Well, It is officially October which means most of us College Students have been in school for almost two full months and right about now is when the stress starts hitting us like a ton of bricks. However, I have decided to specifically dedicate this article to all of the Transfer Students, including myself. It is NOT easy, but if you have made it this far give yourself a round of applause.
To start off, most of us transfer students have started off our College Education at a Community College, and have now moved on to a four year institution. I can only speak for myself, but I feel as if many can relate to the struggles of being a new student at a new school.
1. Fast paced courses
Can we talk about how fast pace university courses are? I was told that it is going to be fast-paced, but my idea of "fast" was not having a quiz in all of my classes every week. I mean we pretty much learn a whole new lesson on Tuesdays and have a quiz on that same lesson on Thursdays, and if you are as bad as I am in Math you would have no problem in understanding this struggle, I need at least one whole week to learn how to solve for X (joking, kind of sort of).
2. Meeting new people
Starting at a new school, sort of forces you to meet knew people and start new friendships all over again which can be easy for people who are not introverted like I am. However, putting that aside.. its almost like how do people even find the time to manage going to class, studying, finding 10 minutes to nap before their next class and socializing? I give SO MUCH credit to those people who can do it all. Of course I want to make those college friendships that supposedly last "forever" but HOW DO I FIND THE TIME? I guess it comes down to your time management skills.
3. Undecided major
Before attending your new school, you feel as if you're going to be the only transfer student that is applying as undecided even after two years of being in college. Well let me be the first to tell you trust me, you are not. Up until two weeks ago, my major was not finalized, but I was able to meet so many other students who also were undecided and we bonded over how much we have no clue what career path we wanted to take.
4. Getting involved
Okay, so am I the only one who hesitates when it comes to getting involved with different clubs and organizations at my school? I love the idea, but being a transfer student I am a bit iffy because of the fact, that everyone most likely already knows each other in these different clubs and social circles have already been made. I have come to the realization though, that there is nothing wrong with being the "new" person, do not make the mistake of letting your fear of being a transfer student stop you from getting involved. All of us transfer students should come together and get involved so we wont regret it later on.
With all that being said, I truly hope this article is somewhat relatable to all you transfer students out there. Like I said in the beginning if you have made it thus far, you're doing great and I know the most common sentence you hear is "you are not alone" but trust me, you really aren't. You should take those words in and always remember them when you are feeling lost. Everyone goes through the same thing, and one MAJOR piece of advice I suggest for you transfer students out there, is to take a "transfer seminar" course if your school has it, it is a great way of meeting students who are in the exact same position as you are and it might even be a great way of meeting your future best friend?!
Good Luck with the rest of your Fall Semester!
