<p>This time, class related advice:</p>
<p>Cant get into the class you want? Class is full? Don’t give up yet, go and talk to the class’ professor and explain your situation. In many cases he/she will make an exception and allow you to get into the class. This is particularly true for lower level classeswhere enrollment reach hundreds. Dont ask for your TA or advisor’s help, they usually dont care, even if they do, theyre not in the position to be able to help. just do it yourself. Advisor’s aid only come in handy when registering for upper level classes, where profs give additional seats to few bright students only.</p>
<p>Most, if not all, profs give you syllabus at the 1st day of their classes. Read them!!! This will give you a general idea of what kind of workload you’re gonna face the rest of your semester. If its not clear, ask questions. If you think the program’s too hard (or ridiculous), it may be a good time to switch to another section, as different profs teaching the same class can have different programs.</p>
<p>If you happen to get crappy TAs, it can get pretty hard (or impossible) to get assigned to a different TA. When you have questions or need help, put a little effort to find and ask another (presumably better) TA from your class for aid. They may refuse to help at 1st, saying that taking over other TA’s student is inapropriate. Truth is good TAs will gladly help, all you gotta do is tell them you’ll keep it secret from your TA (serious commitment required on this). </p>
<p>Shop early and buy used textbooks instead of new. This saves lots of $$$, and if you pit in early its easy to find immaculate books with barely a scratch on it, all for the same cost as beaten-up books on the same lot. I saved about $300 per semester doing this.</p>