Change: The Perspective of a Transfer Student
After beginning at one school, sometimes students may feel the need for a change of scenery. However, picking up the life you built in one place and starting fresh somewhere else is daunting, but I am here to say that you’re not alone! I recently transferred from a community college to the University of Texas at Arlington, and I wanted to share some things I learned to help make that transition a bit smoother. While the first couple of weeks after my transfer were a struggle, I was finally able to get comfortable due to these 3 lessons:
Stick to What You Love
When I first moved to Arlington, I had to get used to a lot of new things like my new schedule, different weather, and unfamiliar scenery. Early on, I enjoyed this as it felt like I was discovering something new each day, but quickly, I started to feel overwhelmed and homesick. Thoughts like, “Did I make the wrong decision moving?” or “Will I ever get used to being here?” bombarded my mind. But rather than let my anxiousness get the better of me, I fell back on my favorite hobby: volleyball. After going to a local open gym, I found my worries washed away as I was having fun and doing something I loved. Simply put, change can be overwhelming, but when you find a way to insert the things you love into new situations, you can create some comfort for yourself.
It's Ok to Ask for Help
As a transfer student, I was very nervous about life as a new student on campus and moving in a day before the first day of classes did not help. At first, I walked around aimlessly across campus on my own trying to figure out where my classes were located and what food options were available to me. While I eventually figured things out, this process could have been accelerated if I just asked for help. Reaching out to classmates or even your university’s student center is a great way to get questions answered by people who already know what they are doing. Additionally, by reaching out to others, you might be introduced to resources you never knew existed on campus.
Relationship Building is Key
As a heavily introverted person, one of the things I dreaded most was meeting new people. Often during lectures, I found myself sitting at the very back of the classroom or closest to the door so I could avoid any interactions; however, I quickly felt lonely. This changed when another student named Diego sat next to me one day during a chemistry lecture. Getting to talk with him helped me build confidence in chatting with others, and eventually, I met a great new group of friends. Building new relationships is an amazing way to make your transition more enjoyable as you start to look forward to the next day and the events and activities you may participate in through new people.
Ultimately, the transfer process is pivotal in dictating how life at your new school will be. As a result, being smart about how you spend your time and approaching the first few weeks is critical to ensure that you get as comfortable as quickly as possible. While the lessons I shared above are not an exact science or step-by-step process, I hope they offer some insight that can make your transition smoother. From one transfer student to another, I wish you luck and want you to know that you’ll do great!
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