First of all, congratulations to you for knowing what you want out of your college experience, whether you're coming from another college or right out of high school with Dual Credit or AP Class credits. As a transfer student, myself, I've learned a few tricks and tips for being a transfer student. So without further ado...
1. Choose a school with the major you want.
Of course, throughout the course of college, your major is bound to change an average of three times before you decide what you truly want. It's good to choose a school that has a few options to fall back on if your major doesn't work out.
2. Apply.
Applying to your school is the first real step in transferring.
3. Always send transcripts.
I cannot stress this enough. If you don't send in your transcripts in time then it will be harder to transfer courses that you may have already taken. Yes, the courses you've already taken might be under different titles at your new school, but they can be processed through the system.
4. Learn about your desired department.
If you have no idea or know about the department you're about to pursue, make sure you're looking into the majors, class requirements, prerequisites etc.
5. Contact your Academic Advisor.
When you're accepted as a transfer student, you'll most likely go either to your department advisor or if your major is undecided, you would go to the transfer advisor. Contact them as soon as you can, because they are the ones who set you up with classes, take holds off your account and explain the transfer procedures.
6. Check your university email.
You should get an ID number and a university email account. Your email is the best way to contact advisors, professors, and offices on campus. Make sure to check it often, and download the preferred app on your phone and turn the notifications on.
7. The transfer itself takes time.
Remember to be patient while waiting for advisors to reply and while your previous classes get transferred into your new school. For me, I was transferring with two transcripts so it took a little longer for the classes to be put in the system.
8. Visit your campus.
All colleges will be different from each other. Be sure to be familiar with your campus; the transit system, buildings, landmarks, parking lots etc. Being aware of the campus location is also vital because then you can gauge how long it will take to get there.
9. Don't forget your old college.
I am a transfer student from a college I attended for a year and a half. I loved it there, yes, but I was prepared for something new. I won't just drop that experience, because it was a part of my life.
10. Learn to navigate the college website.
Knowing where to go to log into the student portal and knowing the football schedule for the upcoming year are two things that you should definitely look up.
11. Don't be afraid to call the Registrar Office.
The registrar office literally exists so that students can have information about registration, transfers, transcripts and students. You can ask them about how to get to registration for classes, request transcripts, and they can help process student information.
12. Meet people from your school.
Whether you're a commuting, or online or an on-campus student, you should reach out to others who are also attending. Having connections with people before you head there for the next few years of your life will be nice and will give you a basis of friendships.
13. Be excited.
This is a new experience for you. Some will not agree with your choice to change, and some will be. I hope that you stay on the sunny side of things. Be excited for the newness that is in your life. I know it's hard to leave the familiar, but that's part of growth. You're going to thrive there.
Transfer student,
Don't be afraid to be you. You're the best version of you that anyone could ask for. If the new people you meet don't like who you are, find other new people. There is no shortage of people who want to know you and be a part of your life, even if they don't know it yet. It's going to be hard to adjust, but you're gong to go far.
Sincerely,
A Transfer Student
