Congratulations recent high school graduates! Welcome to the wonderful world of creating your own schedules every semester, something a lot of you are probably not used to. While the process gets easier as the semesters pass by, because, you know, freshmen and sophomores get the leftovers, you’re going to have to stick with what you can get. Here are a few things I’ve learned when it comes to making your schedule.

1. Face the fact that you might have at least one 8 AM.

My first semester, I had three. Like I said, freshmen get the worst pick of the litter. During orientation days, you’re literally skimming through leftover classes. If you’re lucky, you can escape having them. For now. If you’re not that lucky, look on the bright side. (Yes, there is a bright side.) If you have classes earlier, you get the rest of your day to yourself.

2. Meet with your counselor/advisor. Know your classes.

Meet with your advisor even if your school doesn’t require you to. One of the biggest mistakes a student could make in registering for classes is registering for the wrong class. Pay attention to the prerequisites required for each class. Know how many credits each class is worth. Each semester, there are changes made to the course catalog. Courses are added and removed and course credits are altered. Your advisors are your go-to in knowing all the most recent changes and how they could affect your future schedule, degree audit, and total credits.

3. Have a plan B, C, D, E, and F.

As an extension to the previous tip, have a list of multiple classes you wouldn’t mind taking. Just in case your first choices become unavailable before your registration time comes, have backups on deck so you won’t be scrambling around on during your registration time. Keep a close eye on your desired classes once registration week begins that way you can cross off unavailable classes and change your plans accordingly.

4. Mark your registration day and time EVERYWHERE.

Possibly the worst mistake a student could make: missing their registration time. Write it down on your wall calendar, planner, sticky notes plastered all over your desk and bathroom mirror. Set multiple alarms on your phone. Try and log onto your registration site 10-15 minutes before your registration time. Take that time to go over the classes you’ve added to your list. Keep refreshing the page. Take note of what classes are filling up. You might have to change plans and go with one of your backups.

5. Use the library computers.

If the wi-fi in your dorm is unreliable, don’t do it to yourself. Take your laptop to the library or somewhere with reliable wi-fi. Use the library’s computers if you need to. Make sure to get there early. Some people might be ahead of you and beat you to the punch.

6. Don’t stress. There are always dropped seats.

So, you couldn’t get the schedule you wanted? It’s okay. For one, at least the classes you are taking are counting towards something, whether they just give you credits you needed or complete some type of requirement for your major. Didn’t get the times you wanted? Revisit your registration site once break starts. People usually end up dropping out of classes during break. Maybe you can get lucky and swipe the last available seat.