Beginnings are always important– take it from me, this is my second time starting fresh. As a transfer student, it was a bit hard to change schools and leave my friends, but it was an important choice that I don’t regret. Although I don’t regret it, I still feel as though I have had to start the process all over again. A few weeks before school started, I had the chance to take part in Frog Camp and Frogs First at TCU which helped me to make friends and get situated on campus. Now, as classes have ramped up and my schedule has gotten busier, I am struggling to stay on top of everything, but I have picked up a few tips along the way.
Here are my top 5 ways for getting adjusted to college as a transfer student!
Tip #1: Go to as many orientations & Camps as possible
Being a transfer student can be stressful sometimes. You can feel lonely and homesick. However, getting new experiences from different camps you attend or programs your school offers will be a game-changer for sure. You get to make lifelong friends and experiences you will never forget!
tip #2: Get involved in campus
In high school, everyone is so used to seeing the same people and having the same friends all the way from kindergarten but we can all agree that it is not the same for college. As a transfer student, I got to experience that my freshman year at Augustana College and I was so excited to meet people and make friends. However, now, I do not feel the same way and the excitement is partially gone. A solution? I considered joining different clubs, student organizations, intramurals sports, sororities, or fraternities as well. I can guarantee you that it will help a lot to make connections, friends and also experiences in combination with other things you love.
TIP #3: Find a balance
College life has a mix of everything from both the social and the academic perspectives. Therefore, a lot of your problems can start from there. In my opinion, you should try as much as possible to keep a balance with both and never get carried away. You should always know your due dates, when homework is due, and when you have your exams. That will definitely keep you organized and always on track. Something my friend always used to tell to me is: “study hard party hard!”
TIp #4: Be prepared to feel overwhelmed
Another obvious one is tip #4. Throughout our lives in college, we go through a lot of obstacles, and most of the time that will overwhelm us. There will be times where we will have two tests in a day or a 4000-word essay to write, read for our upcoming classes and pay attention to social life at the same time. Everyone should expect to feel overwhelmed anytime during the year because no one is perfect. The key to this is to know that you are not the only one going through a hard time and most importantly you are not alone!
Tip #5: find time for yourself
Last but not least, this is the most important tip I could give you! You should always have time aside for yourself to either relax, watch your favorite movie, do activities you like, cook, self-care, and just be good to yourself. Your brain and your body will always need a break to keep up with everything, so, keep in mind that making time for yourself will make you feel 100% better.