Current College Students

Transfer Students, Campus Resources, and Living On Campus

​10 Tips For Prospective College Transfer Students

by: University of the People: The Education Revolution

According to recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, over a third of American college students will transfer between institutions at least once. It’s a pretty high number, but it makes sense. It’s not so rare to find yourself at an institution that isn’t the right fit, either socially or academically. Getting a degree is a big investment of time and effort, and it’s important to make sure you’re in the right place for your goals and having a positive experience as you study.

If you think you’ll be among the more-than-a-third of American students making a transfer in search of greener pastures, here are ten tips to ensure that the transition goes smoothly.

1) Write Down Your Reasons for Transferring Universities: Many prospective transfer students can find it difficult to process their feelings about this decision. After all, it can be hard to tell if you’re in the wrong place, or if you just need to stick it out. You don’t want to stay in a university that isn’t a right fit for you, but you also don’t want to bail on a good thing too soon. So how do you get clarity?

• I find that writing is one of the best ways to process thoughts, feelings, wants, and anxieties. What may have seemed like a jumble in your mind will find clarity on the page. Write out exactly what’s not clicking with your current college, or what you love about the place you’re thinking of transferring to. Write a couple of pages without censoring yourself (and maybe even do the classic pro-con list).
• After you’ve written down your reasons, put them in a drawer and head out. Give yourself some space before reading them over. When you come back to them (a day later should do the trick) you’ll find that you have new insight into this decision.

2) Research the Institution: Transferring involves a lot of research. You’ll want to make sure that you’re going to be studying in a place that’s a great fit for you. Read their website thoroughly, make a visit if you can, and see if you can communicate with alumni or current students to discuss their experiences. 

3) Read the University Transfer Policy Carefully: Every university has its own transfer policy. This should be listed on their website. Not only will this policy include important info like application deadlines, but will also tell you their policy regarding transfer credits. If transferring some or all of your credits is important to you, make sure to pay extra attention to this information.

• The transfer policy will tell you if you can transfer credit from exams, or apply credits from two-year degrees towards the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Some universities require that students have earned a specific amount of credits (sometimes up to two years’ worth) at their home university before transferring, meaning that it might be worth it to wait another semester or two to make the transfer.
• Some universities won’t accept credits if you are changing majors, but others will allow you to transfer these credits towards elective courses. Some universities won’t accept credits from courses in which you earned a grade lower than a C. Prospective transfer students quickly discover that there is incredible variety in transfer policies between universities, and these policies may become as important as the institution itself in making a choice of where to apply.
• Research Tool: check out www.collegetransfer.net to simplify this research process. It’s an amazing website which helps students easily navigate their options in transferring based on your exact situation, goals and experience.

4) Take Advantage of Your Second Chance: Many students feel that their high school transcript wasn’t in good enough shape to get them to the university they really wanted. If that’s you, transferring can be a great way to get a second shot. Universities will notice if your first year or so of university grades show an increase in motivation and this can open new doors for you when applying for a transfer.

• Some students, however, are transferring because they are very unhappy at their current universities. This can lead to a lack of motivation, or the desire to hurry out the door.
• Keep your cool and study hard. This way you’ll be able to strike when the iron is hot during your second round of applications. Scoring good grades will boost your chances of being accepted when you apply and hanging around for another semester or two could pay off in the long run if you’re worried about your high school GPA.

5) Take Care with Your Transfer Applications: Second chances are rare in life, and hindsight is 20/20. As a transfer student, you have an insight into the application process that you didn’t have the first time around. Do you feel like you could write a better essay now? Do you feel that you should take a different approach with your application or your interview?

• Resist the temptation to copy and paste old application material when you transfer. You have a new perspective, new experience, and new insights. Make use of them. Also – many schools will require transfer students to write specifically on the topic of why they are transferring.
• This essay should show maturity. Speak about your goals and about what you want out of a university experience. Don’t submit a laundry list of petty complaints about your roommate or the cafeteria food. College Express has a great guide to writing a successful transfer essay.

6) Plan Financially for Your University Transfer: Most likely you’ve already done a lot of financial planning to get to where you are, but transferring institutions means you need to get out your calculator and crunch the numbers again. There may be a price difference between your current college and the one you plan on transferring to, but this is only one piece of the equation. Other expenses to plan for are moving expenses, differences in cost of living between locations, and application and transfer credit fees. In addition to this, students may face having to retake certain credits if they are not able to transfer them. This will affect the overall cost of graduating.

