Hey y’all!
I’m back! I hope everyone’s week has been going well. This week, I wanted to talk about something that can be both exciting and stressful, picking classes. Whether it’s your first semester or you’re a returning student, registration season always sneaks up faster than expected. Over time, I’ve learned a few things that make choosing classes a little less overwhelming, so here are three tips that have helped me build a schedule that actually works for me.

1️⃣ Don’t Schedule Yourself Into Burnout
When you first look at your school’s course list, it’s easy to feel like you can do it all: 8 a.m. classes, late-night labs, maybe even a few extras “just to get ahead.” The truth is, balance matters. Be realistic about what time of day you focus best. If you know you’re not a morning person, skip that 8 a.m. unless it’s absolutely required. Likewise, try not to overload your schedule with back-to-back classes. Give yourself breaks to eat, study, or just breathe. A well-paced day makes a huge difference in how productive and happy you’ll feel all semester.

2️⃣ Check Your Degree Plan and Talk to Your Advisor!
This one sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget: make sure the classes you’re picking actually count toward your degree. Before registration opens, I always sit down with my degree flowchart and check off what I’ve already completed. Then I look at what’s next and what classes have prerequisites.
Your academic advisor can also be a lifesaver here. They can help you avoid taking classes out of order or missing something required for graduation. Plus, they have to take an academic hold off your account before registration. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. That’s what they’re there for!

3️⃣ Mix Required Courses with Fun or Creative Ones
College isn’t just about checking boxes; it’s also about exploring what interests you. I’ve found that mixing in at least one “fun” or creative class or club each semester helps keep things fresh. For me, that’s usually something related to film, theater, or writing. For you, it could be art, photography, or even a cool elective in another department. These classes give you something to look forward to each week and can help you discover new passions, or even future career paths you never expected.

✨ Final Thoughts✨
Picking classes doesn’t have to be stressful. Really it’s about finding balance, staying on track, and giving yourself room to grow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, trust your instincts, and remember that every semester is a chance to learn something new, both in and out of the classroom.

Pro Tip:
Use Rate My Professors to see what different professors are like! It will give you insights into what type of learning style each professor is geared more towards.

Until next time,
Olivia Strickland✈️