Transferring colleges is a huge decision. When I first started college as a freshman, I was confused as to why anyone would want to transfer. It seemed like an unnecessary transition to go through. I would pride myself on never being like one of those people who have to run away from their college. Unbeknownst to me, I would, in fact, be one of those kids who transfers universities. Let me tell you, there is a lot of stuff I wish I knew.
1. Credits
Not all credits transfer to your new university. That's common sense to some, but most people don't realize that some credits won't even transfer into the subject you want them to count toward. Which involves retaking classes you've already taken. If you're unlucky like me, some credits will even get misplaced along the road.
2. Grades
To be accepted into a new university, they don't look at the grades from your previous college. Since all schools grade differently, they just see what classes you passed. Although each school has a different definition of passing, your GPA will definitely start over.3. "Why did you transfer?" is a bad question
Many people will ask you this question harmlessly, but there aren't many happy answers. Medical reasons, personal reasons, monetary reasons or the fact that they hated the university doesn't make for a joyful conversation.
4. New friends
Remember how much you hated to make friends freshman year? Yeah, you'll have to do that again. Unless you're like me and refuse to make friends until you have to find a partner for a group activity.
5. Orientation
It sucks, and you'll have to go through it again. Some schools have online options for transfer students, and other schools make you go through the whole process like incoming freshman. While it is necessary, it is admittedly awful.
6. Scheduling
Scheduling is going to be harder because you won't know what credits do and don't count. I'm on a first-name basis with my advisor and have an email thread of over 30 emails from the past two months.
7. Staff
Speaking of advisors, as a transfer student, a lot of people employed at the university don't know how to handle transfer students. It is just not their area of expertise. You will be referred to different places until you finally find your beacon of hope.
8. No college is perfect
It's true. I love my new college, but there are still some things I don't like. I loved things about my old college that I don't like about my new one. If you are transferring to find the perfect school, you will never find it. Parking will always cost too much, and the dorms will smell weird no matter where you go.
Ultimately, transferring colleges is never an easy decision and there is going to be a lot along the way that you wish you knew about. But you don't need to go in totally blind. Contact your new school and ask them any questions you may have. Make sure you also keep working with your advisor at your old school because they can help make your transfer easier.
Good luck!
