When creating your class schedule you have to think about so many different elements.
- Think about your sleep schedule first. Sleeping is so important and amazing for your health as well as your mental health.
You know yourself better than anyone else. If you stay up super late, do not schedule an 8 a.m. class thinking you will become a morning person. I promise you will not.
Be realistic and do not try to change yourself because halfway through the semester you will probably go back to your old ways of staying up late and waking up late.
I personally know that I can never go to bed early, so I started scheduling my first class for 11am.
This semester, my first class starts at 2pm, so it is safe to say I definitely prioritize sleep.
If you are someone who likes to wake up early, schedule all morning classes so you can enjoy your afternoon.
Taking morning classes, finishing around noon, and then taking a nap is one of the best feelings in the world.
Overall just keep your typical sleeping schedule in mind when registering for classes.
- Figure out what classes you need to take.
Talk to your advisor about what classes you need to register for credits towards your degree.
If your advisor isn’t helpful, take measures into your own hands and start doing your own research.
My college has a website called Degree Works which basically shows you everything you need to know about getting your degree.
It shows you categories of what is needed to complete your degree such as your general education courses, major requirements, minor requirements, etc.
The website also shows you what classes you have already taken, need to take, and in progress classes.
My favorite part of this website is that it shows you in a percentage how close you are to completing your degree.
If you ever have questions about what classes to take, talk to your advisor, friends, teachers, and even classmates.
- Once all of your classes are set in stone, use apps like Google Calendar to make a weekly schedule.
Doing this, you will be able to physically see what times your classes are and when you have free time to do activities such as lunch, dinner, working out, hanging with friends, etc.
I personally really like using a whiteboard calendar and a physical planner.
The whiteboard is amazing for when you’re on the go and need to quickly see what assignments you have due that day as well as my cheerleading schedule.
The planner works great for when I have assignments and need to write down more indepth instructions.
I also like that I can take the planner around with me anywhere so if I am out and about I can quickly write down my assignments.
- Prioritize time with loved ones.
College can get stressful very quickly so it is very important that you are surrounding yourself with people who love you.
Visiting your family, friends, or pets can have many positive effects on your mental health.
One of my favorite activities to do with my family is play card and board games.
We usually order a pizza and have a full night of games and/or movies.
Some of our favorite games are Kings in the corner, Yatzee and Scat.
I also love spending time with my friends from home.
Since we all go to a different college, we get together and like to tell stories and updates on our lives.
- Sports.
As a college athlete, I find it hard to have time due to practices, lifting, etc.
I really like using a Google Calendar to write down all of my practices and see them physically.
In doing this, I am able to see what free slots I have to do homework or study.
Teammates are also a great resource for studying. Some of them have probably taken the same classes you have taken, so if you’re struggling you can always ask them for help.
Doing homework with your teammates also helps with accountability because you both obviously want to get your assignments done so you’re not stressing.
- Working.
Working in college is all personal preference.
Some choose part-time jobs, some full-time but it is definitely stressful to find time to work.
I personally do not work during college because I simply do not have time.
So, I like to work over the summer but I work 50-60 hours a week so that I have money for the school year.
I also work on breaks for extra money.
Everyone has different ways of doing things, and you just have to figure out what is perfect for you and what fits in your schedule.
Hopefully these tips will help you with creating your perfect college schedule.
Remember to always reach out to peers, counselors, professors, family, etc. They are there to help and want to see you succeed
