Registration can be a bit of a balancing act for Honors students. On the one hand, you’ll hopefully be excited by many of the courses that are offered, eager to make the most out of your time in college. On the other hand, it’s easy to become overeager and undertake too much in a single semester, especially for high-achieving first-years who might not know yet what their limits are.
Here are some tips from junior criminology and sociology student Hallie Romero on how to plan a schedule that will keep you engaged without leading to burnout.
Planning a Schedule that is Interesting but not Overwhelming
Hallie Romero
- Sign into Self-Service and find out your registration time in order to be prepared.
- Days, or even 1-2 weeks before registration, go into self-service and explore class options.
- Search for classes with an “H” on them (indicating an honors class) and see if any spark your interest.
- If you are still exploring majors, look for classes that are in a field of interest and that may fulfill Gen Ed requirements.
- Take note of classes that spark your interest and ask around if anyone else has taken them: do they recommend it, what is the work-level like, how difficult is it, what’s the professor’s class structure and teaching style?
- If you do have a major, take note of how you enjoy the classes in that field. If you find the work more challenging than you can handle, severely uninteresting, or you notice no desire/ passion to continue, explore other fields and don’t be afraid to change your major. It may not be the right one for you. Don’t be afraid to talk to your advisor about it. Being unsure is okay.
- It’s important to notice when classes are offered (e.g. fall or spring, odd or even years).
- If there are classes you really want/ need to take, plan for future semesters with that in mind.
- Plan required classes that may not be as interesting in the same schedule as a class you are looking forward to.
- Play around with the classes that are at different times. You can filter on self-service which days the classes are on. Some find it easier to have most classes on 2 or 3 days. Other students like having classes spread out evenly. Even time of day: some prefer classes earlier in the day and others thrive with later classes.
- Yes, sometimes classes are required and offered at only one time, but for electives, this is important to pay attention to.
- Learn to pay attention to the times and class-breakdowns you thrive in most.
- Have between 1 and 3 backup classes in mind that could replace classes that may fill up.
- Flexibility is important!
- Everyone’s limit is different. Sometimes you can try to balance upper-level classes with lower-level and 1 credit classes. Balance and knowing what you can handle are important.
- As for how many credits to take, try not to start off super small. It may make future semesters much more full and overwhelming. Aim for a mid-level 13-15 at first and if you notice you handle it well, continue to take 14-16.
- You can add typically less work-intensive fitness classes for additional credit, they may actually help to relieve stress through working out.
- Think about taking Jan Term classes.