The 2025 spring semester is less than 24 hours away! As much as I look forward to starting a new academic semester, part of my mind is also occupied with the challenges I might face. That said, I will introduce five words you absolutely must know about university classes.

1. 전필

Definition: core course/mandatory course

Have you looked through the curriculum of your major? Then you might have come across the word '전필.' '전필' is the abbreviation for '전공필수.' To break down this word, '전공' implies major, and '필수' means mandatory. To complete a bachelor’s degree successfully, one must ensure that they complete the selection of courses that are deemed mandatory by the department. Some core courses must be completed before moving on to another grade, so checking mandatory courses relevant to your major is paramount.

2. 교양

Definition: electives

Electives are courses that a student chooses to take freely. While it is generally easier to fulfill the required number of credits with electives, it is critical to check whether there are compulsory electives that must be taken. At the university I currently attend, I am required to attend three 2-credit classes from a specific category of electives due to being an international student. This may differ by university, so it is essential to check your university’s official website. You can also reach out to your university’s international student support team to double-check.

3. 폐강