UCLA Schedule of Classes: Find, Read & Register

The UCLA Schedule of Classes is your official roadmap for every course offered each quarter at UCLA.

Whether you’re a first-year student figuring out your first registration or a senior completing your final requirements, knowing how to navigate the Schedule of Classes efficiently can mean the difference between getting into your must-have courses and scrambling for alternatives.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know: where to find the Schedule on MyUCLA, how to decode restriction codes and seat availability, what to do when classes are full, and how to prepare for your enrollment appointment so you’re ready the moment your window opens.

Where to Find the UCLA Schedule of Classes

Accessing Through MyUCLA

The easiest way to search the UCLA Schedule of Classes is through your MyUCLA portal:

Log in to my.ucla.edu with your UCLA credentials
Navigate to the Classes tab in the main menu
Click Find a Class or Schedule of Classes
Select your desired term (Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer)
Use the search filters to browse by department, course number, or instructor

Pro tip from the UCLA community:

Don’t bookmark URLs that appear after you’ve logged in and started adding classes. These session-specific links expire. Instead, bookmark the main MyUCLA landing page or the direct Schedule of Classes search page.

Using the Registrar’s Website

For a public-facing view or to access archived schedules, visit the UCLA Registrar’s Schedule of Classes page.

This interface shows the same course data but doesn’t require a login until you’re ready to enroll. It’s particularly useful for:

Checking course offerings before you have MyUCLA access
Viewing the UCLA Schedule of Classes archive for past quarters
Sharing course information with advisors or family members
Accessing the UCLA Schedule of Classes production deadlines to know when new term offerings are posted

Mobile Access Tips

The MyUCLA interface works on mobile browsers, but the experience is optimized for desktop. When accessing on your phone:

Use the department filter first to narrow your results
The search box accepts course numbers (like “MATH 31A”) or keywords
Tap the export icon to save your shortlist for later review
Consider using third-party apps like Coursicle for mobile-friendly course tracking and waitlist alerts

When Does the Schedule Post? Important Dates

Understanding the timeline for the UCLA Schedule of Classes availability helps you plan strategically.

Quarter	Schedule Posts	Enrollment Appointments Begin	Classes Start
Fall 2025	Early April 2025	Mid-April 2025	Late September 2025
Winter 2026	Early November 2025	Mid-November 2025	Early January 2026
Spring 2026	Early February 2026	Mid-February 2026	Late March 2026
Summer 2026	Early April 2026	Mid-April 2026	Late June 2026

Note: Exact dates vary by year. Always check the official UCLA Academic Calendar and Schedule of Classes production deadlines for precise timing.

Why this matters:

The Schedule typically posts 3-4 weeks before enrollment appointments begin. This gives you time to:

Research course requirements and prerequisites
Map out multiple schedule combinations
Identify which sections have restrictions
Contact departments for permission overrides if needed
Build your Class Planner with primary and backup options

Students who wait until their actual enrollment appointment to browse courses often lose out on popular sections that fill within minutes of the first enrollment windows opening.

How to Read the UCLA Schedule of Classes

When you pull up search results in the UCLA Schedule of Classes, you’ll see a data-rich table. Here’s what each column means and what you should look for:

Critical Columns to Check First

Status (Availability)

Open: Seats available – you can enroll immediately during your window
Waitlist: Class is full, but you can join a queue (more on this below)
Closed: No seats and no waitlist available

Enrollment Numbers (Enrolled/Limit)

Example: “145/150” means 145 students enrolled out of 150 total seats. This tells you how quickly a class is filling and whether you need backup options.

RSTR (Restriction Codes)

This column shows enrollment limitations:

Major restrictions (only certain majors can enroll)
Class level restrictions (juniors/seniors only)
College restrictions (College of Letters & Science only)
Instructor consent required

If you see a restriction code but qualify for the course, you can contact the department to request a permission override.

