Advising season is approaching quickly! Students are currently able to view the course catalog for the fall 2021 semester.

With that in mind, keep these tips and reminders in your back pocket as you plan to meet with your advisor.

Knock out Those Required Classes…

The long summer break means you may be more excited to get back into the swing of school. This mentality means you’re more likely to be motivated to complete some required classes. Check your degree evaluation for the general education classes you’ve been avoiding, or the boring class that’s required for your major.

…But Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

Don’t get overambitious when it comes to taking difficult classes. Consider your experience with past semesters and plan accordingly. If you’re taking three or four demanding classes, toss in an interesting elective to help keep you afloat.

Location, Location, Location

Gone are the days of attending back to back classes from your bedroom. As of right now, most of the fall 2021 classes are set to take place on campus. So make sure you have time to walk from building to building in-between classes. A ten minute sprint from Copernicus to Willard-DiLoreto is hard, but not impossible.

Timing is Everything

An obvious piece of advice is to take classes that keep up with your schedule. If you work during the day, take night classes. But a less obvious piece of advice is to space your classes to avoid burnout. Scheduling three classes in a row may seem efficient, but evaluate whether that will result in the most productivity. If you would like a relaxation break in between, grant that to yourself.

Consider Coordinating with a Friend

A social life is something that can be easily overlooked when planning a school schedule. But planning time during the day to see your pal could be the motivation you need to get through the day. If you’re recharged by socialization, leave a gap in your schedule for a friendly visit.

Have a Backup Plan

As you probably know from prior experience registering for classes, sometimes a class fills up by the time your registration date rolls around. It’s a pain in the butt, but it’s inevitable. Get on the waitlist if you can, but if not, keep a couple extra classes in mind. A plan b, or even plan c may come in handy in a pinch.

Email your Advisor

If you have any questions, your advisor is there for you! You should also book an appointment with them as early as you can, since you don’t want their schedule to become packed and not leave any room for you. Once you obtain your registration PIN from them, you’re all set to register on your set date.

Good luck with the rest of this semester and good luck planning for the next one!