But throwing in confusing waitlists, computer malfunctions and constant checks for open classes, students may find the process a bit daunting.
Touch-tone Computer Registration Involving Student Participation, or CRISP, began in 1994, freeing students from long lines previously associated with registration.
"The positives (of touch-tone CRISP) definitely outweigh the negatives," said Lynn Adelman, assistant University registrar. "Students have access from 7 a.m. until midnight, and they don't have to wait in line."
Although many students are able to arrange an acceptable schedule during their first call to CRISP, many must register for second- and third-choice classes and sections. From there, these students often try to find a place in their desired class through waitlists or talking with the professor.
Personal contact with the professor may be the clincher.
"Any and all efforts to reach the prof - e-mail, notes wrapped around bricks and tossed through windows, whatever - (to) explain your special case are worthwhile," said history Prof. Tom Collier.
"Flattery and groveling also help - and offers to wash her car weekly are sure-fire."
Although contacting the professor and using waitlists may open up spaces, Collier cautions students to "be prepared for not getting in off the waitlist. They should pick an alternative and be prepared to drop/add promptly."
Adelman said every department manages its waitlists in its own way. "Some go down the list, (while) others might open new sections," she said. "The waitlists are at the instructors' discretion."
While some courses use waitlists and may shut students out of class due to overcrowding, some departments open additional sections to accommodate students as needed.
"We don't close courses in statistics," said statistics Prof. Edward Rothman. For example, "lab sections were closed in Statistics 402, so we went to the dean and opened up more sections."
In other classes, students experience waitlists differently.
"The professors never seem to follow (waitlists)," said LSA senior Sara Miller. "In some classes, if you're not a senior in that major it doesn't apply."
School of Art junior Sherry Meyer said she has tried for three terms to take "Color," and has been on the waitlist each time. "Last time, I was No. 4 on the waitlist and the professor said she would let the first six in," Meyer said.
"After a week and a half, (the professor) decided that she was going to give seniority to the seniors who wanted to take the class (instead of using the waitlist)," Meyer said.
For students not yet registered in the course, attending the first day of class is especially key.
"I went directly to the first day of class and got an override," Miller said of one of her courses. "I wouldn't suggest trying to get overrides over the phone. It took going to the professor (to get into the class)," she said.
But what most students really want to know is not how to get into Calculus 115.
Does the CRISP voice have a name?
"No, she doesn't," Adelman said. "We were given a choice of voices, and this voice was chosen by the majority."