<p>As an incoming first-year, I have no idea what to expect at UVa, and quite honestly the entire scheduling process has me somewhat overwhelmed. I am going to be a student in the College, and I was hoping that some more experienced Cavaliers could give me some insight as to what classes are a MUST and which ones I should probably avoid. (I'll say that I'm a tentative English major with a strong aversion to mathematics) Also, I was wondering what the scheduling process involved at orientation, like how much time we actually get with an advisor before we choose our classes and how early one should arrive on Thursday to ensure an early scheduling slot on Friday.</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>At orientation, try to talk to as many students as possible about classes that they recommend. I wouldn't rely too much on your advisor...in this situation your better off listening to your peers. You shouldn't stress too much, though. You'll have plenty of time to change your mind and switch classes around.</p>
<p>As a transfer, I've gotten a bit more guidence simply because our choice of classes matter a bit more (a lot more for third years, e-school, a-school, and nursing students), so i'll chime in.<br>
Look on the College website (<a href="http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/college/requirements/index.html%5B/url%5D">http://artsandsciences.virginia.edu/college/requirements/index.html</a>) and look at the general requirements. You'll need to complete these over your first two years, but you can pick the classes that fullfill the req. You'll need to fullfill the writing, foriegn language, and area reqs. Read through the course offering directory (COD) online and look at some classes you'd like to take. Click on their description and see if it sounds interesting or not. Also, under the description it will often say "Fullfills _______ req" and it will say writing or non-western, or whatever. The link above also has a list of the classes that fullfills each section. Start a list of the classes you'd like to take, with i'd say ~10-15 classes (you'll take probably 5). I would make the list, then color-code certain classes that fullfill a req (such as green for lang, purple for math, yellow for social science, ect). That way, when you get to orientation your advisor can help you pick which req to fill and help guide you in picking classes if they don't fullfill a req (you don't necessarily have to take all req. classes, especially if you have AP credit). Beyond that, don't worry about anything. I know plenty of people who went without any list and came out just fine. But if you want to get ahead, find classes you'd like to take and let them help you later. Hence why it's orientation. Like Cav said, there's plenty of time to change it, and changing classes online is much like losing your virginity: yes, it's scary the first time and is nerve-wrecking in that you might mess up, but once you do it it gets easier and better each time there after. So don't sweat it =P</p>
<p>Also, I don't think getting to Orientation early will get you the best time slot for the next day. I'm pretty sure they already have times picked out for each student before they arrive, but I may be wrong. It just seems dumb to do it first come , first serve, because then there would be a mad rush of people trying to get there at the start.</p>
<p>Arriving early on Thursday means nothing, but going to your advisor early on Friday could. Some students come late or whatever so if you come early to the advisor's office you could get his or her approval, and you can go to -insert name of scheduling building for A&C majors here- Hall earlier than expected to get your top choices with a better chance. It does not work for some, but it helps.</p>