The stress of class registration can be overwhelming. While we are all scrambling to make sure that we have an idea of the classes we want, avoiding those early morning classes, it is important to think about what classes you need to take in addition to the classes that you would like to take. These are two very different things that we sometimes forget to consider. Yes, we do have free electives, but it is imperative that we are taking the classes that we are required to as well as taking courses that peak our general interest. So the question is, are you ready for registration week?

There are a few things to keep in mind as you are choosing the classes that you intend to take next semester. The first is considering what classes you need to fulfill your major and minor requirements. Following that, at a very close second, are what core classes you still need to take. By figuring this out first, you can go through the dates and times that these classes are offered and take it from there. I personally have a “two and two” method that I try to use as much as possible, meaning I’ll take two classes for my major or minor and two core classes. If this isn’t possible, then I just figure out what I can take and everything else usually falls into place.

Once you have a general idea of what you want your schedule to be, the next step is to go over everything with your advisor. Depending on the type of person you are, you could go into your advising meeting with everything all ready and color coded by date and time and all possible backups. If that isn’t really your style and you’re the type of person that just has no clue what classes you should be taking or what to do with your life, then you may heavily rely on your advisor to push you in the right direction.

Your advisor isn’t the only person that can help you with class registration. There are many different faculty and staff members that are more than willing to help if you want to take one of their classes. Some professors are able to reserve a spot in their class for you so you don’t have to worry about beating the crowd. The only problem with this option is that the class usually has to be within your major or minor, but that isn’t always the case. Once you become a rising senior, there are also core request forms that you can fill out so that you are ensured a spot in any of those last minute core classes that you have to take.

If your advisor and other faculty members aren’t enough, then you can also visit the Registration and Records office located in Zug Hall. The staff there is super friendly and willing to help if you have any sort of time conflict with your schedule. This is great because there are so many different outlets that students can use to make sure they are getting the classes that they want and need to take without having too much of a hassle, hopefully.

Registering for classes can be stressful. I am definitely that person who bangs on my advisor’s door the minute we get the email about registration for the next semester. I like to have a plan in place and to make sure that I am on the right track with everything.

When you’re sitting in front of your computer, refreshing Jayweb until your designated registration time, that is when the stress fully sets in. Every time that I have registered for classes I feel like I am always getting the last possible time slot. Not once have I been able to pick my classes first. This can be somewhat irritating, but I never had an issue with getting my top choice in classes. Sure, there have been times when I had to use my backups, but that’s what backups are there for. When it comes down to it, the important thing to remember is that even if you don’t always get into your first choice there are still other classes that are being offered that you can take.

So as class registration creeps up just be prepared for the good,

the bad and the ugly. Take classes that you need to, but also explore classes that you think would be interesting as well. Try not to freak out and just sit back and wait for your time to come. Best of luck, Blue Jays!