Creating the perfect college class schedule is a system of trial and error and is going to vary among every student. College offers you the freedom to make a schedule that fits your lifestyle and suits your individual needs, but establishing the right routine may take some time. As you plan your schedule here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Selecting Classes

A good place to start when selecting classes in college is to look at your school’s course catalog. This will help give you ideas of what classes to take if you face uncertainty, while also helping you narrow down your choices by eliminating classes that do not interest you. Keep track of any classes that you want to take, while noting additional options in case your first choices are full at the time of registration. Keep the requirements of your chosen major in mind while examining your options, and if you have not declared a major, use this time to explore what your college has to offer; you may find yourself interested in a subject you may not have otherwise considered. If you choose to not complete your general education requirements during your first year, try to incorporate them into your schedule each semester, so you are not waiting until the last minute. It’s going to be more beneficial to focus on your major as you reach your junior and senior years.

College Credit

Make use of earned college credits and placement exams. If you earned credit in high school through AP or IB programs, speak with your advisor to make sure these credits are applied, as they can potentially spare you from taking some general education classes. If your college offers language or math placement exams, this can be a helpful tool to help you earn credit and leave room in your schedule for a course of interest.

Timing

Timing is essential when creating your class schedule. If your campus is very large and the classes you take are across campus from one another, leave yourself enough time to get to and from each building. Consider leaving time in your schedule for lunch or a small break between classes if you have multiple in a row. A break between classes can give you time to study, catch up on assignments, or meet friends. You will also need to consider travel time if you are a commuter student. If you live in a major city or encounter traffic regularly, keep this in mind when planning your schedule and consider scheduling after peak traffic times if possible.

Morning vs. Evening Classes

Based on individual preferences, morning and evening classes offer great benefits. If you are someone who thrives in the morning and likes to have time in the evening for relaxation or social activities, morning classes may be for you. On the other hand, if you’re someone who dreads when your alarm goes off and you yearn for those few extra minutes of sleep, afternoon or evening classes may be a better fit. Though nighttime classes can create a long day, they offer more flexibility for students who desire or need to balance their academic needs with work.

Balance

As a student, balance is everything, and finding the right balance in your classes is just as important as finding time to manage your class load, social life, work, and extracurricular activities. For example, if you are required to take several math or science classes, but these subjects are not enticing to you, don’t load your schedule with multiple math or science classes in one semester, leave room for a class that is purely for pleasure to break up your days. Don’t be afraid to change and try something new if you find that a routine doesn’t work for you or it becomes boring. Our needs change over time and what works as a freshman may not work the farther we get into our college career.

FL Department of Education Pathways to Success Guide

Nathalie Rodriguez