It's that time again: Top tips to ensure course registration goes smoothly

The Fall 2024 semester has flown by, and the time to register for spring courses is now upon us. While it's exhilarating to see what new classes you can take, course registration can be difficult, thanks to sections closing and special permission numbers. 

Whether this is your first time registering for classes or your fourth, here are some helpful tips to ensure your course registration goes as smoothly as possible.

Plan ahead

Our first piece of advice is to plan multiple schedules ahead of time. In case your dream schedule has any issues when registration time comes around, it's always best to have a backup option. 

You can plan multiple schedules using the Course Schedule Planner (CSP) by choosing classes, selecting the sections you desire and saving the schedule that works best for you. 

The website is a great tool for seeing which sections each professor teaches, and it can help you visualize what your spring semester will look like. When registration time comes around, you can simply register your entire schedule using the hard-to-miss link.

It's also important to consider which campus each class is on and the commute time it may require to get from one to another.

And keep in mind if you prefer morning, afternoon or evening classes. This schedule will be with you all of next semester, so make sure you're happy with it.

Book an advising appointment

If you are unsure of what classes you need to take or want some ideas, try booking an advising appointment with an academic advisor. 

Speaking to an academic advisor, whether in-person or online, is the best way to know which classes you'll need to take in order to fulfill your requirements. Refer to Rutgers' website to book an appointment before the time slots fill up.

If you can't meet with an advisor, be sure to see which courses fulfill your requirements by using Degree Navigator.

Rate My Professors

Rate My Professors is crucial for students who are curious to know what their potential instructors will be like. 

Many Rutgers faculty are on the website, so if you see a professor's name listed under a course, be sure to check out their reviews. They give valuable insights into a professor's teaching style and requirements. 

Hearing the perspective of previous students offers a glimpse into what the course may look like for you. Be sure to read these reviews with your specific goals in mind.

Keep an eye on open sections

When the time to register for courses comes around, and some sections have unfortunately been filled, don't give up hope just yet. Be on the lookout for sections that may open, as students can change their minds and drop the course. 

Check the class frequently, especially as the start of the semester approaches. Students often drop classes around that time.

Set an alarm

This is the most important, and nerve-wracking, step in class registration — be on time to register on Webreg.

When the clock reaches your allotted register time, click the button immediately. Don't get frustrated when the loading sign appears, be patient and let the internet work its magic. 

The registration dates and times can be found here, and depend on how many credits you currently have.

Hopefully, we've given you enough tips to ensure your registration morning goes as well as possible. Best of luck and happy scheduling!