By Shannon Raneri

With the fall semester coming to a close, some University of Maryland students say the pressure of selecting classes for next semester can lead to stress and worry.

Course selection for the Spring 2026 semester began on Oct. 30 and lasts until Dec. 11, according to an email sent out by the Office of Registrar. The Office of the Registrar sent students emails on Oct. 10 with registration dates and times.

To register, students visit Testudo, the university’s registration, academic and administrative website, where they can select from thousands of general education and major requirement classes to add to their schedule. 

Vishnu Gunturi, a freshman computer science major, said he feels stressed about his upcoming registration. He’s trying his best to be ready, but worries about missing out on classes that could fill up because of students with earlier registration dates.

“Some things that I am worried or stressed about for class registration is knowing that I may have to compromise on what I would like to take,” Gunturi said in an email.

“I received an email from [the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences] advising stating that two of the classes I planned on taking this upcoming semester are capped, which stresses me as I won’t be choosing classes until Dec. 3,” Gunturi added.

Gunturi said he wants to make sure that he is able to enroll in classes that meet his major requirements, as well as classes that interest him outside of computer science.

Gunturi added that he plans to seek clarification about his questions regarding spring course selection “to be fully prepared.” Students can do the same by scheduling an appointment with their academic advisor before their registration date.

When planning for registration, freshman biochemistry major Andrew Lam said he wanted to balance easy electives with the major requirements to take off some pressure, “so [he’s] not overworked throughout the semester.”

Lam intends to use websites, like Rate My Professor and Planet Terp, which can help students choose professors who are right for them.

Josh Madden, assistant dean of undergraduate studies and director of student services at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, advises students to prepare and research ahead of their scheduled registration time.

“To prepare for choosing their classes, students should review their four-year plan, take a look at the courses offered on the Testudo registration platform and schedule a meeting with their academic advisor,” Madden said in an email.

Madden encourages students to use the resources available to them. 

“The best [piece] of advice I can give to students is to ask questions of your academic advisor and to set aside time to research course offerings and potential sections,” Madden said.

Featured Image: The Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Building, which houses the Office of Registrar, in May 2025. Photo by Miller Rogers-Tetrick.