Students blog

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!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

As the semester begins, you're navigating your new campus, finding classrooms, study spots, and where to grab a bite. But for transfer students, there's a distinction between you and some classmates. Having already spent a year or more in college, perhaps even earning your associate degree elsewhere, you're adapting while others seem fully integrated.

But don't fret, fellow transfer student, there are numerous ways to connect and seize opportunities. Reflecting on my time at Cal State Fullerton, I dived into opportunities, pursuing interests and prepping for post-grad life. Here are a few strategies to explore your passions and maximize campus resources for life beyond graduation.

Join a student organization

At the beginning of each school year, or sometimes even every semester, universities host a pivotal event where campus organizations, departments, and clubs gather to connect with students. At CSUF, ours is called Discoverfest, but be sure to find out what your school calls it and mark your calendar for this event.

During my first or second week at Cal State Fullerton, I stumbled upon Discoverfest almost by accident. Tents dotted the campus, and as I wandered through, certain clubs caught my eye. I ended up exploring every section of the event, grabbing flyers about club meetings and ways to get involved, not to mention some cool freebies! This was my primary entry point into the CSUF community, and it's a crucial opportunity for you to discover the wealth of resources and opportunities available at your school.

Visit your transfer department

Many college campuses feature a dedicated department specifically tailored to support transfer students, along with various unique student groups. At CSUF, ours is known as the TAPP Center – Transfer Adult Re-entry Parenting & Pregnant Student. This department aims to offer professional and academic support to these distinct student populations. Their services range from providing study spaces and workshops to offering free snacks and coffee, student resource groups, as well as volunteer and career opportunities. Be sure to see if your school offers a similar resource and make the most of the facilities and resources they provide!

Talk to your professors and peers

Your professors and peers can often serve as valuable resources right on campus. For instance, my sales professor heads the Sales Leadership Center, which hosts numerous events, offers involvement opportunities, and boasts connections with over 30 companies for internships and jobs. Additionally, I've encountered peers deeply involved in various clubs or even working within departments I was interested in.

Don't hesitate to reach out and ask questions. You never know, your next career opportunity could arise from a conversation with a professor or peer. Seize the opportunity and go for it!

Get involved!

All that to say – get involved. It’s never too late to leverage your resources and connections as a college student! Now that I have graduated, I can reminisce on all of the ways I got involved on campus. I was the Marketing Coordinator for Entertainment and Tourism Club, I was on the street team for Associated Students Inc (ASI), I went to various College of Business events and events hosted by ASI, and served as the VP of Programs Assistant for American Marketing Association (AMA).

These experiences have shaped me in ways I couldn't have imagined and have enriched my college experience beyond measure. So, as you navigate your own path through university life, remember it's never too late to dive in, get involved, and craft a college experience that's uniquely yours.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Just a few months after beginning my freshman year of college, I made the decision to transfer schools. Some people transfer early on and others, much later. Regardless of when you do, it can be overwhelming. I know the feeling of relief that comes with finally deciding to transfer, however, I also know the nervous more-like-bees than butterflies feeling in your stomach that you also get when you finally get to that new campus. Here are some tips that I learned from my transfer experience as well as some things that I wish someone would have told me when I transferred. Also, if you are still considering whether or not to transfer, these tips might also help you make that decision (coming from someone who went back and forth for months before deciding).

Go to the Events

I know the feeling that may give you, I also dreaded being the new transfer student at campus events – but I promise it’s worth it. It’s so much better to try and know what clubs or groups are a fit (or not a fit for you) rather than wait until senior to realize there’s a group you should have joined much earlier on. Going to these campus/club events will help you meet more people and make connections on campus – the sooner you do this, the sooner you get adjusted to your new environment.

Reach Out to Acquaintances

It does really help to know a few students who are already adjusted to campus as you transfer. When I transferred schools, I realized while scrolling on Instagram one day that a girl I worked with at a restaurant while I was in high school went to the school I was transferring to. I hesitated but eventually decided to reach out to her via DM to see if she wanted to get lunch sometime. The very next semester, her and her twin sister became my roommates and my best friends. We still live together today, and I can’t imagine my college experience without them. So, take the shot and reach out even if you feel nervous!

Don’t Pass Up Opportunities

Many of the groups I’ve joined and positions I’ve held while at my transfer school are the result of me applying for positions or going to events that I almost didn’t do. Looking back now, I’m so extremely grateful that I decided to take on these opportunities because they’ve contributed so heavily to my experience. Check your school email, talk to your professors and see what ways you can get involved – you will not regret it.

Transferring can be overwhelming but it’s so worth it in the end. Be sure to put yourself out there and take on opportunities, you never know where they might lead you to. If you’re still considering whether or not to transfer schools, I’d advise you to picture yourself at your current school in the following semester – are you happy? Has anything from your current circumstances changed? (Different roommates, new major, etc.) If not, and if you’re struggling to find reasons to stay, transferring is not a bad idea. Everyone’s college experience is different and no one’s is perfect. Always remember to do what is going to be best for you!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!