Tips for freshman registration

If you're curious about an incoming freshman’s summer registration, I have a few tips to help you make the most out of your first experience as a college student.If you're curious about an incoming freshman’s summer registration, I have a few tips to help you make the most out of your first experience as a college student. Being born and raised in Champaign-Urbana, I thought I knew it all about the University of Illinois campus and what it had to offer. That changed once I stepped on to the campus to register for classes for the first time. During my registration process, I was not only able to receive my first i-card and meet with my academic adviser, but I was also able to tour our beautiful campus. It showed a know-it-all townie like myself that campus has much more to offer than just the Illini Union, Memorial Stadium, and the State Farm Center. The tour turned out to be the most helpful part of my day, as you will find yourself needing to ask for directions to different buildings during your first couple of weeks of classes. The first meeting with your adviser may seem confusing. You’re not just picking out your classes, but also learning how to choose classes and balance your schedule. The goal is to make sure your first semester is manageable. The most helpful tip I have is, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. It may seem cliché, but making sure you’re as informed as possible about your major and start a good relationship with your adviser will set you on the right track. Remember, your adviser is here to help you, so he or she is expecting you to ask a lot of questions. One last suggestion: before taking your i-card picture, go to the bathroom to make sure you look presentable. You’ll be using this card for 4-plus years here, so you want to make sure you’re represented well. And be sure to keep your i-card in a safe, easily accessible place so you won’t have to pay $20 to replace it. Best of luck to all of you on your experience as college students! Go Illini!

Being born and raised in Champaign-Urbana, I thought I knew it all about the University of Illinois campus and what it had to offer. That changed once I stepped on to the campus to register for classes for the first time.

During my registration process, I was not only able to receive my first i-card and meet with my academic adviser, but I was also able to tour our beautiful campus. It showed a know-it-all townie like myself that campus has much more to offer than just the Illini Union, Memorial Stadium, and the State Farm Center.

The tour turned out to be the most helpful part of my day, as you will find yourself needing to ask for directions to different buildings during your first couple of weeks of classes.

The first meeting with your adviser may seem confusing. You’re not just picking out your classes, but also learning how to choose classes and balance your schedule. The goal is to make sure your first semester is manageable.

The most helpful tip I have is, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. It  may seem cliché, but making sure you’re as informed as possible about your major and start a good relationship with your adviser will set you on the right track. Remember, your adviser is here to help you, so he or she is expecting you to ask a lot of questions.

One last suggestion: before taking your i-card picture, go to the bathroom to make sure you look presentable. You’ll be using this card for 4-plus years here, so you want to make sure you’re represented well. And be sure to keep your i-card in a safe, easily accessible place so you won’t have to pay $20 to replace it. Best of luck to all of you on your experience as college students! Go Illini!

CHRISTOPHER LENEAR