The Class I Want is Full! What do I do?

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A lot of registration changes happen in the first week or so of school, sometimes even right up until the add/drop deadline.

 

Graduating Soon and Can't Get into the Course?

If you're on track to graduate in May of this academic year, and one or more of your required courses is full, you have a right to a seat in the course. Learn more.

Note: If you are trying to register in a course that you attempted in term 1 (and did not pass or have a W standing), you may not be able to register yourself into the same course in term 2. Find out what your next steps are.

 

If you're trying to get into a course that is full, start with these five steps:

#1. Register online for the course waitlist (if there is one)

Students will be moved off waitlists whenever space becomes available. If you're on a waitlist, be sure to check your registration regularly until the add/drop deadline to keep up to date on your registration status in that course.

#2. If there isn’t an online waitlist, check the departmental website

For example, for EOSC courses, look for “courses”, “registration”, etc., and see if there is another process for indicating your desire to take a course. There may be a waitlist in the department or a time when students are invited to attend a registration session. Departments administer the waitlists for their own courses and Science Advising does not have any further details beyond what is listed on courses.students.ubc.ca. See the list of Science departments at the bottom of this page.

#3. Keep your eye on the course via the Student Service Centre (SSC)

If there is no waitlist, when students change their own registration (i.e. drop the course), spots will become available online and you can register.

#4. Check your course on your Student Service Centre (SSC) again after the first class

People may be trying to get into another section that fits their schedule better and this is when you can scoop your ideal section.

Keep in mind, this particular strategy will not work for many courses especially multi-section courses; they have coordinators in departmental offices who control space so even if it looks like there is an opening, you likely won’t be able to register in it. That’s another reason for starting your planning early and investigating how different departments work.

#5. Registering after term has started

If you register for a course after the start of term, it is your responsibility to catch up on all missed classes and assignments. You are expected to meet course deadlines and fulfill any assignments on time regardless of when you join the course.

It can be very challenging to catch up if you join a class late. Take this into consideration when deciding whether to remain on a waitlist or to select a different course that has available space.

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