��Vlog: Transfer Students Blog

4 Essential Tips to Make Your College Transfer Easier

2026-04-25T00:22:06.796565-04:00

After graduating from an intense Running Start program in high school, Emily was accepted to her dream university. It was a highly competitive, large public school, and she had planned to go there since she was about eight years old. However, things didn’t turn out quite the way she expected. Emily’s first class at the university had enough students to fill a small high school. The lengthy commute drained her energy. She found it difficult to get help from busy professors and TAs. Emily is a self-dubbed “quiet extrovert,” and by juinor year, the huge student community simply wore her out.

She finally decided she had to transfer. Her transfer college search resulted in a small private university with all the programs and amenities she needed (George Fox University, in case you were wondering!). Now she's thriving with the private university’s supportive community, faith-infused mission, and 14:1 student-faculty ratio. Here, Emily shares four tips for transfer students as you choose a school and adjust to a new environment.

1. List the reasons you want to transfer

You know you need to transfer. This school just doesn’t work for you. But what exactly went wrong? To avoid ending up in the same situation the second (or third) time around, you need to clearly define the reasons why your current college isn’t working for you. Do you want to switch to a major that your school doesn’t offer? Was the commute too long or the price too high? Did the culture just feel wrong? Write a list. Then create another list and ask yourself, “What do I want from my new college?” Include the things you need, but also be creative! Do you want to join a hockey team, symphony orchestra, or theater program? Is there a specific part of the country where you’d like to live? Or have you always wanted to travel abroad This is pretty similar to the brainstorming sessions you may have had the first time you searched for colleges that fit you. But now you know from experience what you do and don’t want in a college or university. And that can make all the difference!

Take your lists and divide each into two categories: requirements and preferences. (Even better, arrange the listed items from least to most important. And if you like graphs, why not draw one up? Or two? Or seven? Yay, data!) When we say “requirements,” we mean it—these are the things you truly need in college to be happy and do well. Now that you have your lists of college wants (preferences) and needs (requirements), the game is on. While searching for transfer colleges, make sure your schools fulfill all your requirements. It’s possible that they won’t fulfill all of your preferences, but that’s okay. That’s also why it’s so important to define what college search criteria are your true essentials. Why not make it easier for yourself later on?

2. Check out the environment

Transferring can be tough—new faces, new classes, new culture. You’re accustomed to one college, and switching partway through your program can be stressful if you’re not prepared. You need to get ready to adjust to the environment change. One invaluable solution is to visit the college before you transfer. Once you’ve chosen your transfer college, you should also try to give yourself ample time on campus before your first day of classes. Familiarize yourself with the school by walking the grounds and locating important buildings such as the library and cafeteria.

Another pro transfer tip: Talk to several students and professors when you're visiting to ensure that the environment matches your personality. Will there be enough support? Will you feel safe and comfortable? Research the city where the school is located. Find out more about student life. With all this information behind you, you’ll feel more confident and equipped to face the new experience.

3. Find the joy

One of the best ways to see whether you’ll be happy at your transfer school is to see how current students feel. “Assess the happiness of students by walking around campus and seeing how many students are smiling,” Emily suggests. You can also get a sense of student happiness by looking online at “unofficial” social media groups; student review sites like College Confidential, Niche, and Unigo; and posts on sites like reddit, Quora, and Facebook. If the majority of a college’s students seem anxious, lonesome, or even unfriendly, it’s probably not a good sign of the school’s quality of support and community. That being said, try not to do this research during midterms or finals week! There are better times to visit campus.

4. Reach out and get involved

Once you’re enrolled in your transfer college or university, try to get involved on your new campus and give others the pleasure of meeting you! Others will likely reach out to you, especially other transfer students, but it’s important to make an effort also. Remember that you’re the new student; finding your place in the community is primarily your job.

After she transferred, Emily started by just smiling and greeting every person she passed on her way to classes. Overall, people responded positively. Even that simple action helped Emily feel like part of her new college community. Sometimes your fellow students won’t smile back, but one returned friendly face is definitely worth a few disappointments. In the beginning of the school year, Emily also made an effort to eat lunch with a different person each day. Now she has a firm place in the community and a regular lunch group, but eating with someone new each day helped her make friends and benefited her as she met as many people as possible.