Meeting Pattern & Time:

Shows days and times: “MWF 10:00 am-10:50 am” or “TR 2:00 pm-3:15 pm”

TBA

Watch for TBA (To Be Arranged) – this means the time or location hasn’t been finalized. Having one or two TBA sections on your shortlist is fine, but don’t build your entire schedule around unconfirmed times.

Instructor:

Faculty name or “Staff” if not yet assigned. Some students prioritize specific professors based on teaching style or research interests – checking Rate My Professors or asking older students can help inform your choices.

Location & Modality:

Room assignments and delivery format tags:

In-person (traditional classroom)
Remote/Online
Hybrid (combination)

Units:

Credit value, typically 4-5 units for most courses. You’ll need 12+ units to be full-time, with most students taking 15-16 units per quarter.

Prerequisites & Notes:

Critical information about required prior courses, corequisites (classes you must take simultaneously), and special instructions.

Understanding Linked Components

Many courses require you to enroll in multiple components simultaneously:

Lecture + Discussion: Common in large classes (like Political Science or Psychology courses)
Lecture + Lab: Standard for science courses (Chemistry, Biology, Physics)
Seminar + Fieldwork: Some upper-division courses

Important: You must add all linked components together. If you only add the lecture, your enrollment may be dropped. The system usually won’t let you add just one part, but always verify that all components appear in your Class Planner after enrolling.

Making Sense of Restriction Codes (RSTR)

Restriction codes are one of the most confusing aspects of the UCLA Schedule of Classes for new students.

Here’s your decoder:

Common Restriction Types

Major Restrictions: Only students with declared majors in specific departments can enroll. Example: Computer Science courses often restrict enrollment to CS majors during the first pass, then open to others during the second pass or Open Enrollment.

Class Level Restrictions: Sections marked “Juniors/Seniors only” protect upper-division seats for students closer to graduation. If you’re a sophomore with the prerequisites completed, you can sometimes request an override.

College Restrictions: Some courses prioritize students from specific schools (College of Letters & Science, Engineering, Arts & Architecture, etc.).

Permission of Instructor (Consent Required): These sections require you to get explicit approval before enrolling, typically via:

An enrollment authorization code issued by the department
A PTE (Permission to Enroll) number entered during registration
Manual roster addition by the instructor or scheduler

What to Do When You Encounter Restrictions

Step 1: Verify whether the restriction actually applies to you. Sometimes students assume they can’t enroll when they actually meet the criteria.

Step 2: If you need an override, contact the department scheduler (not the instructor directly, unless specified). Find contact information on the department website or in the Schedule notes.

Your Enrollment Appointment: When You Can Actually Register

Having access to view the UCLA Schedule of Classes is different from being able to enroll. Your enrollment appointment is your assigned time window when you can add, drop, or modify courses.

Understanding the Enrollment Schedule

View Date (Preview Window): Starting on this date, you can browse the Schedule of Classes and plan your courses, but you cannot enroll yet. Use this time to build your Class Planner.

First Pass: Your initial enrollment window typically allows you to add up to 10 units. Appointment times are staggered based on class level (seniors generally go first) and certain priority groups.

Second Pass: A second window allowing you to add up to your unit maximum (usually 19 units). This happens after all students have had their first pass.

Open Enrollment: The period when all remaining seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, continuing through Schedule Adjustment (roughly the first two weeks of the quarter).

Finding Your Enrollment Appointment Time

Log in to MyUCLA
Go to Academics → Enrollment Appointment
You’ll see exact dates and times for your first pass and second pass

Critical timing note: Enrollment windows often open early in the morning (like Friday, April 18, 2025, at 7:00 am PST). Set multiple alarms and plan to be ready 5-10 minutes early. Popular courses fill within minutes of appointment windows opening.

Pre-Registration Checklist

Before your enrollment appointment arrives:

✓ Clear all holds: Financial holds, advising holds, or administrative blocks will prevent you from enrolling. Check your Student Center for any holds and resolve them at least 3-5 business days before your appointment.

