Brittany Poeppe | Assistant Arts + Life Editor
We’ve all been there. Registering for classes is almost worse than midterms. Almost. It’s one of the activities I dread most, especially because registration usually rolls around at the most inopportune time. It’s not all bad though. There are some positives to registering for classes. Here goes me chronicling how much of a hot mess I am during registration; hopefully you know what I’m talking about.
The email comes, alerting me that it’s almost time for class registration for next fall. The email tells me I should probably make an appointment with my advisor so I can get my shit figured out. I panic, wondering when I will ever have the time to sit down, face-to-face with my advisor(s) (double major problems), and talk about which classes I want (need) to register for.
Registration always seems to come at the worst time. I’m always right in the middle of an overloaded week. A project due this day, a paper the next, meetings almost every night… It’s madness. Taking even a half hour out of my schedule sounds easy, but figuring out a time that will work for both me and my advisor- yikes.
On the bright side, my ACES credits have been fulfilled. And nothing compares to that moment when you see you’re done with all of your Gen Ed requirements. Eventually, I figure out which classes I need to take and register as soon as I can. Now I can relax for another semester. To make sure you’re not a hot mess like me, here are some tips to get through class registration quickly and (almost) painlessly.
1. Scope out your options– Check the course catalog (or Beavernet) for classes being offered next semester. The course list might just surprise you. Sometimes you can get lucky and take a Gen Ed that’s easy (and not an 8 AM), or sometimes you can take a class that you’d never expect to take (Fly Fishing, anyone?).
2. Create a Schedule that works for you, not against you– Sometimes you can’t avoid an 8 AM. Just make sure it’s one that you know you’ll show up for. If you’re a person who likes a lot of free time, try overloading on one class day (TR or MWF) so you have more free time on your off days for homework.
3. Talk to your Advisor– Your advisor probably knows which courses will fit best with you during certain semesters, and they will also have advice for registering. They probably dread this week as much as you do, so try to be calm and civilized about registering (even though it’s stressful).
4. Maintain Balance– Try to balance easy and harder classes. Ask around about certain classes if you’re unsure. Someone’s probably taken the course before and can give you some pointers. Don’t max out on 400 level classes if possible; you can end up burning yourself out, and that’s no fun in the middle of the semester. Try to aim for a moderate workload instead of digging yourself into a hole that you can’t escape from later.
5. Register as early as possible– Classes can fill up fast, especially if they’re Gen Ed’s that a lot of students need. Additionally, if it’s a special class only offered during alternate years, that might be a priority. You don’t want to be stuck taking the 8 AM Gen Ed that no one can stay awake for.
Photo by Dee Friesen
