Surviving your freshman year of college is a learning experience in and of itself. Not only do you need to learn the material taught in your classes, but you also have to learn how to be a college student. One of the things you can do to make the transition easier is to choose the right classes for your first semester. To help, here are some tips for choosing classes for your freshman year.
Register for a Lighter Schedule
Your first semester is not the time to load up on classes. If possible, consider taking one class fewer than the average load. If the average load is 5 classes and 15 credits, then consider taking 4 classes and 12 credits. If you're coming to college with Advanced Placement credits or other college credits, this is a good way to use that credit buffer.
Here's one strategy: register for a full load of classes, go to all of the classes for a few days, and then drop the class you like least.
Take Core Class Requirements
Core requirements are classes that all students are required to take in order to graduate. Why take them first semester? Well, since you probably don't know for sure what your major will be, it's a good idea to take the courses you know you'll need to graduate. This way, if you change your major, you'll know for sure that these classes will count towards graduation.
Avoid the Most Difficult Classes
Do you hate calculus, or history, or something else that you'll be required to take? Don't take classes you find especially difficult or unpleasant your first semester. No, you can't put these classes off forever, and it's probably a good idea to get them out of the way during your second or third semester. But give yourself a break when you're just getting started.
Don't Load Up on Tough Classes
Unless you're a science whiz, don't take physics, chemistry, and biology your first semester. If you're going to take a class that's especially difficult, try to balance it out with one that's easier.
Experiment With Classes for Your Major
Thinking about majoring in either sociology or economics? Take an intro class in each. If possible, try to take "experiment" classes that also fulfill core requirements.
Something Old, Something New
Did you love English in high school? Take it your first semester, because then you'll have a fallback class that you'll probably like. At the same time, try out something you haven't take before. If you're required to take a science class, try out astronomy. If you need a social science elective, try political science. Spend some time reading the course catalog to look for interesting possibilities.
Best of luck! For more freshman year tips, read about how college is more difficult than high school and how to get along with your college roommate, and check out these College Freshman Year Survival Guide resources.
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