✓ Meet with your academic advisor: Especially if you’re a first-year or second-year student, or if you’re planning significant changes to your major/minor.

✓ Verify prerequisites: If you’re taking transfer credits or AP exam credits, make sure they’re properly recorded in your degree audit.

✓ Build a primary schedule and two backup plans: Use Class Planner to map out multiple scenarios. Have at least 2-3 alternative sections for each required course.

✓ Prepare override requests: Draft and send any necessary permission requests well in advance.

✓ Check fee payment deadlines: Know when tuition and fees are due. Missing payment deadlines can result in dropped courses.

UCLA Waitlists: How They Work and How to Use Them

When you see “Waitlist” in the Status column of the UCLA Schedule of Classes, don’t panic – you still have options.

How to Join a Waitlist

From the Schedule of Classes results page or within Class Planner, you can add yourself to a waitlist just like you would enroll in an open course. The system will place you in a queue and show your position number.

Understanding Waitlist Positions

Your waitlist position shows where you stand in line. Position #1 means you’re next in line when a seat opens. Position #8 means seven students are ahead of you.

How to check your waitlist position on MyUCLA:

Open your Class Planner or Study List
Find the waitlisted course
Expand the course details
Look for “Waitlist Position” or “Move from waitlist” information

Students on Reddit’s r/ucla frequently ask about this specific process because it’s not immediately intuitive in the interface.

When Waitlists Move (and When They Don’t)

Peak movement periods:

Week 0 through Week 2: The first two weeks of the quarter see the most waitlist activity as students adjust schedules, drop courses they don’t want, or realize they can’t handle the workload.
Schedule Adjustment period: Roughly the first 10 days of the quarter, when you can still make changes without penalty.

Realistic expectations:

Waitlist Position	Likelihood of Getting In	Context
#1-#2	High (70-80%)	Very strong chance, especially in large lectures
#3-#5	Moderate (40-60%)	Reasonable odds if you’re patient through Week 2
#6-#10	Lower (20-40%)	Possible but should have solid backup plans
#11+	Low (under 20%)	Consider alternatives unless it’s a large class

These percentages are based on historical patterns discussed in UCLA community forums and typical movement rates, but they vary significantly by department and course size.

Auto-Enrollment from Waitlists

When a seat becomes available, the system automatically enrolls the next eligible student on the waitlist. “Eligible” means:

You meet all prerequisites
The course doesn’t create time conflicts with your other enrolled classes
You haven’t exceeded your unit cap
Any linked components (lab, discussion) are also available
You don’t have holds blocking enrollment

Important caveat: If you have any of these blocking factors, you’ll be skipped, and the next person in line gets the seat. This is why students sometimes see their position change from #3 to #3 even when seats theoretically opened – students ahead of them weren’t eligible for auto-enroll.

Waitlist Strategy and Best Practices

Always attend the first class meeting: Instructors often prioritize students who show up, and many will do manual adds for committed students even if the waitlist doesn’t clear automatically.

Monitor daily: During the first two weeks, check your waitlist position at least once per day, preferably in the morning and evening. Movement can happen at any time.

Use Coursicle for alerts: This third-party tool sends you notifications the moment a seat opens, giving you a faster response window than checking MyUCLA manually.

Keep backups active: Don’t drop your backup section until you’re officially enrolled in your preferred choice. Having no course is worse than having your second-choice section.

Understand hold files: Some departments use a hold file system where instructors manually process enrollment for waitlisted students after reviewing attendance or prerequisites. If your department uses this method, you’ll receive instructions via email or the course syllabus.

The ELMS/MyUCLA Status Confusion

A common question on UCLA student forums: “Why do I have access to the course website on ELMS (Canvas) but MyUCLA still shows me as waitlisted?”

The explanation: ELMS sometimes grants access based on waitlist enrollment to allow students to see the syllabus and prepare for the course. This does NOT mean you’re officially enrolled. Your enrollment status in MyUCLA and the Registrar’s records is the authoritative source.

