SIUE Lesson 3 - Scheduling your first college semester
Posted March 27, 2019
Next Step, Registration!
You’ve met with your academic advisor, you know a little more about the path you want to explore, and it’s time to register! So what are you signing up for exactly? Let’s take a closer look.
- Registration happens each term.
- A full semester term is 16 weeks.
- To be a full-time student, register for at least 12 credit hours.
- Credit hours refers to the amount of time you will spend in a class each week.
- Consider winter and summer session courses, too.
Registration is an exciting time in which you decide what is best for you. You have identified classes you need to take to fulfill requirements, and you have a few electives picked out that interest you. Now that the hard work is done, it is just time to schedule it all.
As a senior who has never taken an 8 a.m. class, nor a Friday class, I consider myself an excellent schedule builder. Not to mention, the past three semesters have only included class on Tuesdays and Thursdays for me. Sounds like a dream, huh? I’ll share with you some of my successful registration tips!
- Know your registration date! Your class standing will determine when you are eligible to register. Your academic advisor will remind you of that date and ensure you know what you’re registering for.
- Schedule your required classes first. It’s important to first register for what you need and let electives fill your schedule otherwise. You wouldn’t want to get behind in your prerequisites because of electives.
- A couple days before your registration date, check the availability of your desired classes so you know your plan well the morning of registration day.
- Have back up classes! Just in case you run into the unfortunate situation of a full class, have a couple backup options you and your academic advisor have identified.
- Schedule classes during the times of the day you work best. If you’re a night owl and you find yourself productive in the evening, consider taking a night class.
- Consider taking summer and winter courses, too. Taking classes during university breaks is a great way to get ahead. Many of them are offered online or in smaller groups. And you will still have plenty of time to enjoy the break!
Registration is the next step in your next successful semester. Never hesitate to call the Office of Academic Advising with any additional questions!
Author: Ashley Cameron, senior, applied communication studiess
