Transferring to a new college or university can be a tough transition for anyone. I transferred to UC Berkeley in Spring 2022 after taking classes at my local community college for two years. As a current senior, the past two years have been two of the most pivotal years of my entire life. Although I have faced some challenges as a transfer student here at Cal, this has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Transferring to a new school can present a person with a number of different concerns, such as adjusting to a new academic environment, building relationships, and finding one’s place in a new institution. I was no exception. In the weeks leading up to my move-in date at UC Berkeley, I was filled with many emotions. I was anxious, excited, happy, and sad. This was the first time that I would be living away from home, and, although I would only be a six-hour drive away from home, I felt like I would be in a whole new world.
I’m not going to lie — the first few weeks after moving to school were tough. I felt lonely and out of place, and I desperately missed home and my family. If you’re experiencing this as a new college student (transfer student or not), just know that this is completely normal. I remember feeling like I must be the only one who felt that way. When I would go out, everyone seemed to have established friend groups and seemed happy. But just remember that at one point, a lot of those people were in your very same position. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to adjust.
Because I felt homesick, I decided to distract myself by immersing myself in my studies. I absolutely loved the academic environment here at Berkeley. I felt honored to know that I was learning from some of the best minds in the world. However, truthfully, the workload here at Cal took a lot of getting used to. I’ve never had to read so much in my entire life! I remember crying the second week of my classes, wondering if I would be capable of succeeding at Cal. But after a few weeks, I adapted to the workload and realized that I would be just fine.
As a transfer student, it’s essential to make sure that you’re diligent about staying on top of your work. Attending classes and completing homework and readings are fundamental to the success of any college student. However, these things are especially important for transfer students who have yet to adapt to the new academic expectations of a new institution. Stay on top of your workload, and give yourself time to acclimate.
Additionally, getting involved on campus is essential to helping you find your place on campus. Join clubs, organizations, sports teams, etc. that interest you. I would advise you to do this immediately! I waited until my second semester to do so, and I feel like I would’ve felt more involved and comfortable on campus if I had done this sooner and, thus, had an easier transition.
Ultimately, one of the most important lessons I have learned by being a student here at Berkeley is the importance of not comparing yourself to others. As a transfer student, I felt behind when I arrived here at Cal. Cal students have a reputation for being extremely ambitious go-getters who stay on top of both their academics and extracurriculars/internships (the stereotype is generally correct). Because of this, I felt like I was late to the game in many regards. However, as soon I realized that I should be my main concern and not others, I felt far happier and at peace. The fact of the matter is that, as a transfer student, sometimes you’ll be one of the older students in a club or organization you may join, but that’s not a bad thing. What matters is that you partake in extracurriculars that will help you academically and professionally in the long term.
Although being a transfer student at Cal has come with challenges, I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to attend a university like Cal. This experience has significantly shaped me academically, professionally, and socially, and for that, I’m so grateful.