College is awesome because you get to tailor your schedule to fit your life. You have complete control over which classes you take, so why not pick classes you’ll enjoy? Spending a few minutes creating a great schedule means that you won’t dread going to class and you’ll learn more. Here’s some advice on creating your perfect schedule for next semester.
1. Meet with an advisor
This may seem obvious, but meeting with an advisor is incredibly important. As fun as college is, you want to graduate on time. Your advisor will make sure that you’re meeting your requirements and staying on track to get a cap and gown. When you meet with your advisor, be sure to communicate any extra goals you have, including getting a minor, studying abroad, or completing an internship. He or she can help you plan ahead and give you advice about making your college experience work for you.
2. Know yourself
It would be great to be a morning person who feels awake and happy at 7 a.m., but that’s just not me. Think about your ideal daily routine and sleep schedule. When are you the most alert? Schedule classes for these times. If you’re not a morning person, don’t force yourself to become one. Make a schedule that fits your lifestyle.
3. Find interesting classes
Before registering, think for a moment about why you’re taking each class. What do you hope to get out of this experience? Sure, there’s some general education requirements, but you can still find classes unique and interesting intro-level classes and electives. Your classes should either seem interesting or meet requirements (or, ideally, do both).
4. Do some research
If you’re deciding between two classes, take five minutes to read the summary of the curriculum and Google your professor. You can learn a lot from a great professor, and he or she could be a reference or connection that helps you get a job in the future. You can also talk to former students and use websites like Rate My Professor to find out about a professor’s teaching style. Former students’ opinions are a great way to know what to expect, but take others’ advice with a grain of salt. Remember that your experience won’t be the same as other students’ experiences.
5. Think about your other obligations
College isn’t only about academics. You’re probably also involved in clubs, sports, research, internships, work, and more. When you think about making a schedule, you need to think about all the different aspects of your life. Make a list of all your obligations and plan your schedule accordingly. If your favorite club meets on a certain afternoon, try to schedule classes earlier in the day. Getting a job or research position is great but it may require long shifts, so make a class schedule that can accommodate your work schedule.
With a few minutes of planning, you can create a schedule that you love!