Tele-BEARS Phase I is here: the dreaded yet beloved time of year when we get to plan our schedules for next semester before even having completed the current semester. It is a time of stress, new possibilities, creativity and worry. We at the Clog understand the many struggles of Tele-BEARS and have rounded up some of the worst below.

1. The horror of enrolling through AirBears on campus

We all know the nightmare that is AirBears. Sometimes you can connect, and sometimes you can’t. Sometimes it is super fast, but more often than not, you cannot load a single Web page. AirBears is having major problems, especially as of late. Therefore, enrolling in classes on this campus Wi-Fi network could potentially be a disaster, but sometimes it is inevitable. Be sure to give yourself enough time to log into the network — and if nothing else, use CalVisitor. It is usually a much more reliable source of Internet connection.

2. The forgotten or inaccurate adviser code

Adviser codes: what many declared majors must obtain before being able to enroll in classes. They seem irrelevant and a hassle. They are occasionally incorrect and often forgotten, causing people to scramble to get them during their Phase I appointment. Therefore, meet with your adviser and get that code before your appointment date is here. The longer you put it off, the longer you will have to wait in your adviser’s office because everyone will be doing the same.

3. The dreaded waitlist

You know when that class you want has two available spots, but then the open seating is full and you aren’t declared, so you are automatically and horribly placed on the waitlist? Or when that class you need to graduate had eight spots this morning, but now is completely full, so you better put yourself on the waitlist and hope it opens up? It happens to the best of us. The waitlist is nerve-racking and dreaded by all means. What makes the waitlist even worse, especially during Phase I, is that the potential units count toward the 10.5 unit cap, making it a potentially risky decision.

4. The forward-thinking and overly early planning

We find it very frustrating that we have to plan our schedule for the next fall before May even hits. Like, please give us a chance to finish this semester before you expect us to know what we want to take next year. Phase I always hits right when the semester is finishing up, and big projects and midterms are in full swing. Although we understand the need and reasons for the early enrollment dates, we would much rather enroll later.

5. The Phase I unit limit

This is one of the most frustrating things about Phase I for most students. 10.5 units — really? That is only two to three classes, which seems like nothing. Why not just round up to 11? Or allow us to choose all of our classes on one day? This number probably has a good reasoning, but we are blind to it and are thoroughly unsatisfied with the limit.

6. The somehow fair registration dates

Registration dates are supposedly based on year, class standing and myriad other factors. But sometimes they just don’t seem to make sense, and the logic appears to be missing. Another thing that is frustrating is the exact time given to each student — 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, 9 a.m. Monday. The times often conflict with classes or other commitments, thereby causing stress as to what to do, what task takes precedence, etc.

Therefore, be aware of these Tele-BEARS struggles, double check your appointment time and hope it did not somehow already pass (the biggest nightmare for all of us).

 Image Source: Miguel Angel with Creative Commons