If you aren’t 100% sure about your course schedule this term, you aren’t alone, and you’re not stuck! These tips will help you feel more confident about whether to add or drop a course.
If you’re wondering whether you’ll enjoy your classes, how many courses you should take, or how to balance academics with everything else going on in your life — that’s totally normal. It’s common to feel uncertain at the start of term.
That’s why UBC has a built-in add/drop period: the first two weeks of each term are designed to give you time to try out your courses and adjust your schedule if needed. It’s your chance to build a term that works best for you, your goals, your interests, and your life.
The basics of adding and dropping courses
The change of registration period (more often called the add/drop period) occurs in the first two-weeks of each term. During this time, you can make changes to your schedule fairly easily, but there are important deadlines, considerations and limitations to be aware of.
Drop and withdrawal deadlines aren’t the same, and the timing depends on the type of course. For example, single-term courses have different deadlines than two-term (full Winter Session) courses.
If you’re in Arts One or CAP (Coordinated Arts Program), your courses span both terms. If you're considering a change to your CAP or Arts One courses, keep in mind that these have different deadlines than single term courses.
Removing a course from a saved schedule or Canvas does not mean you’ve dropped it. Make sure to officially drop courses through Workday, and review important considerations before making changes.
You can’t register for courses beyond your credit limit. If you are already at your credit limit, you may need to drop a course before you can add a new one.
5 questions to ask yourself before you add or drop a course
1. Is the course a good fit?
Once classes start, take a look at the reading list and syllabus. Ask yourself how the course feels: are you excited to learn more, or does it already feel like a burden? What inspired you to register in the first place?
2. Does the course meet your academic goals?
Think about whether this course supports your personal learning goals and helps you move forward in your degree. If you registered for a course that fulfills a requirement but it doesn’t feel like the right fit this is your chance to adjust.
If you do decide to switch courses, try to do it sooner rather than later. It can be harder to catch up the longer you wait. Consider how much you’ve already missed, and ask the instructor whether it’s manageable to join late.
3. Does your schedule work for you?
Sometimes timing is everything! Maybe you signed up for a morning class, but work better in the evening, or maybe your classes are too close together and you don’t have time to eat or rest between them. Look at your overall schedule and ask yourself if it feels realistic and sustainable. Make adjustments to your schedule so that it’s a good fit for you.
4. Is your workload manageable?
Are you taking a course that you know will be especially challenging for you? If so, it might help to reduce your course load so that you have extra time and energy to focus on that class.
Take a look at the exam and assignment schedules for all your courses. Will you be able to manage them throughout the term? Is there a week where everything seems to pile up at once? If it looks like too much, your course load may be heavier than you can realistically handle. In that case, consider whether adjusting your schedule or dropping a course could help you stay on track without burning out.
5. How’s your school vs. life balance?
You might think you’ve designed the perfect schedule with classes, study time, work, clubs and other commitments, but don’t forget to leave time for rest, downtime, and fun!
Think about the habits and routines that make you feel balanced: sleeping, eating, exercising, and spending time with people you care about. These are just as important as your academic responsibilities. If your schedule doesn’t leave space for the things that support your wellbeing, it might be time to make an adjustment.
Get help with your decision
If you’re feeling unsure about your schedule, Arts Academic Advisors are here to help. They can work with you to make sure your registration decisions align with your academic goals.
For questions on the topics of tuition or finances, contact your Enrolment Services Advisor.
If you’re having difficulty finding a balance between your academics and life, check out the UBC health and wellbeing guide.
