Transfer Tips: What I Wish I Knew Before I Transferred to USC
By: Lauren Liang' ‘23
Transferring is a scary (and exciting!) process. New school, new people, new city. I should know– I am a transfer. I’ve loved my time at USC, and while I haven’t had to learn too many lessons the hard way, there are definitely some tips I wish I knew before I started.
Use the Maps app
As you become more familiar with USC, you’ll figure out shortcuts and preferred pathways to get around campus. When you first get here, however, campus seems gigantic– avoid getting lost by using the Maps app on your phone. If you have a building code but not the full name, use USC’s building directory to get where you need to go.
Side tip: Take time to wander around and explore campus! There are so many little pockets that are great for reading, studying, or just hanging out with friends. You just have to find them!
Reach out to people
Reaching out to people can be scary, especially when it seems like everyone already has their own friend group. Don’t get too worried though. One of the best things about college is that you’re always meeting new people. I met one of my best friends at USC because I noticed we had three class GroupMes together and DMed her saying hi. Most people are down to make new friends or grab coffee together, and the worst thing that can happen is getting left on read. Go for it!
Say yes to things
Don’t be scared of going to events because you don’t know anyone. Saying yes to things is one of the best ways to meet new people and get out of your comfort zone.
Joining clubs and club culture
When you first get to USC, you’ll likely hear that clubs are a great way to find community and friends with shared interests. This is very true! What you might not realize until club recruitment is that USC’s club culture is very competitive– the application process for many professional clubs includes a written submission and multiple social + interview rounds. Don’t let this discourage you. You can always reapply if you don’t get in the first time, and clubs are not the end all be all, personally or professionally. Plus, there are many social clubs on campus that are open to everyone. Check out the club fair at the beginning of each semester!
Explore academic opportunities
One of my favorite things about USC is that there are so many opportunities to explore academically. You can form a major/minor combination across practically any school, and even if you don’t have enough space to complete a minor, I still highly recommend trying to take classes outside of your major. Some of my favorite classes have been outside of Dornsife. One of my bucket list items before graduating is taking a class in every school.
If you’re able to, take 2-unit electives on top of your usual 16 core units each semester. Your tuition already covers 18 units, so take advantage of it! This semester, I’m taking individual voice lessons in Thornton, and it’s such a nice change of pace from my major courses. Trojans360 has so many articles on 1 and 2-unit elective offerings, which I highly recommend checking out!
Advocate for yourself
I highly recommend taking the time to explore USC’s course/program offerings on your own. While speaking with your academic advisor is a great starting point, not all of them will be up-to-date on USC’s latest and greatest academic offerings, and it can be easy to discover a really cool program after it’s too late to take it. Additionally, advocating for yourself goes much further than just academics. USC has so much to offer, you just have to scout out the opportunities and take them. Be your own biggest fan, and believe in your abilities– you’re at USC for a reason. Welcome, and fight on!
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