How to Register for Classes

Step 1 : Select your courses.

1. Consult the course schedule to select courses. Use the Course Selection Worksheet  to organize your choices. For an explanation of the different kinds of courses, consult the Special Course Types page.
2. Take note of the CRN (course reference number) for each course.
3. Pay close attention to the prerequisites or Special Registration information for all your courses to ensure you have everything you need to register.

Step 2: Get a Registration PIN.

1. If you are an undergraduate student, meet with your academic advisor to review your course schedule and to obtain a Registration or Add/Drop (RDA) PIN release form. If you are a graduate student, you do not need an RDA PIN.
2. Take your PIN release form to your college coordinator to obtain your RDA PIN.
3. Note that this PIN will only work for normal registration. If you need to adjust your schedule (or if you did not register) after the first RDA PIN has expired, you will need a new RDA PIN. To receive this new RDA PIN, you will have to meet with your academic advisor again, obtain a release form, and ask your college coordinator for a new PIN.
4. To find out how long your first PIN is valid, check the Academic Calendar.

Step 3: Find out when to register.

1. Check the registration schedule to see when you can begin registering for classes.

Step 4: Reaffirm your commitment to the Honor Code.

1. Before you register each semester, you must reaffirm your commitment to Rice University's Code of Student Conduct, Honor System, and Alcohol Policy. To do this:
2. Login to ESTHER. For more information about how to use and navigate ESTHER, please see the ESTHER FAQ.
3. Go to Student Services & Account Information > Registration > Student Handbook Affirmation.
4. Read over the policies and click I have read and accept.
5. This will remove the "Honor Code" hold on your account, allowing you to register for classes.

Step 5: Make sure that there are no holds on your account.

1. Login to Esther.
2. Go to Student Services & Account Information > Student Records & Account Information > View Holds.
3. If you have a hold on your account, please consult the Holds Page to see how to have the hold released.

Step 5: Register for classes within the first week of registration.

1. Login to ESTHER.
2. Go to Student Services & Account Information > Registration > Register or Add/Drop Classes.
3. Select the term for which you are registering.
4. Enter the RDA PIN you received from your college coordinator.
5. Under Add Classes Worksheet, enter the CRN's of the courses for which you are registering.
6. Click Submit Changes.
7. If you receive an error message, consult the Common Registration Errors page to find out what to do about the error.
8. Make sure you complete your registration within the first week of registration. If you fail to do so, you will incur a Failure to Register fee.

Step 6: Special registration

1. Make sure that you fill out any Special Registration forms necessary and submit them in person to the Office of the Registrar.