Academic advising for Fall 2019 is just around the corner, which means it is almost time to register for next semester’s courses. Starting March 11, you can login to My Account to view your time ticket to register for Summer 2019 and Fall 2019 courses, but sometimes balancing a full schedule and juggling the many responsibilities that come with being a student can feel overwhelming. When making your course schedule, it is important to be mindful of your physical and mental health. Here are some helpful and healthful tips and strategies to consider when registering for classes.

1. Schedule Time to Grab a Meal

Sometimes when planning your schedule it is easy to forget to plan around meal times, especially on the days when you have back-to-back classes. It is helpful to map out your anticipated daily schedule in a planner or Google calendar to visualize when you will have time in the day to grab a bite to eat. Remember, it’s helpful to take a break and step away from your studies in order to nourish your body and get the energy you need to keep moving forward throughout the day.

2. Make Time for Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important factors to consider when planning out your schedule and registering for classes. Planning to take an 8:00 a.m. class on a Monday sounds great until you realize you tend to start your homework after Singspo on Sunday night. On the other hand, if you know your mind is not as attentive at 7:00 p.m., try to steer clear of those evening classes. Know yourself and what helps you be successful – maybe it’s not the best idea to register for an early morning or late night class. If you simply cannot avoid a class that clashes with your sleeping habits, be sure to rearrange your study schedule and sleeping schedule accordingly so you don’t find yourself sleeping in class.

3. It’s Ok to Say No

There are so many opportunities to get involved at Biola. Whether it is in a club, an intramural sport or working an on-campus job, there are many ways to be connected on campus. Sometimes with all these great opportunities, students can overcommit themselves to the point of feeling overwhelmed.

It is important to prioritize classes first and then fit extracurricular activities into your free time. This assures that you are not only getting into the classes that you need, but also leaving time for engagement in campus life and events. Remember, it is okay to say no to anything that you think will make your schedule too much to handle. There is no shame in being honest with yourself and knowing how much you can and cannot do. As the saying goes, “Anything that costs you your peace is too expensive.”

Although academic advising season can be stressful, hopefully these tips encourage you to cultivate healthy habits while planning your course schedule. The academic advisors and peer academic advisors in Sutherland are always available to you if you have questions about registering for Fall 2019 or how to create a balanced schedule.

Schedule an advising appointment on Handshake.


Written by Kiyana Sagarang, peer advisor for Communication Sciences and Disorders. For more information, contact Kiyana at csds.peer.advising@biola.edu.