Introduction

It’s about halfway through the year which means it’s almost time to register for Spring Semester classes. I’m pretty sure we are all nervous about the next semester but the one thing college kids love is picking their own classes. I was kind of roped into certain classes for Fall Semester so this semester is important to me because I’ve picked all of my classes and have potential schedules ready. When it comes to the University of Iowa, we have a thing called schedule builder which makes several class schedules you can choose from along with talking with your advisor.

Schedule Builder

This is a great tool for us whenever it comes to picking classes. You can choose different classes that you’re interested even when it comes to open majors, or if you already know your major or double majors. My intended majors are psychology and creative writing so being able to pick classes for my major helps out a lot in many ways. Mostly because I’m an open major but I want to do creative writing and psychology. I have three schedules that I’m thinking of for the Spring Semester which is good. This leads to my next point of making an appointment with your advisor to be approved for classes.

Meet With Advisor

For first years and second years most of the time you meet with your advisor so they can approve of your course. My advisor approved my classes and just told me what to do when it came to registration day. I registered on November 11th at 8:30 pm, so I can register for classes during or after that time. Plus it’s my birthday as well on the day I register I’m going to be ready to press that blue button on the schedule builder and get the classes I want. I have backup schedules if they fill you quickly. Early registration opens from Nov 7th to Dec 2nd for classes for Winter 2022 and Spring 2023. So I’m to be typing very fast to make sure I get all the classes I want.

Always Have Backup Classes

The typical amount of hours is 15 semester hours. All of my classes at the moment equal 15 semester hours which is right on the money for being able to graduate in 4 years as an undergrad. I don’t know if I want to do graduate school here yet but that’s a story for another time. The 1st schedule I’d like to have is Creative Writing Studio Workshop, MoneyWise, Academic Seminar II, Beginning Jazz, Introduction to Developmental Science, and Theater and Society Ancients and Moderns. This is the number 1 schedule I would like to have and if I’m lucky enough to get it then I’ll be grateful. Plus certain classes will draw you in so just take a chance if your major has something to do with engineering try a creative class and just see how it goes. It’s recommended that you take at least one class that is not related to your major in any way or shape possible. But once you have scheduled it’s important that you have time in between classes or time to study.

Make Sure You Have Time In-between Classes

I personally like to have at least an hour to 2 hours in-between classes to calm down or get ready for the next class. Since most of my classes this semester are in the morning I get all of the afternoon to study for papers, quizzes, and readings. Next semester my earliest class with start at 11:30 am which is fine but I’ll still have time in-between to study or get ready for that next class. I will say, even though in high school you might have 8:30 classes, 8:30’s in college is not it. I struggle to get up in the morning but I do get to class on time. I also suggest that if your classes are back to back make sure they are near each other or at least in the same building. One of my friends has at least 10 minutes in between classes and walks up and down the hill within a matter of 3 to 5 minutes.

Closing Thoughts

Play around with what your schedule is going to be mostly because it’s easy to get so overwhelmed that you can forget about what you’re in college in the first place. Also, make sure you look over sample plans for your major because you’re on your own kid. You have to keep track of your own gen-eds and electives because your advisors are meant to help guide you in the right direction but you always have to make sure you are on your own. Try out different schedules and make sure you get at least one gen-ed within your schedule and balance. Thank you all for taking the time to read this post, I hope you guys got some much-needed information.