So I got most of the classes that I hoped for and am content with my timetable, however it worked out to have 6 courses in my first term and only 4 in my second. Is 6, first year social science courses too much for my first term? I could switch a class or two around to even it out a bit, but the times aren't the best. Should I make some sacrifices to even out my course load?

Also, what size of binder do you recommended for University? I was thinking of using the standard, smallish size for each term 1 & 2 course and then using a larger one for each one of my term 3 courses. Does this plan of attack make sense?

Thank You!

Originally Posted by Sonnet

So I got most of the classes that I hoped for and am content with my timetable, however it worked out to have 6 courses in my first term and only 4 in my second. Is 6, first year social science courses too much for my first term? I could switch a class or two around to even it out a bit, but the times aren't the best. Should I make some sacrifices to even out my course load?

Also, what size of binder do you recommended for University? I was thinking of using the standard, smallish size for each term 1 & 2 course and then using a larger one for each one of my term 3 courses. Does this plan of attack make sense?

Thank You!

I think it would be better to have worse class times but an even course load in first year. You're transitioning into university and an "overload" wouldn't be the ideal thing to do. I'm not saying that you can't do it though, it's just not something that's advised in first year.

As for the binder, a 1.5inch should be good enough for a 1 term class. It depends on how long your notes are and if the class has handouts. I personally don't even use binders, all my notes are electronic.

Originally Posted by Sonnet

So I got most of the classes that I hoped for and am content with my timetable, however it worked out to have 6 courses in my first term and only 4 in my second. Is 6, first year social science courses too much for my first term? I could switch a class or two around to even it out a bit, but the times aren't the best. Should I make some sacrifices to even out my course load?

Also, what size of binder do you recommended for University? I was thinking of using the standard, smallish size for each term 1 & 2 course and then using a larger one for each one of my term 3 courses. Does this plan of attack make sense?

Thank You!

Taking 6 courses in first term of first year definitely isn't recommended. It's possible, and people have done it, but very few people would recommend it, especially since you're just starting uni and getting used to everything. 5 courses seems overwhelming enough (especially if you're used to 3-4 in a high school setting), 6 courses when everyone expects you to have 5 is a lot of work.

Personally, I don't use binders at all. I have one folder and one notebook (100-150pgs) per class. I find binders are too big and awkward and annoying to write in, especially in a lecture hall, and taking stuff out of the binder to write on and then putting it back at the end of class is too much work (I can be quite lazy when it comes to these things). I know many people who use a clipboard (the IRC will give you a free one if you're in residence, or you can buy them at Titles), and put all of their notes and everything for the day in the clipboard. Then, at the end of each day, they transfer all of their notes to the respective binders. Usually, a 1.5-inch should suffice, but you might find some courses have much less paper associated with them, while some have much more. My experience is based on science courses, so I don't really know how much paper a typical soc sci course uses.