Transferring to another college can be a challenging process. You’re in a new place, you’re not sure of all the rules, and worst of all, you’re the new kid who doesn’t know anyone. In this article we will see if one can make friends as a transfer student?
Since transfer students usually switch colleges mid-degree, some of the fear that they won’t fit in their new school since they weren’t with their batchmates from the beginning. People already have their friend groups, and it can be hard to break into an already existing clique. However, if you keep an open mind and try to engage with your fellow students, you shouldn’t have any trouble. There are loads of ways you can make up for not being in the college from the beginning – student societies, group projects, and shared classes are all ways to make new friends.
Ways to Make Friends as A Transfer Student
1. Orientation
Even though you’ve missed out on the more extensive first-year orientation, transfer students generally have an orientation of their own. You’ll probably be shown around by an older student around the campus, and you’ll likely get to do some ice-breaking activities with your group.
This transfer student exclusive orientation is a fantastic chance to make friends as you’ll be among others like yourself. Plus, this group is likely a lot smaller than the usual orientation group, and that’ll make making friends even more accessible.
2. Societies and Clubs
Societies and clubs are some of the best ways to make new friends as a transfer student. Not only do you get the opportunity to explore something you’re passionate about, but you’ll be doing it with people who similarly care about it. In addition, most clubs don’t differentiate between people depending on what year they’re in, and you’ll probably be able to make friends with many different people.
In terms of what clubs you can join, you’ll have tons of options – from the college paper to chess to debate – most colleges have dozens of different clubs for students.
3. Sororities/Fraternities
Sororities and fraternities can have long, drawn-out initiation processes. These processes allow recruits to mingle with and get to know the group members. These Greek clubs can be unique groups to make new friends in as they give you a group identity. You’ll go through a lot with the members of your sorority/fraternity – you’ll plan fundraisers, organize events, and attend regular group meetings. Joining these groups can be a bit expensive, but they can help you find your feet in a new place if you’re a lost transfer student.
4. Join A Sports Team
Sports teams are excellent bonding opportunities. Try out for the college team if you have a sport that you’re good at and you love playing.
5. Study Groups
Study groups involve people from a course banding together and studying with each other. These groups are usually formed within a single class. You can join an existing group by asking a member if you can tag along, or you can start your own. A study group is a great way to make friends because you’ll be able to get two birds with one stone – good grades and new friends together.
6. Elective Classes with Group Projects
Look up the course outlines of elective classes you can take and see if they have a group component. Group work is a fantastic way to make friends as it forces people to work closely together. Of course, you’ll have to have frequent meetings and work long hours together. Humanities courses are much more likely to have a group work component, so check those out.
7. Go to College Events
Colleges are always organizing different events like a movie or game nights to help their students bond. Take advantage of these opportunities! Go to an event instead of staying holed up in your room and engaging with the people around you.
8. Roommates are Our Friends
Having a good roommate can be the key to a fantastic college experience. Try and get to know your roommate and become their friend. If they have friends over and they invite you to hang out with everyone, don’t say no. Your roommate could open a whole new friend group for you.
If you don’t get along with your roommate, talk to other people in your dorms. For example, talk to people in the laundry room while using the elevator or even wave hello when you cross paths in the hallway. People always appreciate friendly gestures, which could be the key to making new friends.
Conclusion
If you’re a transfer student, don’t worry – everyone in college is always a little lost and could use a new friend. Be yourself, be outgoing, and be nice to people. Try new things and put yourself out there so you can maximize your chances of making friends.
Take transferring as an opportunity to reinvent yourself, like a do-over for anything that went wrong at your first college. Be sure of yourself and remember that people would be lucky to be your friend; that way, you’ll be sure to succeed!
FAQs
1. Will I have to repeat courses if I transfer?
Repetition of courses depends on your new school. Transfer students will have their previous courses and their content assessed by their new school. If your new school feels your previous school did not correctly teach a course, you may have to repeat it.
2. Can I graduate on time if I transfer?
Yes and no. Whether you graduate on time depends on how many credits you can transfer successfully. Say you transferred in junior year, and the credits of all of your first year aren’t accepted – that’ll mean you’ll likely have to spend an extra year in college.
3. Can I go to a better school if I transfer?
Yes, this is one of the most significant advantages of transferring. If you maintain a good GPA at your current school, it is very feasible that a much more prestigious school will accept your transfer application.
