Fall is quickly approaching which means classes are about to start. When the first week of classes start, it’s also drop/add week. This means you can drop and add classes without any consequences of withdrawing. Drop/add is the perfect time to pursue the flawless schedule of classes that works for you. Here are some tips to make registering for classes a breeze.

Use Athena before hand

Athena is the University of Georgia’s website for registering for both on campus and online classes. Make sure you have your myID, password and cellphone handy to login for Arch Pass. Get comfortable with Athena and learn how to use it efficiently before it’s crunch time to register. Click on “student” and then “registration” and everything for classes will be there. One trick is if you’re waiting for a class to open a seat, write down the CRN number and plug it in each time on the “add or drop classes” page. This way, you won’t have to keep clicking through multiple pages to see if your class has a seat left.

Research professors

Before you register for classes, investigate the professors teaching the course. Go on websites such as Rate My Professor and Koofers to see how other students rated the professor and class. You can see helpful information such as what the course was like, if the textbook was needed, how many tests were taken and what the professor was like. For more information, you can view courses on UGA’s Bulletin and download a previous syllabus. You can compare the different professors and the structure of the class and pick which professor matches your learning style.

Write out schedule

Open up Excel, Word or good ole fashioned pen and paper to plan your schedule out. First, write out your obligations such as work, child care or appointments. Keep in mind the time it takes to drive or if things take longer. Once you have those sections blocked off, take a look at your courses and how long they are. Rearrange, move around, erase or delete classes until you have a schedule that fits. Consider classwork and taking tests online and block off time for assignments.