Keep these transfer tips in mind, but also remember that you know yourself best—and you know what’s best for you as a transfer student. Ultimately, your goal is to find a school that suits your personality and prepares you for life after college, no matter how many colleges it takes you to get there.

Still searching for the right college for you? Check out all our featured transfer-friendly schools and request more information in just one click!

5 Things Every Transfer Student Should Do This Summer

2026-04-25T00:22:06.794340-04:00

As a transfer student, you face a unique situation in that your college experience is broken into two parts: you have to apply to college twice, make new friends twice, and get used to new academic challenges twice. Some students find this situation to be incredibly beneficial; they can focus on all of their general education classes while attending a community college, which allows them more flexibility to work and save money. Others may find the transition to a four-year university extra challenging. And others still will have started at a four-year university and discover, for one reason or another, that they need to make a change. Whatever your situation is, there are a few things you should do this summer to make sure your upcoming transfer experience is a positive one.

1. Visit campus

Many students decide to transfer to a local four-year university for reasons of convenience, and most community college students will transfer to an in-state university, making it relatively easy to visit their new campus. It's essential for students to spend a fair amount of time on their new campus so they feel comfortable and at home by the time they arrive. Students who took the traditional route will have already been on campus for a while and will know their way around. Many transfer students feel isolated because they're brand-new even though they're at an advanced level, but this feeling can be combated through regular visits and social contact before the first day of classes. And while you're visiting, if you get the chance, ask a lot of questions!

2. Meet with an academic counselor

The majority of colleges and universities will require transfer students to meet with an academic counselor in person before the first day of school in the fall. But if not, you should still make an appointment ASAP. This is a chance for transfers to learn what's going to happen in their academic life before they get thrown into a new situation. Students who figure out what's going on early have a better chance of graduating on time, picking the right classes, adjusting to the unexpected, and making changes where necessary.

3. Get in touch with other transfer students

These days, it's relatively easy to get in touch with other transfer students on social media or other digital platforms. It's beneficial for transfers to get together, in person or online, and discuss their experiences. Transferring can be hard, and it's nice to talk to people who understand what you're going through. Every transfer student is in the same boat, even if they're not going to be in the same major. Being around other people who truly understand what a transfer student deals with will make the transition a lot easier and less stressful.

4. Create a graduation strategy

Community college transfers have an advantage in that they've already navigated a two-year college and successfully transferred to a four-year university. This takes a lot of planning and time management. Juniors should continue to make graduation a priority by having a strategy before they even pick their classes. There are all sorts of loopholes to graduating sooner and a whole lot of bumps in the road that can delay graduation. Choosing the right courses could mean the difference between graduating on time or a year late.

5. Plan to join at least one club or organization

A lot of transfer students feel like they don't have time to join a student club, or they just want to get settled in with their academic tasks before they commit to anything else. However, transfers face a unique social situation in that they’re new students but not in their first year. You can see what student clubs and extracurricular activities are offered on your new university's website, and you should also plan to attend the campus activities fair to learn how to get involved at your new school. You don't have to make a big commitment to any particular organization, but belonging to at least one social club can help you adjust to your new campus and enjoy a well-rounded college experience.

While you should also be enjoying your summer, there's a lot to be done before you head off to your new college next semester. Be sure to balance your summer adventures with productivity so you set yourself up for success going into the upcoming academic year in a new educational environment.

Find even more tips on acclimating to your new campus in our Transfer Students section.

Top 10 Reasons to Study at a Community College

2026-04-25T00:22:06.791984-04:00

There are many reasons why students might not be as interested in the four-year undergraduate experience—maybe you aren’t sure what you want to study yet, your goals don’t require a traditional college path, or you need to save money to attend your dream school. In any case, attending a community college can be a great opportunity for you to learn more about yourself and gather skills and credits that can help you transfer to other programs. Here are the top 10 reasons to attend community college.

