7 Tips Every Transfer Student Should Know
There are a thousand reasons to be a transfer student. Whether you decided to change your major, move to a more desirable location, or just didn’t like your old college, transferring may be the best decision you’ve ever made. No matter what the reason for being a transfer student, the process and first semester can be a little nerve-wracking.
We’ve come up with some important tips that every transfer student needs to know in order to have a successful and pleasant transition into their new school.
Talk to an Advisor
One of the biggest mistakes a transfer student can make is not talking to their advisor and learning about how many of their previous credits will transfer to their new school. If you don’t know where you stand academically in your new school, it could result in you staying another semester or two longer than expected, which ultimately costs you more money.
Before scheduling your classes, sit down with an advisor and see how many of your credits will transfer. They will also let you know which classes you do and do not have to take in your major’s track.
Attend an Orientation
You don’t want to go into your new school blind. Before you start the semester, attend a transfer student orientation. Depending on the school and the number of transfer students, this may be a small or large group activity.
Orientation will help you get to know the campus and give you tips on where to go and what to do. This way, you’ll have some sense of direction on your first day of classes. Not to mention, you’ll be able to make some quick friends who are also transferred students.
Chat with Other Transfer Students Online
Once you are accepted into your new college, take a look at their social media pages. There may be Facebook groups for transfer students to get in touch and talk online before the semester begins. This is a great way to meet new people who are in the same situation.
If you can go to campus with at least one friend already made, it will make being a transfer student much easier. Who knows, you may meet someone online who you decide you would like to live with at school!
Live On Campus
Make living on campus a priority. Since you are a transfer student, you missed out on being a freshman living in the dorms and making new friends. It’s important, as a transfer student, to work hard to meet people and make friends. Living on campus in a dorm makes it much easier to meet people.
Leave your door open so people see that you are welcoming and open to meeting them. You’ll never know who will walk in. They may just be your new best friend.
Talk to Your RA
It never hurts to be friendly with your resident assistant in the dorm. They have been at the school for a couple of years now and can probably help you make a smooth transition being a transfer student. They can advise you on where to eat, what clubs to join, which professors to avoid, and the best parties to go to on the weekends.
While they most likely won’t be one of your close friends because of their position as an RA, they can introduce you to some people in your dorm who you may get along with. Don’t be afraid to go to your RA if you are struggling with your transition as a transfer student. They are there to help you in any way that they can.
Get Involved
If you as a transfer student take one piece of advice from this list, please make it be this one. Get involved on campus and in extracurricular activities. This will be the easiest way to make friends and feel like you are part of the school.
It’s easy to watch people on the outside when you are a transfer student. Jump in and join an activity you are interested in or have always wanted to try. College is all about trying new things and finding yourself!
Say Hello
It can be difficult making new friends when you are by yourself, especially if you tend to be a little shy. Just say, “Hello.” Whether it is someone sitting next to you in class, someone you pass in your dorm hallway, or someone sitting alone at lunch, it’s important to step out of your comfort zone and make friends. Remember, people are generally pretty nice, so they’ll say “hi” back and maybe even start up a conversation with you.
With these tips, you’ll be able to have a smooth transition as a transfer student in your new school. Make sure to get involved, try to live on campus, and attend orientation. Friends will really affect your college experience.