It will be a hassle to enroll in a class that is already full. You may have to petition the professor or the department or, unfortunately, wait until a different semester or year to take the course.
For example, if you’re taking a lab-based course, try to schedule the class right before or after the coinciding lecture course.
Since it can be more enjoyable to go to a class if you’re taking it with a friend, see if you can find a friend or two to take one of your back-up classes with you. Working with a friend in class can motivate you to attend regularly, and gives you a study partner that you’ll work well with.
Some students also have trouble focusing during afternoon classes (especially right after lunch), or can’t stay awake during evening classes. Find what times work best for you.
So, if you’re taking 4 classes and spending roughly 12 hours per week in the classroom, start out by scheduling 24 hours (3 hours every night) of homework time.
Although online classes can ease your weekly schedule, they require as much work and discipline as in-seat classes.
This may mean deliberately leaving a class period empty, so you can have a long lunch. You could also get your classes out of the way in the morning, and give yourself the afternoon to unwind.
Going to a ball game or sports event. Taking dancing lessons with your friends or partner. Get a group of friends to see a movie on the same night every week.
Work with your supervisor. Let him or her know that you’re attending college as well as working, and ask if they can adjust your work schedule to accommodate your academic schedule. If you’re looking for work, consider finding a job on campus. Check with your college’s Human Resources department, or check into Student Employment opportunities in your department.
When you start Freshman year, make a rough schedule of which classes you’ll need to take during which of your eight college semesters.
If a student were to take the majority of the courses for her major within the first two years of college, she would be left taking entry-level general-education classes (Gen Eds) during her last few semesters. In the long run, the classes for your major will be most important to your education and your degree, and they’ll also be the most intellectually rewarding. If you’re taking more than one major class in a semester, spread them out during the week.
Plan to complete the Gen Ed courses early. [7] X Research source These classes are usually populated with underclassmen, and you’ll lose interest and motivation in taking intro-level courses as you move farther into your college career.
Plan to take a mix of challenging classes and easier classes every semester. This way, you won’t switch between semesters that overwhelm you and semesters that don’t challenge you.
