7 Tips for Transfer Students
By Samantha Romero ‘16
A new campus, an unfamiliar environment, and making new friends are all part of the process of transferring from a community college to a university. It’s been almost two years since I transferred, and it still feels like it was just yesterday. Here are some tips to ease the process of transferring and settling into a new campus.
1. Meet with your Academic Counselor Regularly
First things first, meet with your academic counselor regularly to stay updated on your academic progress. If you have any questions regarding whether certain class credits have transferred, they will be happy to assist you.
2. Get Involved
It can be difficult to make new friends when you’re transferring to a university because you’re new to the school. Also although you may be a sophmore, it feels like you’re a freshman because everyone else has already established their circles of friends. As a sophmore transfer myself, volunteering at the Annenberg Media Center allowed me to meet numerous interesting and talented students that I was able to find something in common with, the love of journalism.
I recommend joining a club that interests you. There are hundreds of clubs on campus from Rock Climbing Club to Chess Club, there is something for everyone. It’s most common for universities to hold a club fair in the beginning of the semester so keep an eye out for club events.
Another way to get involved is to search USC events on Facebook to stay updated on what events are taking place on campus. One of my favorite pages is Program Board because they are constantly planning student events.
3. Know the Campus
I had never stepped foot on campus before transferring so I had a very difficult time for at least the first few weeks of my first semester at USC simply trying to find my classrooms. I recommend visiting the campus with friends or family to familiarize yourself with the campus.
If you’re still having trouble finding a building, the USC campus map app is here to help you. All you have to do is enter the name of the building you’re looking for and the app will guide you to the destination. You can download the app here.
If all else fails, don’t be afraid to ask for directions. Stepping foot on a new campus can be intimidating so feel free to ask a fellow student or employee for assistance.
4. Access Resources
There are multiple resource on campuses that you should be aware of from health services to assistance in finding jobs and internship opportunities. Take advantage of these resources, they are here to make your college experience the best experience.
One of my favorite on campus resources is the Annenberg DIgital Lounge, it’s an exciting learning environment to learn in-demand skills like coding and editing with Photoshop. In fact, you can even get an Adobe certification after the completion of their requirement. What’s even better is that if you missed a class you can view the recording online and it’s all free!
5. Stay Focused and Organized
It can be overwhelming to be placed in classes of 100+ students when you were use to classes of 35 maximum. At least that was the case for me, I was not familiar with the class structure. As a result, it was easy to get distracted on my laptop while taking notes. My best advice is to stay organized in your classes. By this I mean take notes in every class, if you miss a class make sure to get notes from a friend. Try not to lose focus of your goals and the achievements you have already made.
So whether you take notes on your laptop or notebook, stay focused and maintain a calendar to organize your class work and exam dates.
6. Know your Professors
Your professors are also a valuable resource that you should not take for granted. If you have a question about the course material do not hesitate to email them or to schedule an appointment. They are also their to guide you if you would like advice on your field of study.
If you’re ever unclear about an assignment the TA’s are also there to assist and answer your questions. Don’t forget you’re not alone.
7. Maintain a Support Group
Transferring can be a rough process which is why it’s important to maintain a support group of family and friends. Perhaps link up with friends that are going through the same experience. There is also a Facebook page for USC Transfer Students on Facebook that is open to join.
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