1. Less expensive

Traditional four-year college can cost a lot—tens of thousands of dollars for just one year of tuition. Average yearly tuition for community colleges in the US is approximately $5,340 for in-state students, according to the Community College Review. This huge cost difference can be a relief for your (or your parents') wallet. During your time on a community college campus, you could save money then transfer and enroll in a four-year program down the road.

2. Good for testing the waters

“Community college is a brilliant way to ease yourself into higher education. You can learn more about the experience and get a better understanding of whether you’re the right person for higher education,” says Lena Alonso, a marketing professional at Australia2write. “Community college can help you make a decision whether you want to invest money in college or not.”

3. Financial aid and scholarships

Loans and aid aren’t just for four-year colleges. You can get financial aid through the FAFSA for community college as well, as long as you make sure you don’t drop out of your classes and take the minimum amount of credit hours required (check with your school’s financial aid office for specific requirements). And don’t forget about scholarships—many national and institutional awards are available for community college and transfer students, like Phi Theta Kappa scholarships.

4. Healthy school-life balance

Many adult students or people who already have families enroll in community college because they can take only a few classes at a time and have more time for family and other responsibilities. This is a great opportunity for you if you want to make sure that you don’t neglect other aspects of your life.

5. Support for STEM careers

“Many community colleges are really supportive of STEM careers and offer associate degrees in these subjects because they are in high demand,” says George Bennett, a Marketer at Britstudent. “This can help students find better jobs.”

6. A real college experience

You might assume that community colleges don’t offer the same student life experience as traditional colleges do, but this has changed. Many community colleges now offer dorms, networking opportunities, scholarships, and extracurriculars to enhance life on campus.

7. Online classes

You can also take online classes through community colleges if you prefer to learn that way. This is a good option for those who work odd hours or want an opportunity to learn at a pace that suits them best. Online classes are convenient for people who can’t attend regular classes and are a convenient way to earn credits to apply to four-year programs in the future.

8. More personal attention

Community colleges offer smaller classes than traditional four-year schools, which means you’ll get more personalized attention from professors. This is especially helpful if you like to learn at your own pace and don’t want to be just another face in the crowd. Many traditional colleges boast low student-faculty ratios, but their introductory courses may be large, lecture-style classes, which offer almost no personalized attention.

9. Certificates in popular industries

Great career opportunities are usually related to traditional colleges, but community colleges offer valuable certificate opportunities and associate degrees that can help you get amazing jobs too. These include many industries and niches like technology, engineering, and more.

10. Transfer agreements

Community college doesn’t have to be your final educational destination—in fact, many community colleges have agreements with local colleges and universities to help students apply their community college credits to their desired four-year programs. Articulation agreements are a great opportunity for you to get the best out of your education and can make the transfer process more seamless.

Community colleges offer great opportunities for people from many different backgrounds and with different needs. You can learn and have that college experience, take online classes, gather credits to transfer to a traditional four-year college, and save money in the process. Consider these perks when deciding on your future education!

Explore thousands of two- and four-year colleges on ��Vlog with our College Search tool.

5 Important Things to Do Before Leaving Community College

2026-04-25T00:22:06.789844-04:00

I attended community college at Mountain View College, and I never imagined how much my short time there would teach me about every aspect of my life. In my final year, I learned more than in my first two years collectively, and I think these lessons would help a lot of other students going into community college. Here are five things you should make sure to do at your college before moving on to a career or a four-year institution.

1. Utilize your advisor

Even if your grades are good and you’re on track with your courses, go to your advisor. At some community colleges, meeting with an academic advisor is mandatory at specific times. This was the case my first year and part of my second. At my second advising meeting, I was able to create a two-year plan of all the classes I needed to take before transferring to a four-year school and I followed it, using it as a guide for course registration each semester.

I didn’t know that I could take communications courses—which aren’t available on my community college campus but are at other campuses in the district—and get an associate field of study in Journalism. When I consulted my advisor about some science courses, I was told about this associate plan and the five extra courses I’d need to take to receive it. In short, you can find out about more specific degree plans and special courses that align with your major from your advisor. You don’t always have to follow your course plan, but if you’re unsure about the classes you want or need to transfer, academic advising can help.

