How to build your schedule as a freshman in engineering
How to build your schedule as a freshman in engineering
- Undergraduate
January 22, 2025
Going into your freshman year at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, you’ll make a class schedule before you even move in! As an engineering major, it’s helpful to get advice from upperclassmen on what worked for them when picking their classes. But chances are, you don’t know anyone in The Grainger College of Engineering yet — and that’s okay. It’s also why we’re here!
We reached out to Illinois Grainger Engineering students studying computer science, industrial engineering and civil engineering to collect some tips and tricks for how to build a schedule that will work best for you. View an example schedule for each major and the thought process behind it.
Computer Science Example Schedule
Tip #1: Make time for lunch!
No dedicated lunch period exists in college, which can make it easy to forget to plan for lunch. Whether you pack a snack or drop by a dining hall between classes, it's important to make time to eat throughout your day. Besides, a great way to make friends in your classes is to invite them to lunch afterward!
Tip #2: Don’t rush though GenEds.
Although it's a good idea to get ahead on degree requirements, spreading general education courses throughout your four years gives you a change in pace as you dive deeper into your technical classes. Having a mixture of coursework and content can be relaxing and lighten your load as the years go on. As long as you have a plan to finish your requirements in time, it's fine to space out these easier classes, which can save you from burning out in the long run.
Industrial Engineering Example Schedule
Tip #3: Plan for your minor.
Some students know that they want a minor before classes start, while others figure it out much later — but either way, it's important to plan ahead. If you know you want to minor in something but aren’t sure of the exact subject, start exploring required classes in related fields early on. The industrial engineering student above wants a business minor, so they are taking ECON 102 as a prerequisite to make sure they can meet all requirements.
Tip #4: Know when you work best.
When creating your own schedule, it's important to consider when and how you do your best work. Some people will work better with breaks between classes to do homework or give their brain some processing time, while others like to have all their classes back-to-back to end their day early and start their homework then. Either way, it's up to you to discover what works best for you to set yourself up for success!
Civil Engineering Example Schedule
Tip #5: Keep in mind your preferred sleep schedule.
Some people are early birds, some people are night owls — and in college, you get to figure out which one you are! When picking your classes, think about your ideal wake-up time and try not to schedule any classes before that. Taking 8 or 9 a.m. classes when you realistically wake up at 10 will only harm you and your academic performance. On the other hand, if you like getting a jump on your day, an 8 a.m. class can be motivating. College is one of the few times you get to pick when your day starts, so take full advantage!
Tip #6: Be resilient and use your resources.
Your first semester does not decide what the rest of your college experience will be like. If your schedule doesn't work for you during your first semester, switch it up for the next one! Picking classes is hard, and you're bound to have one or two semesters when you don’t get into your first-choice courses. If you’re ever feeling confused or stuck, schedule meetings with your advisor for advice and to make sure you are on track to accomplish your academic goals. Upperclassmen have been there before and can often provide great insights, too.
You can find a curriculum map for every engineering major to help get you started on your schedule and use our course explorer to fill in any gaps. Good luck, we know you've got this!