Starting college comes with a lot of firsts, and one of the biggest is building your very first class schedule. At the University of Alabama, Bama Bound orientation is your official welcome to campus and the moment when it all starts to feel real. Between exploring campus and meeting new people, you’ll also have to make choices about your classes that can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you already have a major in mind or are still figuring things out, this guide will help you survive picking classes with confidence, curiosity, and a little less stress.
1. Orientation Reality Check: What You’re Walking Into
Bama Bound is one of your first big steps into college life. While it’s exciting, it can also feel a little overwhelming. Between campus tours, student panels, icebreakers, and trying to remember names, you’re also expected to register for your very first semester of college classes. That can feel like a lot, especially if you aren’t totally sure about your major or future plans yet. The truth is, most students feel some pressure to “get it right,” but there’s no one-size-fits-all formula.
The good news is you don’t need to have your life mapped out right now. Bama Bound is built to support you, and you’ll have access to academic advisors, current students, and tools to help you build a schedule that fits your goals, interests, and lifestyle. You’re not just picking classes. You’re starting your journey, and there are people to help guide you to survive picking classes at UA.
2. Understand Your Degree Requirements (Even If You’re Undecided)
Survive picking classes at UA by taking time to do your own research. Before you dive into class registration, it helps to get a basic sense of what your degree path looks like. If you’ve declared a major, check out your DegreeWorks audit on myBama. It breaks down core classes, credits, and even lets you test out “what-if” scenarios if you’re thinking about switching majors down the line. If you’re undecided, don’t panic. Lots of students come in unsure, and the best approach is to start with general education courses. These classes like English, math, science, history, social science, and fine arts count toward almost every degree, so you’re not wasting time or credits. They also help you explore different subjects while meeting requirements.
I also recommend reaching out exploring all of UA’s classes, which can be found here. UA offers tons of fun and interesting classes, so it’s worth taking the time to see what’s out there. Some of these include fitness classes at the recreation center and here. If you have questions about a certain career path or classes offered, don’t hesitate to reach out to an advisor before. During Bama Bound, you’ll have people around to help you with any questions you might have and help pick courses that make sense. Most students take 12 to 16 credit hours their first semester, and starting with 12 or 13 is a smart move if you want time to adjust without being overwhelmed.
3. Create a Class Mix That Works (Gen Eds + Major Courses)
Survive picking classes by creating a schedule that fits you best. A strong first semester schedule usually includes a mix of general education and one or two major-specific or exploratory classes. If you already have a major or area of interest like business, communications, nursing, or education, see if there’s an intro class you can try. Even if you’re not totally committed to the major, dipping your toe in early can help you figure out if it’s a good fit.
No matter your major, try to build a schedule with a healthy balance. For example, don’t load up on four writing-intensive or lab-heavy courses in one semester. If you’re taking something challenging like calculus or chemistry, pair it with something more discussion-based like sociology or music appreciation. That balance will help you manage stress and stay engaged. Also, don’t shy away from electives just because they seem random. Sometimes those unexpected classes are where you discover a new passion or future minor.
4. Build a Schedule That Fits Your Life, Not Just Your Degree Plan
Your class schedule shouldn’t just make sense on paper. It should work for you in real life. Think about how you function best. Are you a morning person who thrives in 8 a.m. classes, or do you need time to fully wake up before diving into lectures? I personally like Tuesday and Thursday classes because the open days in between give me more time for studying, getting involved on campus, or just having some breathing room.
You’ll also see options for in-person, hybrid, or online classes. If you’re living on campus and want the full college experience, in-person is definitely worth it. It keeps you connected to your professors and classmates and helps you feel like part of the community. Online classes can offer flexibility, but they do require more self-discipline and time management. Try to avoid back-to-back classes across campus, and give yourself mental breaks in between. Trust me, a 15-minute walk in Alabama heat hits different.
5. Do Your Research and Avoid the Rookie Mistakes
Before you lock in your classes, there are a few rookie mistakes to avoid. First, always check for prerequisites. If a class lists one, it’s for a reason. You’ll need that background knowledge to succeed. Second, don’t overload yourself with credits just because you feel like you should. Twelve hours is still full-time, and it’s okay to ease into college life. Third, Rate My Professor is a helpful tool, but don’t treat it like gospel. Some people hate a professor others love, and vice versa. Use it for trends, but balance that with insight from orientation leaders, older students, and your advisor.
Explore class options ahead of Bama Bound using Schedule Builder on myBama, and always have some backups in mind in case your first choices fill up. Finally, ask questions. Everyone is there to help you. It’s literally their job, and there’s no shame in not knowing everything right away.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Perfect Schedule, Just a Smart One
At the end of the day, your first semester schedule isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. You’re going to learn a lot in your first few months—what subjects you like, how you learn best, how much downtime you need, and how to balance everything. You can always adjust later, and that’s part of the process. What matters most is building a schedule that gives you structure, freedom, and room to grow. Ask for help when you need it, trust your gut, and remember that every student around you is figuring it out too. You’ve got this, and you’re already ahead of the curve just by being prepared. Welcome to Bama. Roll Tide!
