Everyone transfers to a new college for different reasons. Some students transfer because they do not like the school they originally picked, they have financial reasons or they want to pursue a higher level of athletics. The list could go on and on. Last year, I found myself as one of those students.

I transferred to the University of North Georgia (UNG) after my family moved to the state of Georgia. I knew UNG was the place for me the second my mom and I drove over the top of the mountain that overlooked the school coming off the highway. I was super excited to start classes and get back into the academic field after a semester off. But it was not as easy as I had expected, simply because I did not know a single person on campus.

Now, I am about to start my second year at UNG, but before I move back in and classes get into the swing of things again I want give other college transfers some advice to (hopefully) help make the switch for them a little easier.

1. Get to know your roommate.

I had no idea who my roommate was the months leading up to move-in day on campus. Luckily, we were close enough to each other that we could meet up a couple times before classes started. And let me tell you, that was the best thing we could have done. Sure, we were not the most comfortable with each other in the beginning of the year; neither one of us had lived with another person before in such a small space. However, we were able to bond about the fact that we were both transferring from community colleges up North and our mutual love for chocolate, "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Friends." Having all of those things in common and getting to know each other before classes started helped us to become the best of friends and make the transition into traditional college life a lot easier for both of us.

2. Attend the hall meetings and socials your RA provides.

I know the last thing everybody wants to do after a long day of moving in or classes is to attend a hall meeting, but as a transfer student, they are really beneficial! They can help you learn more about the new campus you just moved too, as well as the regulations of the building you are living in, The socials your RA puts together are a way for them and the other people you are living with get to build community and get to know you. Some of ours included attending a yoga class, decorating Christmas ornaments and attending athletic events together on campus. If I had not attended the socials or meetings I would not have made the amazing friends I have today at UNG.

3. Get involved on your new campus.

College is the time to find yourself and the things you love to do. Being a transfer student makes it a little bit more challenging though, because you probably are not a freshman looking into all of the clubs and activities, and all of the other upperclassmen have already found their niche of clubs and activities. If I had not attended my school’s student involvement fair I would have never found the Ballroom Dance Club of North Georgia and be offered to be the club’s new secretary for the upcoming academic year. So get out there, find out what you love about the new school you are transferring into and get involved!

4. Take advantage of study groups.

The one thing that all college students have in common is academia. Attending a study group is not only great because you are studying with peers, obviously, but it is also a good way to meet new people. And chances are you have a lot in common with the people in your study group as well!

5. Have fun!

Transferring to a new college can be overwhelming making sure your credits transfer to where they need to go, learning about the new campus, finding housing and trying to make new friends. But while all of that is going on, do not loose site in what you are supposed to do in college, besides learning of course, and that is having fun. College is the time to explore, create memories and go on new adventures. So make sure you find time to do that for yourself, too!