Transferring to a new school is an ambiguous feeling. It's exciting but scary, refreshing but nerve-wracking and most of all you're the new kid at school—lost in a strange place, so it's overwhelming and takes time to adjust. As an out-of-state transfer student from community college to Temple University, I experienced the struggle of being all alone at a big school. Here's a quick survival guide for transfer students:

1. Make a random group of friends

It seems as if the hardest part of transferring to a new school is being all alone. You miss out on freshman year where everyone else is also alone and friend groups are formed organically. As a transfer student, it’s difficult to talk to people who have already been in classes with each other and you tend to feel a few steps behind. The truth is—there are always other people just like you. So, talk to everyone. Regardless of age, class, gender—just talk to everyone. You are bound to come across at least a few people who transferred. Ask someone for help with homework or form a study group for each test. Sometimes the oddest groups of people can come together and become the best of friends.

2. Ask so many questions

I can’t stress enough about how important it is to ask questions. Questions can open up a world of opportunities just by having an inquiring mind. It’s okay to be that annoying student that stays after class to ask the teacher 500 questions about one project. It shows you care and I promise it helps in the long-run. Ask other students questions—it sparks conversation. I met one of my closest friends just by asking her a question about her job she mentioned in class. We started talking and realized we had so much in common. If a simple question can lead to a life-long friendship—I think it’s worth it to be nosey.

3. Roommates are important

As an older, transfer student, I didn’t want to live in the dorms and I was worried about having a lot of roommates in an apartment, sharing bills with people you don’t know, etc. I considered living alone in a studio apartment to focus on my schoolwork, but at the last minute I decided to live with one roommate in a tiny apartment on campus. It was the best decision I ever made. I was unsure about being placed with a random roomie at first but I later realized how lonely I would have been without her. Your roommate is your first friend at school and although it may seem weird or awkward at first—that’s just because you’re adjusting to coexist with another person who may be completely different than you. Try to stick it out—I have some of my best memories ever with my first random roomie.

4. Don't feel pressured

When you transfer, a lot of hard decisions must be made in a very short amount of time. Don’t feel pressured to make any on-the-spot decisions you are unsure of. Don’t worry about overwhelming yourself with classes or “graduating on time.” Work at your own pace and enjoy the ride—trust me, it flies by.

5. Get involved

Even if you don’t like to be a social person, getting involved can be beneficial for so many reasons. Not only can it help you make friends, but it can help you make connections for internships, jobs and it looks great on a resume. Whether it’s a club, organization, writing for the school paper or joining an honor society—getting involved helps you learn, grow and it shows that you can work well with others.

6. Find an easy, part-time job early on

I made the mistake of finding my perfect part-time job a year too late. I could have made so much more money if I looked for part-time work as soon as I transferred. It seems overwhelming, but once you get settled in your classes, get out there and find an easy place to work. You will earn seniority before you know it and by your second year will have a flexible schedule that allows you to put school first.

7. Research internships sooner than later

All college students should know how important internships are. Many transfer students come from community college or a university they weren’t very involved in and aren’t knowledgeable about internships and building experience in their career field. Since transfer students are sometimes set back in the timeframe they have at their new school, it’s imperative to research internships right away. You don’t have to apply right away—be sure to get comfortable with classes first—then figure out what kind of internship will fit you best. Spend time looking for something both enjoyable and helpful.

8. Make friends with teachers and mentors

It’s really OK to be a teacher’s pet—seriously. Visit your advisor a few times a semester, meet with professors after class for help, reach out to teachers who specialize in your concentration and ask them for direction within your major—anything helps! Forming relationships with teachers not only increases your chances of getting a good grade in the class (duh!), it helps you form a connection that can benefit you in the future. I still communicate with a professor from about six years ago who just recently wrote me a recommendation letter. You don’t have to ass-kiss or brownnose to be memorable to a teacher—just show that you care.

9. Attend anything helpful and FREE

Obviously anything free is great but as a transfer student, keeping up with shows, lectures, movies, presentations and anything held at the school, can really help you get involved. I go to free comedy shows, poetry workshops, cheap theatre performances, lectures held in classrooms and almost anything that comes through my email and sounds interesting. Sometimes it relates to my major or is something I love and sometimes it's something I never heard of and want to learn more about. Be curious. Everything can be a learning experience.

10. Enjoy your time—it goes by fast!

If I had to have any regrets about transferring it would only be that I wish I had more time. But I am not regretful in knowing that I had an amazing experience as a transfer student and loved every second of it. The only problem is, time flies when you’re having so much fun and even at times where I was swamped with work and wanted to give up, I knew it wouldn’t last forever and I couldn’t help but to know it’s all worth it. Enjoy your time. Love every second of it because you will miss it so much one day.