So, you're transferring to Cabrini? Well, congratulations! You are about to join a community of brilliant, compassionate, and fun people. You have chosen to leave the school you know to enter a world where you have no prior knowledge. This is not as frightening as you may think. As a transfer student, I can appreciate those fears and anxiety but the uneasy feeling in the pit of your stomach need not hold you back. Take these tips from a transfer student and run openminded and openhearted into the new school you have chosen.
1. Live On Campus
If your financial situation allows, seriously consider living on campus. Cabrini's residence halls allow for a fulfilling living experience that provides opportunity to meet and make lifelong friends, create connections with the college community, and have easy access to campus resources. Just consider it this way: no worrying about catching a train or driving home after a late night in the library, you just have to walk to your residence hall. It's that simple.
2. Go to Orientation
Not only will you get to know campus, you'll meet people who are in the same situation as you: you're all new to campus and know few people. You'll want to go to the information sessions to learn about the resources available to you as a student of Cabrini. You will learn about where things like academic, health, and psychological resources are free to you. Trust me, free is good.
3. Get Involved!
I know, every school says that. But consider this: you are new here and you want to get to know people with similar interests and goals, right? So, you either need to master talking to every and any random person in the cafeteria at meal times without a. seeming creepy, b. looking crazy, or c. both. Or, you can go to the Involvement Fair and sign up to join some of the many and varied activities and clubs on campus, maybe even consider joining our Greek Life here. Don't forget to go to events like dances sponsored by SEaL and other on-campus groups.
4. Speak Up!
Whether in class, in a floor meeting in your residence hall, or in a club meeting, don't be afraid to speak up and join in the conversation. Your opinions and questions are encouraged and important. Not only do they get you involved in the conversation, but you will get to know people easier.
5. Get Help!
No matter what happens your first semester at Cabrini, find the support you need. If you are struggling academically, talk to your professors, go to the Center for Teaching and Learning in Iadarola, or ask your classmates about possibly forming a study group. If you need help with stress, something happens that you want to talk about, or life has you down, go to Psychological and Counseling services in Grace Hall. Help is here, and best of all, it's FREE.
There is so much more that I could talk about, but these are really what I think have helped me most in my own transition to Cabrini. Good luck and welcome to Cabrini!
