Planning your college class schedule is a crucial part of each semester. The idea is not to start slacking off early and to stay as productive as possible. If you do it right, you can start as a freshman, and have all your classes lined up out to your senior year. Start the day early. The more you can fit in, the more work you can get done and the more discipline you can have.

Read the Course Schedule

First, consult with the course schedule and select the times that work for you. Read about each class and its requirements. If it has labs and service requirements, these are extra time slots, so be sure you can fit these in your schedule. The earlier you plan your major, the easier it is to allow time for prerequisites and internships.

Have Backup Plans

Courses fill up quickly during registration, even ones you need. For each class you plan on taking, have three alternatives to register for. It’s not uncommon for freshmen to have to rearrange their schedules at the last minute. Having other useful classes in mind can help you feel less overwhelmed when selecting college classes.

Get Advice from Others

From school advisers to upperclassmen, there are many people who can help guide you. Talk to someone who is an expert in the program you are pursuing. Those who have been at your level can also offer advice, from what classes to start with to which professors are more helpful. Talk to an expert or one who is enrolled to get more information about USC’s LLM masters program.

Know Your Capabilities

A heavy course load isn’t for everyone. If it makes you more comfortable, start out with fewer classes. You may be better off taking on a higher course load later when you are better adjusted. Overwhelming yourself can cause discouragement and unnecessary stress. You’ll also learn what works for you over time.

In today’s world, online classes    abound and may seem more tempting. An online class at Indiana State University may offer more flexibility. You can work at your own pace, but this is useful only if it’s easy to learn this way. Some people just don’t have the time management skills or learning style to excel without the structure of an in-person class.

When planning your college class schedule, consider your educational needs and what you are most comfortable with. Some options may work better for some students than others. Think about how much work you can handle and what you plan to major in. The better informed you are, the less stressful it is to make a class schedule that works for you.