To state the obvious: your classes are the reason you go to college. Every college and program and major has different requirements, so I cannot address them all here. That said, building a good class schedule each semester is more art than science. Here are a few general tips that apply to every college:

 

• Make a balanced schedule. If you have required classes for a major, try to balance those with classes for the university graduation requirements. Unless you have very strong interests in one direction, do not choose all quantitative classes or all reading-intensive classes in one semester. Finally, if possible at your college, balance large and small classes. Many introduction level courses are larger (and that can mean very different things depending on the college). Learning in a large lecture is a very different experience. It is one of the most difficult academic transitions from high school. It is hard to avoid completely, but you want to balance it out with a few smaller classes, especially early in college. Balance is healthy. 

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• Choose at least one class every semester that sparks joy. Ideally, you will love every class you take in college. Realistically some classes will be requirements that you have to get through. It is a bad idea to just take all required courses your first year. You want to be excited about classes. Also, many faculty do not want to teach required courses. They want to teach in their area of expertise and research, which usually means an elective. This means faculty for required courses may be less enthusiastic and less engaged. We hope that is not the case, but it is reality.

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• Ask for recommendations from students. Students usually have the best insights into classes and professors. Talk to your TAs and your RAs. Seek peer mentors on campus.

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• Professor-shop with caution. There are many ways to get opinions on professors, but they are all opinions. Everyone learns differently, so do not give too much weight to others' views of professors. Go to class, read their syllabus, and make your judgment. That said, once you find a professor you like, take every class you can with them. A good professor can make anything interesting. A bad professor can ruin the best topic.

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• Be realistic about your daily schedule, but create good habits. Many students try to avoid morning classes. If you don't start class until 12 pm, the odds are you will just sleep until right before class. That leads to a cycle of late nights. Most students were at school by 7:30 or 8 am for four years of high school, so a 9 or 10:30 am class should be bearable, and might help create good habits.  No one wants to hear this, but most of my most successful students get up early(ish) during the week. On the other hand, do not sign up for 8 am classes if you will not be able to get up. Like all things related to schedules, try to find a balance.