If you’re unsure about your official status, email the department scheduler with your student ID and ask for roster confirmation.

Building Your Schedule: A Practical Workflow

Now that you understand how to read the UCLA Schedule of Classes and navigate enrollment, here’s a step-by-step workflow for actually planning your quarter:

Step 1: List Your Must-Take Courses (Planning Phase)

Start 3-4 weeks before your enrollment appointment:

Review your degree requirements and identify required courses
Check the prerequisites you’ve completed
Note any courses offered only in specific quarters
Identify major preparation classes needed for your academic plan

Step 2: Research in the Schedule of Classes

Once the Schedule posts:

Search for each required course
Note all available section times and instructors
Check enrollment numbers – courses filling quickly need priority
Identify sections with restrictions you’ll need to override
Read all special notes and corequisite requirements

Step 3: Build Multiple Scenarios in Class Planner

The UCLA Class Planner is your visual scheduling tool:

Create your ideal schedule (Plan A)
Build at least two backup schedules (Plan B and C) using different sections and different days
Verify there are no time conflicts
Check that your total units are within your enrollment limits
Confirm linked components are all included

Why multiple plans matter: If your first choice in Course A fills before you can add it, you need to immediately pivot to Plan B without losing precious seconds during your enrollment window.

Step 4: Prioritize Your Enrollment Order

During your appointment, you can’t add all courses simultaneously. Sequence matters:

Add first:

Courses with very few open seats
Sections with specific times you can’t recreate with alternatives
Sequential courses are required for your major progression

Add second:

GE requirements with multiple open sections
Courses where several time options exist
Courses with large enrollment capacities

Add last or join waitlist:

Electives with flexible scheduling
Courses where you’re less certain about enrollment

Step 5: Execute During Your Appointment Window

On registration day (example: Friday, April 18, 2025, at 7:00 am):

5-10 minutes before your window:

Log in to MyUCLA using an incognito/private browser window (reduces session conflicts)
Navigate to your enrollment page, but don’t start adding courses yet
Have your Class Planner open in another tab
Keep a second device (phone/tablet) available as backup

The moment your window opens:

Add your top-priority course first
Immediately add linked components if applicable
Move down your priority list quickly
If something is full, immediately shift to your Plan B section or join the waitlist
Don’t spend time deliberating – execute your pre-planned strategy

Within the first 5 minutes:

Verify that all courses appear in your Study List
Check that units are totaling correctly
Screenshot your enrolled courses for your records

Step 6: Post-Enrollment Management

After your enrollment appointment:

Monitor any waitlists you joined
Attend first class meetings even for waitlisted courses
Watch for professor or room changes in MyUCLA
Verify fee payment deadlines
Continue checking for sections that may open during Schedule Adjustment

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with perfect planning, technical glitches and system quirks happen. Here’s how to handle the most frequent problems:

“Record in use” or “Another process is running”

Wait 60-90 seconds and try again
The system may think you’re still in another session
Don’t repeatedly click “Submit” – this compounds the problem

Timeout or connection errors

Try an incognito/private browser window
Clear your browser cache and cookies
Switch browsers (Chrome → Firefox, or Safari → Chrome)
If off-campus, connect to the UCLA VPN
Use a different device if available

Page won’t load or gets stuck

Refresh the page once, then wait
Check UCLA’s Twitter/X or the OIT status page for system-wide outages
Try accessing during off-peak hours if you’re not on a tight enrollment window

Enrollment System Blocks

Holds preventing enrollment

The system will display specific hold types:

Financial hold: Outstanding fees or tuition – contact Student Accounts
Advising hold: Must meet with your academic advisor to clear
Administrative hold: Contact your department or Student Affairs

Holds typically take 24-48 hours to clear after resolution, so don’t wait until your enrollment appointment.

