Hey Uglies,
Smell the looseleaf paper and wite-out in the air? It’s back-to-school time, which is really what Coed Ugly is all about!
I’m entering my penultimate year of college and I’m still freaking out about class schedules and books and all manner of school-related things. But maybe it’ll be easier for you all if you learn from my mistakes (and occasional triumphs). So begins my back-to-school saga, which will hopefully make a complete guide to being the best coeds you Uglies can be!
First off, some tips on signing up for classes:
1) Shop around: Just like shopping for clothes, shopping for classes is very much a trial-and-error experience. Sign up for as many classes as you are able to and drop the ones you don’t like. It’s a great way to really see what you’re getting yourself into.
2) Stop Settling: Don’t just take a mediocre class because you think it’s too late to change things for the better. Adding a class in the second week or even third week is no big deal, especially if it is a lower-level class. Just make sure to get caught up through your professor, TA, or a fellow student.
3) Pick a Prof: If you want an idea of what a professor is like before attending class, check ratemyprofessor.com, the equivalent of Yelp for college professors, to see what other people think. I learned the hard way just how accurate these reviews can be and naively took a class with a professor with a bad rating. Worst. Idea. Ever. But still, do take reviews with a grain of salt. “AMAZING” professors may simply be the ones who are easy graders.
4) Have fun! (I can’t stress this enough): In college, there are class options on myriad topics never before seen in high school. Don’t just take the classes that you’re required to take; look around for classes that sound interesting and try taking those too! One of the most amazing classes I’ve ever taken was Scandinavian 125 (Old Norse Literature), a class I added completely on a whim and ended up adoring! So, if “Peace and Conflict Studies” or “Ghosts and the Modern Literary Imagination” sounds up your alley, give it a shot!
Got any tips I didn’t cover? Comment with ‘em or send ’em on over to us! We’d love to hear what wisdom you have to impart!
Also, watch out for future installments, featuring food, clothing, technology, and more!
<3 Wendy
