Registration madness

Well, we didn't get that snow day, but such is life.

The past week was spent looking forward, preparing for registering for classes - my registration time was last Thursday. Now that I have everything set up, I'm in a completely different mindset. But I was definitely very wrapped up in all the details last week, worrying about the classes that were filling up already, arranging and rearranging various options in the CU Schedule Planner, and generally worrying about how it would all work out.

A few things I learned:

1. Don't get too attached to one plan/class/schedule: This kept happening to me. I would think I had "the perfect schedule," with all the classes I thought I needed, all arranged in just the right order (not too early - no 8AMs - and not too late - this semester I have a class that goes till 10PM). But again and again, these "perfect schedules" kept falling through, and I'd have to start over.

2. You should prepare: I have no idea how I would have dealt with picking classes if I hadn't already known what I was planning on doing when I signed onto CUConnect at my assigned time. There's plenty you can do to prepare, like making several schedules that would work, or at the very least, choosing classes you're interested in.

3. Keep track of things: both the Schedule Planner and CUConnect itself will list how many people are already enrolled in classes, whether the class is closed or still has room. Several of the classes I wanted filled up or were even canceled before I got there, but I was able to rearrange my plans because I kept checking every few days.

As for my own personal approach, I made goals: I didn't want 8AM classes, I wanted either Friday or Monday off, I wanted to get as many Core credits done as possible, and I wanted to continue moving in my film major. I was ready to acknowledge that some of these goals might not work out, but in the end, I kept working on my schedule until they did.

So that's a little bit about my experience with registering - I'm sure that each semester, it will get easier. I hope it goes well for everyone else in college this semester, or that it went well, if you've already registered.

Cheers :)

This blog is sponsored by the CU Book Store.

Winter Wonderland

Written today at 2:30 pm...

If I haven't said it already on this blog, welcome to Boulder... home of the freakish snowstorms that hit before Halloween. CU Students, I hope you all are enjoying your partial snow day and *fingers crossed* we'll have a lovely day off tomorrow.

I'm sitting here in my room, being slowly trapped in the building by several feet of snow, cranking up the Christmas music (I know, I know, it's early for that, but I couldn't resist), sipping hot tea... and, yeah, it's only the end of October. This storm has managed to surprise me quite a bit - there have been many years where we have had snow storms before November, but I don't remember any with quite the umph that this one has.

Anyway, I thought I'd take a moment to talk a bit about weather survival tips at CU, an in Boulder in general:

1. Never underestimate the weirdness of our weather. I have personally seen it go from 60 degrees and sunny to 25 degrees and blizzard-ing in a few HOURS, let alone a few days.

2. Always carry an umbrella. Getting soaked is the worst, particularly if you have to sit in class with damp jeans and dripping hair. There's just no need; buy a small pocket or travel umbrella and keep it around when you go out.

3. Buy and USE gloves and a hat. This might sound motherly, but people who complain about being cold and don't dress properly kind of annoy me. Cold hands and ears are awful, so buy a fuzzy set and bundle up. You'll be glad you have them.

4. Get shoes with good soles. Whatever works for you is fine, but it often rains before it snows, which - voila! - means lots of ice. No one wants to deal with a broken bone, and though you think you have a sturdy step, it only takes one patch of black ice for you to hit the pavement.

5. And don't forget the marshmallows... It's that hot chocolate/ tea / hot drink time of year, stock up!

Anyone have any fun snow or snow day related stories to share?

Stay warm, Boulderites! :)

This blog is sponsored by the CU Book Store.