren’t my thing. A little extra sleep seriously makes all the difference.
Personally, I love starting my day with a class around 9 or 10 a.m. I go to bed around 10 or 11 p.m. and wake up at 7:30 a.m., so I get enough sleep and don’t have to sprint out the door like a zombie. I also like stacking classes earlier so my afternoons and evenings are free for the gym, clubs, studying, or just relaxing.
It’s important to note that everyone’s different! If you’re a morning person, go for those early classes. But if you know deep down you’ll never willingly wake up for an 8 a.m., don’t trick yourself into thinking college will magically change that.
Add space between classes.
When you’re building your schedule, it’s so easy to look at two classes and think, “Oh, I can totally make that!” But can you make it across campus in time? My classes are about a ten-minute walk apart, and I usually give myself 30 minutes between them. That way, I’m not speed-walking across FSU like I’m training for a marathon every morning.
Check where your classes are before you pick back-to-back times. A ten-minute gap might look perfect on your schedule, but it’s a whole different story if you need to cross campus to get there. You don’t need a big break between every class. I usually take two a day, which gives me a routine without spending the whole day running between buildings.
Don’t just throw everything online.
Online classes can be awesome, but don’t pick them just because the time slot looks easy. Before choosing one, I usually see whether students generally find it manageable online or if it makes more sense to take in person.
For my major classes, I always go in person because I learn way better that way, especially if the professor explains things well. But honestly, I probably could have taken one of my electives online this semester. It’s one of those classes I don’t really need for my major, and sometimes I wish I could do the work from my bed instead of trekking to class.
So, before you pick online or in-person, think about how you learn best and what makes sense for that class.
Research your professors
Don’t just look at the class; also look at who’s teaching it, too. I always check Rate My Professors when I’m building my schedule, and I look at more than just the overall rating. I read the reviews to see what people are saying about the professor and the class.
I look for things like whether the class is exam-heavy or homework-heavy, how tough people say it is, if attendance matters, and what the professor’s teaching style is like.
But don’t let one bad review freak you out. Sometimes people leave bad reviews just because they got a grade they didn’t like, so always look at the bigger picture. If a bunch of people are saying the same thing about a professor, that’s when I really pay attention. Look for patterns instead of letting one person’s bad day decide for you.
Build your schedule around your life.
Frankly, this might be the biggest thing I’ve learned so far. Your schedule isn’t just about your classes; it’s about everything else you’re trying to fit around them too. I go to the gym after class, and I’m in several clubs. Most meetings are at night, so I make sure they don’t interfere with my classes. I also want time to study, eat, and relax.
That’s why I try to finish my classes earlier in the day. I don’t want to spend my whole afternoon and evening stuck in class when I could be getting other things done.
So, think about your own life before you register. Do you work? Have club meetings every week? Want to work out? Do you need a certain amount of study time or a little extra time in the morning? Build your schedule around what matters to you. A schedule can look perfect yet still be a total disaster in real life.
Learn from the schedule you already have.
You don’t have to get your schedule perfect the first time around. Honestly, I’ve already figured out a bunch of things I’ll change next time I register. Now I know I prefer starting around 9 or 10 a.m., having about 30 minutes between classes, and keeping my afternoons open.
I also know that I probably would’ve been happier taking my elective online during my first semester. You start figuring out what works for you instead of guessing. So, when spring registration opens, don’t just look for classes that technically “fit.” Think about what your whole day will look like once you live it.
You don’t need the perfect schedule. You need one that works for you, and you’ve got this.
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