• Don’t forget about small or unexpected expenses along the way. Be organized and know what you’re getting into – that way you won’t be surprised and your transfer experience will be much smoother.
• Another note on financial planning – you may need to reapply for financial aid when you transfer. Although it’s no fun applying for financial aid –it sure is nice when you get it. It can be harder for transfer students to get scholarship money but many schools have a fund specially designed for transfer students. As you research colleges and universities, make sure to look at the ins and outs of their financial aid policy, as well as researching other forms of funding (like scholarships and federal aid).
• Scholarships.com is a great resource for funding in general, but also has specific scholarships for transfer students. Check them out here.

7) Map Out Your Transfer Trajectory: Many transfer students can feel disoriented after they transfer. There is transfer jetlag that students experience, just like one would feel traveling overseas. You may find yourself on a graduation schedule different than your peers, or have to delay study abroad plans. Remember, more than a third of college students are transferring and thus going through the same thing.

• It can be hard to adjust to a new time trajectory, but the best way to handle it with grace is to map it out. If your study abroad plans need to be delayed, don’t dismiss them – rather find a new place for them. You’re on no one’s timeline but your own and Paris isn’t going anywhere.
• Graduating a semester late can seem distressing for students who see all their peers finish ahead of them, but I’ve spoken to many last-year students who see it as a perk. They can finish their studies and do their finals without distraction, and in the long run, graduating a semester or two late won’t feel like much time at all.

8) Don’t Overwhelm Yourself in Your First Semester: This piece of advice goes along with the previous one. In an effort to get on the timeline of everyone around them, many transfer students try to “hit the ground running,” and may pile on too much during their first semester. While the attempt to do it all may be admirable, it won’t behoove you in the long run to overwhelm yourself.

• A transfer involves a great deal of change. It may involve a change of social scene, major, environment, etc. You need space to breathe as you adjust to these changes. Take your courses and study hard, but don’t push yourself beyond your limits.

9) Find Your Place at Your Transfer University: Many transfer students can feel separate from the rest of the community at their universities, most of whom bonded during freshman orientation already. You may need to take a more active role in building a healthy and satisfying social life for yourself.

• This might mean joining social groups, actively approaching other students before and after class, making yourself seen at the campus café, etc. Find out if your new university hosts a transfer orientation. Many do, and it’s a great way to connect with other students in the same situation as you. Remember – making friends and building a community for yourself can take time. The important thing is to stay open and put yourself out there.

10) After Transferring Universities, Give it Some Time: There are students who have transferred time and time again, never quite feeling comfortable at the institution they’re at and always looking for the next thing. For these students, we have a simple recommendation: give it time. Yes, there are some students for whom multiple transfers was the right move. But giving it a bit of time still won’t hurt. If you transfer and immediately feel the itch to keep on moving, investigate why you feel those feelings.

• No college is perfect. And most new experiences feel scary or uncomfortable at first. That scary feeling always precedes a great time in life – because it means you’re taking a risk and making an investment. Check out the support systems in place at your university. Feelings of displacement and insecurity are common with new students and your school can probably offer you some resources, including someone to talk to with whom students can process their feelings and make a plan for succeeding in a new environment.

11) Be a Great Student: When the dust of the transfer settles, it’s time to stop thinking of yourself as a transfer student and start thinking of yourself as a great student. Again, it is recommended to do a writing exercise. Write down your academic and professional goals, which may have been pushed aside by all the research and bureaucracy of the transfer process. This is why you’re here in college in the first place – to make your dreams come true. Choose your classes wisely and dedicate yourself to getting the most out of this experience. The rest will fall into place with time!

Source: University of the People: The Education Revolution: ​10 Tips For Prospective College Transfer Students

---

T​he Most Underutilized Campus Resources You Should Use

by: Elizabeth Hoyt

Most students don’t realize how many resources are actually available at most colleges campuses across the country. Take advantage of the resources offered by your school – you’ll be glad you did!When you need assistance in college, do you know where to go? Whether it’s help with your resume, course load or another need all together, most students don’t realize how many resources are actually available at most colleges campuses across the country. When you’re in need of a specific service, remember that tons of campuses offer students most of them, free of charge! Find out what specific resources your campus offers – look out for common campus resources, like these: 

Academic Advisors

Most college students don’t have their futures planned out from start to finish and that’s okay – that’s why you’re assigned an academic advisor. These individuals are trained to help you map out your college career and help guide you through the process of achieving your goals. Sure, you can probably do it all on your own, but why would you want to if you don’t have to? Get help from someone who knows how to get you from point A to point B, effectively and efficiently. 

Career Centers

Creating your first resume and/or cover letter can be daunting but, with the proper help and guidance, you can ensure yours are in tip-top shape. When creating these job or internship materials, work with your campus career center. In addition to helping you prepare the materials you need for your job or internship search, they can help you locate great opportunities too! 

Counseling

Most colleges are aware that most students get overwhelmed at times. That’s why many have free counseling sessions for students – so you never have to deal with feeling over-stressed, depressed or anxious. Your school wants you to remain healthy, both mentally and physically, so take advantage of this resource as needed. 