Prerequisites not recognized

If you took transfer courses, AP exams, or community college classes:

Verify your transcript has been processed
Contact the department scheduler with your documentation
Bring proof of prerequisite completion when requesting overrides

Course-Specific Problems

Linked components won’t add together

Ensure you’re selecting compatible lecture/lab/discussion pairs
Check that times don’t conflict
Some courses require you to add the lecture first, then the discussion
Contact the department immediately if the system blocks valid combinations

Waitlist position not moving

Verify you’re checking the correct source (Study List in MyUCLA)
Remember that positions can stay static if students ahead of you have blocking factors
Contact the department after Week 1 if you’re in a high position (#1-#3) with no movement

ELMS access but no official enrollment

Your official status is what’s shown in MyUCLA and the Registrar records
Email the department scheduler with your PID to request roster confirmation
Don’t rely solely on ELMS access to confirm enrollment

When to Escalate

If you’ve tried basic troubleshooting and still face issues:

For technical problems:

Contact the UCLA Help Desk
Include: Your UCLA ID, browser/device, exact error message, screenshot, and time of issue

For enrollment policy questions:

Contact the UCLA Registrar
Include: Your PID, term, course details, and specific question

For permission overrides:

Email the department scheduler (contact info in Schedule of Classes notes)
Include: PID, course number, term, and concise explanation

Tools and Resources to Enhance Your Planning

Beyond the official UCLA Schedule of Classes, several tools can make your enrollment process smoother:

Official UCLA Tools

Class Planner: Built into MyUCLA, this visual schedule builder lets you:

Drag and drop courses to test different combinations
See time conflicts immediately
View your weekly schedule in calendar format
Save multiple schedule versions
Share your plan with advisors

OASIS (Counseling and Academic Advising): Academic advisors who can help you:

Choose appropriate courses for your major
Navigate complex prerequisites
Plan your four-year roadmap
Resolve enrollment issues

Third-Party Tools

Coursicle: A popular course tracking app that:

Sends instant notifications when seats open
Tracks multiple courses across terms
Shows historical enrollment data
Works via mobile push notifications

Many UCLA students mention Coursicle on r/ucla as essential for getting into high-demand courses.

Bruinwalk: Community-sourced professor reviews and grade distributions to help you choose sections based on teaching style and course difficulty.

Community Resources

r/ucla subreddit: Active community where students share:

Real-time enrollment tips
Course recommendations
Schedule optimization strategies
Troubleshooting help

Department-specific websites: Many departments post:

Recommended course sequences
Prerequisite flowcharts
Quarterly course offerings previews
Contact information for schedulers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the UCLA Schedule of Classes?

Log in to MyUCLA, navigate to the Classes tab, and select Find a Class or Schedule of Classes. Alternatively, visit the UCLA Registrar’s Schedule of Classes page for public access. Both sources display the same official course offerings, seat availability, and enrollment restrictions.

When does the Schedule of Classes post for Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters?

The Schedule typically posts 3-4 weeks before enrollment appointments begin. Fall quarter schedules usually appear in early April, Winter in early November, and Spring in early February. Check the Schedule of Classes production deadlines page for exact dates each year.

How do UCLA waitlists work, and when do they close?

When a course is full, you can join the waitlist through the Schedule of Classes or Class Planner. Auto-enrollment occurs automatically when a seat opens and you meet all prerequisites, have no time conflicts, and haven’t exceeded your unit cap. Waitlists typically remain active through the Schedule Adjustment period (first two weeks of the quarter), with most movement happening during Week 0 through Week 2.

How do I see my waitlist position on MyUCLA?

Navigate to your Class Planner or Study List in MyUCLA, find the waitlisted course, and expand the course details. You’ll see your numeric position under “Waitlist Position” or in the “Move from waitlist” section. Your position updates automatically as students ahead of you enroll or drop.

What does RSTR mean on the Schedule of Classes?

