As students step into the month of November, they have a lot to look forward to—crisp fall weather, Thanksgiving break, and the opportunity to spend some time with friends and family.
However, one thing in November that may get students stressed is registration for the winter 2025 semester. Choosing classes is not always easy, and it can be especially difficult for first-year students who may not have decided on a major yet. However, backed with some information and helpful tips, students can relax about registration while still planning a path that will get them where they want to go.
First, it is essential for students to know when registration is. Here are some important upcoming registration dates:
- Thursday, Nov. 14: registration for freshmen with 0-11 credit hours opens
- Wednesday, Nov. 13: registration for freshmen with 12-24 credit hours opens
- Tuesday, Nov. 12: registration for sophomores with 25–55 credit hours opens
- Monday, Nov. 11: registration for juniors with 56–84 credit hours opens
- Friday, Nov. 8: registration for seniors with 85 or more credit hours opens
- Thursday, Nov. 7: registration for graduate and undergraduate post bachelor non-degree students opens
- Wednesday, Nov. 6: registration for all Honors College students, doctoral fellows, and graduate assistants opens
All students in the Honors College will be able to register on Wednesday, Nov. 6 no matter their year in college. For example, a freshman in the Honors College may still register on Nov. 6.
The time of day at which students may register also depends on their completed credit hours. For example, all non-honors freshmen with 12-24 credit hours may register on Nov. 13, but a student with 22 credit hours may register at 10 a.m. on that day, while a student with 24 may register at 8 a.m. To learn more about exact times to register, students can visit this link.
Now that they know when registration opens, students may find themselves wondering what they can do to make the process easier. One of the best things they can do is register as early as possible. By registering early, students give themselves a better chance of being able to find a spot in the classes they need and want.
By contrast, waiting to register can result in those classes filling up with other students. Students may find it helpful to mark those registration dates on their calendars and make sure they register as soon as they can.
Nick Malendowski, Assistant Director of the Eastern Michigan University Honors College, also offered some helpful registration tips for students.
"One of the biggest things is ... utilizing campus support systems ... whether that be the Holman Success Center, a faculty advisor you might have, or academic advisors," he said.
Malendowski emphasized the importance of students communicating with their advisors to make sure they are registering for classes that will move them forward in their chosen major. Without that clear communication, it can be easy for students to get confused and end up registering for classes that they do not need.
Malendowski also recommended looking through EMU's undergraduate catalog, which offers descriptions of different courses, programs, and even academic departments.
"The catalog really gives a good outline of what's required for your degree but also the sequence of that degree," he said. "It shows what's considered the core, what's considered the major. So it really helps you get an outline of what they're looking to do with that degree."
For students who do not yet know what major they want to pursue, registration may feel especially intimidating. However, there are a few things exploratory students can do to make the process easier.
"Fine-tuning your gen eds to your interests can really help students find what they want to major in," Malendowski said.
By registering for general education classes that pique their interest, students can learn more about subjects that interest them, complete their general education requirements, and potentially figure out their major.
Registration can be stressful, but it can also be an exciting time for students to explore different class options, learn about academic pathways, and figure out which classes would be best for them.
By registering as soon as possible, communicating with their advisors on campus, and considering their interests and goals, students can take the stress out of registration and instead focus on building the schedule that will help them best move forward in their college journey.
