As if the experience of going to college with thousands of kids you don't know, from towns you've never heard of, and having to meet a whole new friend group wasn't daunting enough the first time, now you're having to do it all over again. I know the feeling, and it was scary as hell. Students transfer for a ton of different reasons. Some need to be closer to home, some don't exactly fit in the way they thought, and some just down right hate where they are. My situation had to do with my major.
I started out my college experience at The University of Iowa, and it was the time of my life. Coming from the Chicago area, the Big Ten was all anyone wanted, and Iowa holding the title of number one party school didn't hurt. I came from a family where being one minute late past curfew meant being grounded. So, yeah, I loved college.
Unfortunately, after freshman year I started to really think about my major and the path that it had for me, which was to eventually become a physical therapist. After countless confusing cry-fests as well as coming to the realization that chemistry and I would never get along, the crushing conclusion was clear: in order to pursue what I actually wanted to do with my life, I would have to leave my dream school.
Flash forward three years, and I'm so lucky to have Kentucky as another one of my homes. Here are just a few things I learned along the way.
1. Get involved.
Obvious, but so true and important. Luckily for me, I became a Tri Delt while at Iowa freshman year, so I was able to transfer to the same incredibly welcoming sorority at UK. After getting to know some new sisters, I also joined the club within my new major to meet even more people.
2. Speak up.
Joining a sorority was a huge blessing, and even though I had just gained 200 new friends without even unpacking my bags yet, I still didn't know a single soul. I was added to the sorority Facebook page, and after about a week of watching posts and keeping quiet, I gathered up the balls to write my own post and introduce myself and say what's up. The next day, I had a knock on my door at Baldwin with five girls who had seen the post and tracked me down to say hi and to make me feel so welcome. Thanks, guys -- that was awesome.
3. Ask, ask, ask.
Different college campuses are like complete different worlds. Each one has its own lay out, structure, and societal rules. Being a very shy person, I hate asking questions and being vocal. But one thing I learned quickly is that down here at Kentucky -- people are very nice and very willing to help with anything. There's only so much you can figure out on your own. For example, I found the Johnson Center fine, but where was I supposed to put my stuff? Wait, I need a locker? How do I get that? Just ask!
4. Accept help.
Lots of people will hear that you're a transfer and offer something. Whether it be to help show you around, give you hints on the good places to eat, or to take you out that night, take it! It takes courage to make that first text with the number they gave you, but I promise you'll thank yourself.
5. Make the most of your new home.
There were plenty of times my first semester as a transfer when I felt like I didn't feel at home and that I just couldn't get the hang of it. It took a while, but I realized how much my new surroundings has to offer! Kentucky is nothing like Illinois. Green grass with white picket fences for horses, and winding roads leading to mountains make it feel like another world, and I learned to get out there and love it. College isn't all about classes, it's about the experiences you make for yourself. I consider myself lucky to have been able to encounter two different college worlds.