RSTR indicates restriction codes – enrollment limitations based on major, class level, college affiliation, or instructor permission. If you see a restriction but believe you qualify for the course, contact the department scheduler to request a permission override. Include your student ID, course details, and a brief explanation of why you need enrollment approval.

Can instructors add students to full classes?

Yes, instructors or department schedulers can submit enrollment overrides or use hold files to manually add students to full courses. However, this process varies by department and typically requires justification (graduation requirement, prerequisite for your major, etc.). Contact the department scheduler – not the instructor directly unless specified – to request manual enrollment.

What time do enrollment windows open?

Enrollment appointment times vary by student but typically begin early in the morning (often 7:00 am or 8:00 am Pacific Time). Your exact first pass and second pass times appear in MyUCLA under Enrollment Appointment. Set multiple alarms and plan to log in 5-10 minutes before your window opens, as popular courses fill within minutes.

Why does a class show as waitlist-only instead of open?

Some courses use waitlist-only enrollment to protect seats for specific student groups (graduating seniors, major requirements, etc.) before opening to general enrollment. This strategy helps ensure that students with critical course needs get priority. During Open Enrollment or later passes, these sections may shift to regular availability.

How do I export or save my schedule from the Schedule of Classes?

Use the export or print options in the Schedule of Classes results page to save a PDF or spreadsheet version of your shortlisted courses. The Class Planner also allows you to save multiple schedule versions and share them with advisors. Avoid bookmarking post-login URLs, as these expire after your session ends.

Your Next Steps: Preparing for Success

The UCLA Schedule of Classes is more than just a course catalog – it’s your strategic planning tool for academic success. Students who treat enrollment as a planned operation rather than a last-minute scramble consistently get better schedules, avoid conflicts, and stay on track for graduation.

This Week’s Action Items:

If the Schedule hasn’t been posted yet:

Bookmark the MyUCLA Schedule and Registrar page
Check the Academic Calendar for your term’s posting date
Meet with your academic advisor to identify required courses
Review prerequisites and degree requirements

Once the Schedule posts:

Search for all required courses in the Schedule of Classes
Note section times, instructors, and restriction codes
Build your primary schedule in Class Planner
Create at least two backup schedule plans
Draft permission override emails for restricted courses

Before your enrollment appointment:

Verify your exact enrollment date and time in MyUCLA
Clear all holds at least 3-5 business days in advance
Set up Coursicle alerts for critical courses
Prepare your enrollment priority sequence
Test your login and browser setup

On enrollment day:

Log in 5-10 minutes early using an incognito/private window
Execute your pre-planned course additions quickly
Join waitlists for full sections immediately
Screenshot your final enrolled schedule

After enrolling:

Monitor waitlist positions daily through Week 2
Attend first class meetings even for waitlisted courses
Verify fee payment deadlines
Confirm linked components are all properly enrolled

Essential Links and Contact Information

Official UCLA Resources

MyUCLA Schedule of Classes: my.ucla.edu
UCLA Registrar Schedule of Classes: registrar.ucla.edu/schedule-of-classes
Wait Lists Information: registrar.ucla.edu/wait-lists
Enrollment Appointments & Calendar: registrar.ucla.edu/enrollment
Schedule of Classes Production Deadlines: registrar.ucla.edu/schedule-production-deadlines
Academic Calendar: registrar.ucla.edu/calendar

Help and Support

OIT Help Desk: help.ucla.edu
Registrar Contact Page: registrar.ucla.edu/contact
OASIS Academic Advising: Schedule through your department or college

Planning Tools

Class Planner Tutorial: Available through MyUCLA
Coursicle: Download the app or visit coursicle.com
Bruinwalk: bruinwalk.com for professor reviews

The UCLA Schedule of Classes opens the door to your academic quarter, but preparation and strategy determine whether you walk through it smoothly or scramble at the last minute.

Start planning early, build multiple backup options, and approach enrollment with a clear execution plan. Your future self – sitting in your preferred courses at ideal times – will thank you.