For me it was 12 simple words: “We can’t afford Guilford anymore. It’s time to look at other schools.” BAM. Devastation sets in and you’re filled with 15 different emotions at one time. Panic, confusion, sadness, anxiety, nervousness; you’re scared, and you have no idea how you’re going to leave everything you know at your current school and start over somewhere new.
Some of you may not have had the same experience and you might have wanted to do nothing but transfer. You were ready for a bigger school and new experiences. Whether it’s something you’re forced to do or something you willingly do, it’s still an anxious and scary experience. For me, transferring transformed me into the person I am today. Transferring not only made me extremely happy but I fell in absolute love with my new school and my new life at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
If you’re in the middle of transferring or getting ready to start a new school in the Fall, be sure to remember…
- You already have a leg up: You know how the whole college thing works already. You understand the expectations of college and the way Blackboard works. Even though you may not know your way around the school yet, at least you’ve already had a glimpse at what the college life entails. That’s more than any incoming freshman could say!
- It’s okay to ask questions: You’ll never know if you never ask. Go into everything with an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Just think, you never know who you may meet or where things will lead if you ask someone a question about where a certain building is or what time the bookstore opens. People will be glad to help you, I promise!
- Everyone has been in your shoes at some point: At one point, everyone was new to school and they didn’t know where things were located or they were extremely nervous entering the cafeteria for the first time. They’ve all been new before, so don’t think you’re the only one who has ever felt anxious and scared.
- Try EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING: Go to as many parties as possible, attend club meetings and involvement fairs, apply for jobs on campus, go out even if you’re too tired, talk to people in your class, get involved in things you never thought you would be interested in, and most importantly, keep an open mind. Get involved on campus and off campus as much as possible. It will lead to a variety of friendships and connections as well.
- Remember the friends and professors you left behind: It’s so important to keep in touch with your friends at your previous school. They will not only provide you support while going through this huge transition, but if you continue keeping a strong bond with them, they will remain friends for life. It’s also important to keep in contact with professors. Trust me, it’s great networking.
- Everything happens for a reason: Although it may not seem like it now, if you’re dreading on transferring, it’s not the end of the world. You’re exactly where you’re supposed to be right now and it’s important to believe that. For me, transferring changed my life in so many amazing ways. At first, I viewed my transfer of schools as my worst nightmare. Now, I know for a fact that it was meant to be. It provided me with endless amounts of amazing opportunities, wonderful experiences, and lifelong friendships. It can do the same for you!