Crisis Centers / Hotlines

While these resources are for more specific situations, it’s important to know that they exist – whether you know you need them or not. From sexual assault to suicide, most campuses have centers or hotlines to help and support you when you need them most. And, most of these services are completely confidential so you’re able to get the help you need without feeling awkward or uncomfortable (not that you should, but just in case). 

Fitness Facilities

While you may only be aware of one, it’s important to remember that most campuses have several athletic and fitness facilities. Students are able to access most of these (though they may only be open specific dates and times due to athletic training schedules). These fitness spots are often high quality and luxurious so it’s worth checking out when you’re able! 

Health & Wellness Resources

Many campuses offer a specific number of free health and wellness visits for students. So, when you’re not feeling so hot (physically or mentally) check to see which services your college offers for free or a lower student free. Stay healthy in every way in college – most schools make it easy for you to do so! 

Information Technology (IT) Services

Need to troubleshoot a computer issue you’re having? Or, perhaps you need help accessing a campus site or downloading the latest version of a student program. Whatever IT issues arise, trust that your campus IT center can assist you in resolving your computer woes. 

Library Resources

Whether you need a quiet spot to study intensely or assistance with a research project, pretty much every campus in existence is equipped with one or more amazing libraries for that – and more. Many schools have private areas for individual or group study sessions. Also, libraries now have digital resources – basically search engines where students are able to utilize a school’s special collections of research materials. The materials are now commonly digitally accessible are often more robust than any quick Google search. If you’re looking for in-depth resources, check with your library administrators for information on accessing your school’s library resources – you’ll be happy you did (and your professors will be impressed, too.)! 

On-Campus Living Resources

When you live on-campus, it’s good to know that your resident assistant/advisor (RA) is a great go-to resource to help you get acclimated to campus life, dealing with personal or roommate issues, assistance in course decisions and creating your schedule. Feeling lonely? They can even help to make new friends on campus by hosting fun events, meet-and-greets within your dorm and more. While they’re often forgotten, it’s important to remember their sole job is to help students like you – so ask for help when you need it! 

On-Campus Attractions

Many campuses include neat on-campus attractions, which students are able to take advantage of free of charge. Each campus has different areas that are both unique and fun for students to visit, like museums, art centers and on-campus movie nights (sometimes with free pizza and snacks!) and more. 

Professors’ Office Hours

You know about office hours when you need a little extra help or, perhaps, you when you need to build relationships with professors for recommendation letters. But, getting in the habit of attending all of your professor’s office hours on a regular basis is a great idea. That way, you’ll become acquainted with them, can stay on top of upcoming class news and – bonus – they appreciate students who make the effort. So, when it comes time to round up (or round down) that GPA, make sure they can place your face with your name!

Public Safety Services

Check with your school’s public safety or campus police office to see what services are available next time you need to head home alone at night. Many campuses have on-campus escorts so you don’t have to feel uncomfortable walking alone on your own. Some schools offer free shuttle services, too. These exist to help ensure your safety – so look into them before you actually need them so you’re prepared! 

Tutors

Before hiring a private tutor to help with your studies, check within the various academic centers on campus. Many provide free tutoring for students in various subjects, whether one-on-one or group sessions. When you need a little additional assistance, check out services offered before paying out of pocket.

Writing Centers

Some students thrive on writing assignments while others, well, not so much. But, you will need to be able to write research papers, essays and more in college – that’s a given. When you have writing assignments you find challenging, make sure to check out your campus writing center. They can help with edits and proofreading of said-assignments, plus they can help you fine-tune your writing skills. ​

Source: Elizabeth Hoyt: The Most Underutilized Campus Resources You Should Use

---

6 SURVIVAL TIPS FOR LIFE IN A COLLEGE DORM​

by: Sean Castilla

​College as a whole is a wild ride, but life in the dorms is an adventure all its own. Once you move in this could very well be your first time living in a new place, taking care of yourself, or sharing a space with roommates — it’s all pretty exciting, but admittedly also A LOT to take on.We know you’re amped to start making college life happen, but before you settle in, read these six key tips to surviving freshman year in the dorms.

​1) ​Expect noise When you’re living in a building filled with dozens of fellow freshmen, each just as eager as you are to experience the college life, you’re going to have to expect some noise.​We’re not saying there will be people blaring music out of their rooms 24/7, especially since most schools have rules about noise levels and disrupting fellow students, but there will be some degree of background bustle within earshot.Some people trudge down the hallway. Maybe your roommate snores. Heck, the walls between rooms could just be thin.Whichever the reason, you should get used to the idea of complete peace and quiet being reserved for special occasions.

