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How should you choose your classes as a Freshman? How do you create a balance between finances, interests, and classes that are necessary for your degree?
I'm an incoming engineering student at Purdue University. I want to take classes that aren't integral to my degree but things I'm interested in, like Japanese. The class selection process is difficult lol!
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Enana’s Answer
🌺Hi, Aurlie
🌺 Choosing your classes as a freshman is a big step—it’s the start of your journey not just through college, but into adulthood, and the choices you make now can shape your confidence, motivation, and even how much you enjoy the next few years. So here’s a friendly guide to help you navigate this:
1. Start with the Foundation: Your Degree Requirements
Your first goal should be to understand what classes are required for your major. These form the core of your degree and will usually include:
Introductory courses (like Calculus, Physics, or Intro to Programming)
General education requirements (such as English Composition, Social Sciences, or Humanities)
Prerequisites that unlock higher-level courses
💎 Why this matters: These classes build the skills and knowledge base you’ll need for more advanced courses. Taking them early gives you flexibility later and helps you explore your major before fully committing.
2. Embrace Your Curiosity: Take a Class for You
College isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about discovering what lights you up. If you’re interested in Japanese, art, creative writing, or psychology—go for it.
💎 Why this matters: These classes keep your mind refreshed. They reduce burnout, develop you as a whole person, and may open doors you didn’t expect (study abroad? a minor? a new passion?). You’re not a machine preparing for a job—you’re a person becoming more of yourself.
3. Balance Your Course Load Intelligently
Here’s a general rule for a good semester:
2-3 major/technical courses
1 general education or elective
1 class just for fun or personal growth
💎 Why this matters: Too many hard classes at once can be overwhelming. College is not just about surviving—it's about growing steadily. Don’t underestimate the emotional impact of managing a balanced schedule.
4. Think About Finances—But Don't Let Them Steal Your Joy
If you're worried about cost, consider:
Taking summer or online community college classes for cheaper gen eds (just check transferability)
Applying for small scholarships—even quirky ones add up!
Talking to an advisor about how to avoid wasting time and money on unnecessary credits
💎 Why this matters: Being intentional can save you money, but remember—you’re investing in yourself. A single meaningful class that changes how you think can be worth more than its price tag.
5. Meet With an Academic Advisor (But Bring Your Voice)
Advisors are trained to help, but remember—you are the expert on your own interests and dreams. Go to the meeting with ideas, questions, and a willingness to be guided but not steered.
💎 Pro tip: Ask upperclassmen about good professors or hidden gem classes. Word of mouth is often more helpful than official descriptions.
6. Stay Open to Change
You might start out in engineering and later discover a passion for design, entrepreneurship, or something unexpected. That’s normal. Let yourself evolve.
💎 Why this matters: College is as much about self-discovery as it is about job prep. You're allowed to shift paths and make mistakes—that’s part of learning.
🌺 Final Words of Encouragement
You’re not behind. You’re not supposed to know everything yet. You’re building a map as you go—and the uncertainty you’re feeling? It means you care, and that’s beautiful. Choose classes that feed both your future and your soul. And remember: growth doesn’t always happen in straight lines. Let curiosity lead you, let kindness guide you, and trust that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.
You’ve got this.
🌺 Choosing your classes as a freshman is a big step—it’s the start of your journey not just through college, but into adulthood, and the choices you make now can shape your confidence, motivation, and even how much you enjoy the next few years. So here’s a friendly guide to help you navigate this:
1. Start with the Foundation: Your Degree Requirements
Your first goal should be to understand what classes are required for your major. These form the core of your degree and will usually include:
Introductory courses (like Calculus, Physics, or Intro to Programming)
General education requirements (such as English Composition, Social Sciences, or Humanities)
Prerequisites that unlock higher-level courses
💎 Why this matters: These classes build the skills and knowledge base you’ll need for more advanced courses. Taking them early gives you flexibility later and helps you explore your major before fully committing.
2. Embrace Your Curiosity: Take a Class for You
College isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about discovering what lights you up. If you’re interested in Japanese, art, creative writing, or psychology—go for it.
💎 Why this matters: These classes keep your mind refreshed. They reduce burnout, develop you as a whole person, and may open doors you didn’t expect (study abroad? a minor? a new passion?). You’re not a machine preparing for a job—you’re a person becoming more of yourself.
3. Balance Your Course Load Intelligently
Here’s a general rule for a good semester:
2-3 major/technical courses
1 general education or elective
1 class just for fun or personal growth
💎 Why this matters: Too many hard classes at once can be overwhelming. College is not just about surviving—it's about growing steadily. Don’t underestimate the emotional impact of managing a balanced schedule.
4. Think About Finances—But Don't Let Them Steal Your Joy
If you're worried about cost, consider:
Taking summer or online community college classes for cheaper gen eds (just check transferability)
Applying for small scholarships—even quirky ones add up!
Talking to an advisor about how to avoid wasting time and money on unnecessary credits
💎 Why this matters: Being intentional can save you money, but remember—you’re investing in yourself. A single meaningful class that changes how you think can be worth more than its price tag.
5. Meet With an Academic Advisor (But Bring Your Voice)
Advisors are trained to help, but remember—you are the expert on your own interests and dreams. Go to the meeting with ideas, questions, and a willingness to be guided but not steered.
💎 Pro tip: Ask upperclassmen about good professors or hidden gem classes. Word of mouth is often more helpful than official descriptions.
6. Stay Open to Change
You might start out in engineering and later discover a passion for design, entrepreneurship, or something unexpected. That’s normal. Let yourself evolve.
💎 Why this matters: College is as much about self-discovery as it is about job prep. You're allowed to shift paths and make mistakes—that’s part of learning.
🌺 Final Words of Encouragement
You’re not behind. You’re not supposed to know everything yet. You’re building a map as you go—and the uncertainty you’re feeling? It means you care, and that’s beautiful. Choose classes that feed both your future and your soul. And remember: growth doesn’t always happen in straight lines. Let curiosity lead you, let kindness guide you, and trust that you are exactly where you’re meant to be.
You’ve got this.