By: Jayda Moorefield
Transferring to a new college is an exciting, yet nerve wrecking experience. Most students transfer after their first or second year at their previous institutions, and for the most part have already formed relationships and been involved in clubs and activities. Being a transfer student, I know that it can be a confusing time because you’re not a first-year student. At the same time, you’re in a completely new environment and have to learn your surroundings all over again. Learning a new campus, making new friends, and finding your place in a new university as a transfer student can be challenging, if you don’t have the right resources.
Here are some tips that helped my transition into UT a little easier.
Go to welcome week activities.
Yes, they are geared more towards first-year students. But, all of the students there are just like you, nervous about meeting friends and learning how to navigate a new campus. This is a great way to build those relationships that could flourish into life-long friendships!
Go to the engagement fair
The engagement fair is held on pedestrian walkway during the first few weeks of the semester. Organizations and clubs set up tables and are excited and ready to tell students what they are all about! The great thing about UT is that there are endless ways to get involved on campus and there is a club or organization for everyone! You’re likely to find a group of people who share the same interest as you who can be great resources for you.
Go to the events put on in your residence hall
If you have decided to live on campus, your resident assistant or hall council will host events for students living on the same floor or for the entire residence hall. Most of the time these events will have free goodies and it’s a great way to interact with other students living in the same community.
Join your hall council
Hall councils plan events for the students and their buildings and is a great way to get programming experience. You also get the opportunity to build a relationship with your assistant hall director that other students would not get. The great thing about joining hall council is that you can
join right away. Or, if you want something with a little bit more of a commitment you can join the executive board.
Talk to the people around you in your lecture halls
Talking to the people around you in your classes is not only a way to start a friendship but also a way to find a possible study buddy!
I hope that these tips eased your mind a little about starting your transition into UT! Remember, this campus may be large but that just make it a little easier to make those connections with other students and even staff and most importantly, make rocky top feel like home sweet home!