Class Scheduling

Your first semester of college is coming up and pretty soon you get to meet with your advisor for the first time to make up your first schedule.  Scheduling your first semester can be exciting but you don’t want to overload yourself! You want to avoid having a stressful schedule.  So what are some things you should take into consideration when making your schedule?

It can be a little frustrating coming up with your schedule for your first semester because this isn’t high school anymore. The workload is more, you don’t know the teachers, and you’re in an unfamiliar setting at a new school. Well, I am now in my second semester of college and have experienced two different types of schedules. Based on my experience, I have come with five guidelines to utilize in creating your schedule.  But first, let me outline what my schedules were like.

Monday/Wednesday/Friday	First Semester	Second Semester
8:00-8:50 AM	NO Class	ECN 252
9:00-9:50 AM	EQU 117	EQU 118
10:00-10:50 AM	BUS 214	MAT 118
11:00-11:50 AM	NO CLASS	BUS 231
2:00-2:50 PM	PHL 105	NO CLASS
3:00-4:15 PM	EQU 111	NO CLASS
Tuesday/Thursday
10:50-12:05 PM	NO CLASS	EQS 212
11:00-12:00 PM	Hunter/Jumper Riding Class	NO CLASS
2:00-2:50 PM	BUS 206	NO CLASS
4:00-5:00 PM	NO CLASS
5:00-6:00 PM	Dressage Riding Class	NO CLASS

1)  Do you work better in the morning or in the afternoon?

Personally, I am a morning person and I am usually more attentive in morning.  Once the afternoon rolls around, I don’t want to be sitting in the classroom.  So just evaluate yourself, make sure you will be able to get up for that 8 AM or 9 AM class.  NOTE: it is important to realize that you will, at some point have to take a morning or afternoon class.

2)  Do you need breaks often?

In this current semester, I have four classes right in a row.  Some people may not find this feasible and that is ok.  You have to do what works for you.

3)  What kind of time commitment does the class involve?

I have this guideline because I took two riding classes my first semester, which was a lot more work than I anticipated.  For riding classes, you have to show up an hour early and have to stay half an hour to an hour after class.  Depending on your degree, you may end up with a class that has a lot of outside work.

4)  Where are classes located?

I attend a small private college.  The campus isn’t that big, making it easy to get anywhere on campus in about a 10-15 minute walk.  If you are attending a college with a larger campus, it may be necessary to determine whether or not you will be able to get to your classes in time if you are going to schedule them right in a row.

5)  Make sure to leave time to study!

It is important not to forget to leave time to use for studying.  Also, remember you will likely be involved in clubs and other activities.  Good time management is key!

Just keep these tips in mind when scheduling classes, they will come in handy!

~Victoria