SURVIVAL TIP: Consider buying earplugs to help block out the clatter when you’re trying to sleep.

2) Privacy can be hard to come by​ To echo the point above, it’s time to face a reality that many incoming freshmen find especially jarring – it’s hard to find privacy living in the dorms.What do we mean? Well, not only are you and your roommate(s) sharing close living quarters, but you’re also sharing the shower, eating, and studying areas. Keeping that in mind, moving to a dorm will require you to adjust in two different ways.In a literal sense, you’ll have to adapt to a communal style of living, which can be a tough transition for those used to their own room and bathroom back home. In a more conceptual sense, most everywhere you go on campus you’re likely to run into somebody you know from the dorms. While that can be a good or bad thing depending on your relationships, if you’re after a little anonymity it’ll be a tough find on school grounds.

SURVIVAL TIP: Find a place outside of the dorms where you can have your personal space. It can be a nearby café, public library, or even a spot in the park. Most important is that you’re able to focus on yourself and not those around you.

3) Shower essentials are ESSENTIAL Ain’t nobody got time for bubble baths – if you need to clean up in college that means hittin’ the showers, and although that’s where things are supposed to get squeaky clean, a closer look might prove otherwise. Avoid the likelihood of picking up any bacteria (or any chemicals used during cleanup) on the bottom of your feet by using pair of flips-flops, ideally, some that are made of a sturdier plastic; the soft, “foamy” types are porous and can absorb dirty water. A shower caddy will also prove to be a valuable addition when you’re trekking back and forth from the showers. Keeping your shampoo, conditioners, and body washes in one handy unit is a lot easier than attempting to carry them under one arm and, infinitely better looking than lugging them in a plastic bag.

SURVIVAL TIP: If it’s more than a quick walk back to your dorm room, think about buying a bathrobe. Nothing could be more embarrassing than the slip of a towel!

4) Prepare for all kinds of personalities College is a place to meet new people, and while it’s always nice to hope for the best, the clashing of personalities is inevitable. There are tons of reasons why two individuals may not see eye to eye, but it’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to freshman year tensions can stem from all kinds of sources. When somebody is away from their support system, living on their own for the first time, or trying to live up to a set of expectations, it’s understandable that even the most mild-tempered person could be on edge. Now, yes – there will be some people that you’ll find plain old difficult to mesh with. It could be your roommate, a kid down the hall, or somebody you randomly bumped into on campus. In those cases, try to figure out the root of the issue and a possible solution, that way if you need to confront the individual you will have a resolution in mind instead of just a list of grievances to air.

SURVIVAL TIP: Give thought to all considerations before drawing your line in the sand. Remember, if you’re living in the dorms you’ll most likely have to see that person on a semi-regular basis, and you’ll have to weigh the importance of “keeping the peace.”

5)Put your noms in order​ Second to having a roof over your head, food will be your next biggest need. Since mom and dad won’t be able to whip you up a quick meal, you’ll need to be prepared. Find out what foods are available through your school’s meal plans. Most universities offer special menu items for those with certain eating habits (vegetarian, vegan, etc.) but you might miss out on them if you don’t check. When keeping goodies on hand in your room, head to your nearest outlet store to buy your snacks in bulk. It’s a lot cheaper in the long run to buy an economy-sized box of granola bars than buying them for a dollar apiece at the student store.

SURVIVAL TIP: A big point of contention amongst roommates is eating each others’ food. If you and your roommate plan on storing your own food items, think about having a “shared pile” of snacks for both of you. These items would be bought by both of you and up for grabs by whomever.

6) Get to know the RA Your Residential Advisor (RA) is the closest thing to “parental supervision” that you’ll have in the dorms – doing right by them is in your best interest.RA’s are usually upperclassmen that work with the school to oversee a certain set of rooms or floors in a dorm. While in this sense they do have some authority over freshmen, remember that they are students too! Just like you, they are trying to juggle school, work, and friends, so making life any more difficult for them will not make life any easier for you. You don’t need to be BFF with your RA, but do introduce yourself and get a feel for their personality. Build a rapport to let them know you’re on the level, and most importantly avoid situations that could land you on their “ruckus radar.”

SURVIVAL TIP: Introduce yourself on move-in day and have a follow-up chat later in the week. Putting yourself out there early is a strong way to make an impression, and your RA will appreciate knowing at least one new member of the incoming class.

You’re going to find yourself dealing with all sorts of situations while living in the dorms – that’s just part of the college experience. But the important thing to take away is a basic understanding of the ins-and-outs of the system. When you have a grasp of what to expect that will make the transition much smoother. Stay focused, work hard, and be social…everything else will fall into place.

Source: ​Sean Castilla: ​6 SURVIVAL TIPS FOR LIFE IN A COLLEGE DORM​