Manage Your Workload
Manage Your Workload 
Deciding How Many Units to Take
In order to determine how many units to take, you need to consider lifestyle factors such as:
- How many hours a week do you work?
- How much time do you need to devote to your other responsibilities like family and relationships?
- How much time do you need for traveling to and from school?
- How much time do you need for socializing, recreation and other interests?
After considering these factors, you have an idea of how many hours a week you can realistically devote to school.
Calculating Success
The following is a recommended formula to determine the total time required for success in a class:
For each 1 unit of in-class time for lecture, schedule 2-3 hours per week for studying.
Example 1: For a 3-unit class you could expect the following:
| In-Class Time | 3 hours per week (1 hr. for each unit) |
| Homework Time | +6 hours per week (2 hr. for each unit) |
| Lab Hours | |
| Total Time | = 9 hours per week for one 3 unit class |
If you enroll in 12 units, you would need to budget 36 hours per week for schoolwork. That means, between attending class and completing assignments, you would need to commit a total of 36 hours per week to school.
Managing Work and School
If you are going to school and working, the maximum amount of work recommended is as follows:
| If you work 5-15 hours/week | Consider enrolling in no more than 16 units |
| If you work 20 hours/week | Consider enrolling in no more than 12 units |
| If you work 30 hours/ week | Consider enrolling in no more than 9 units |
| If you work 40 hours/ week | Consider enrolling in no more than 6 units |
Helpful Hint
Use your education plan found in EduNav or the one you developed with your counselor or advisor to determine how many units you should take in a semester.