2. Start working on your CV

CV is the abbreviation for curriculum vitae, which is similar to a résumé, but longer and more detailed. It typically includes your skills, awards, honors, education, publications, and other credentials you may have. I first learned about CVs from one of my mentors. I wish I had learned about them much sooner because they’re a great tool when you’re applying for scholarships, internships, jobs, and even your transfer schools. Why? If you’re at a loss for what to say in your essays or what to list under volunteer service and awards, you can reference your CV. Plus, it’s good to have on hand when applications explicitly ask for it.

3. Learn to interview, not just be interviewed

Until my last semester of community college, I never really had to interview anyone, so I didn’t appreciate the value of it. Being interviewed was easy for me, but being the interviewer took some practice. But this is a crucial skill to learn regardless of your major or career goals. Conducting interviews is a process that starts with research to base your questions on. Then you have to formulate questions relevant to the subject and interviewee. You should practice before going to the actual interview. When you get there, you can use the most relevant responses and other questions that come up to complete your assignment or gain a better understanding of an event, career, or class you’d like to know more about.

After taking two media writing classes, I’ve learned several things about interviewing, including avoiding easy questions. An important thing is to have a conversation with your interviewee before starting your interview to make them feel comfortable. People love to talk about themselves, and they may provide great information and details you weren’t expecting. Learning the art of interviewing can make you a more effective communicator in everyday situations, helping you know when to talk and when to listen.

4. Get involved, but not over-involved

In community college, getting involved in activities and organizations can be a fun and engaging choice to make the most of your time there. It can also help you build different skills, meet new people, and even prepare you for participating in activities at a four-year university if you plan to transfer. However, you need to keep your classes and health in mind too and find a balance. I’ve always been active in at least one thing on or off campus, but I decided to amp up my involvement by taking several leadership positions in activities and volunteering last year. I eventually became overwhelmed with stress and wondered if I’d finish assignments on time with all my activities. I felt obligated to stick with everything and do it well. Getting involved is good, and some students can handle a lot of activities, but you should learn what you can handle. Step away when it gets to be too much for your health and other priorities, or you may hurt yourself.

5. Step outside your comfort zone and lead

College in general can be hard when you’re an introvert. This was the case for me, as I avoided being the leader in most things because I was afraid of making mistakes and being criticized. I mentioned before that I took on multiple leadership positions: I did and I had to work up to that level of comfort. I made slow progress becoming more willing to lead, but I took my biggest step when I became an officer for Phi Theta Kappa, a community college honor society on campus. It may take some coaching and guidance from your peers and mentors, but it also takes motivation and dedication. I learned that my shyness and introversion didn’t prevent me from being a leader, but my insecurities and mindset did. Soon I took on other active roles in clubs and organizations and became a better communicator and speaker. If you have trouble with shyness, taking on leadership roles can help prepare you for when you leave for your future four-year college or university. You’ll be more comfortable interacting outside your comfort zone, which makes the transition easier.

The community college journey is rich with invaluable lessons and experiences. From the practical guidance of academic advisors to the development of essential skills like crafting a CV and mastering the art of interviewing, your experiences contributes greatly to your academic jouney, so utilize the resources at your fingertips and take all the opportunities presesnted to you. As you prepare to transition beyond community college, these experiences serve as pillars of guidance, equipping you with the tool necessary for success in future endeavors, whether a career or further academic pursuits.

Have you started looking for greats colleges for transfer students and scholarships to help you get there? ��Vlog is here to help you with your next academic steps.

How to Begin the Transfer Process from Community College to University

2026-04-25T00:22:06.787335-04:00

Transferring to a four-year university is a big deal and requires some planning. When I started community college, my main goal was to earn my Associate of Arts and transfer to a four-year university. However, I had no idea how many steps there were to the process. But for any student who may be unsure about transferring, I think going through the process is worth it.

Your first steps to transferring

The first thing you need to do to start the transfer process is meet with an advisor at your community college. They can likely point you in the direction of university transfer guide sheets. These guides list what course equivalents transfer to different universities and how many hours of each subject are required for the programs you're interested in. My advisor and transfer guide sheet helped me plan which courses I needed to take each semester for my two years at community college.

At first, I was only following the transfer requirements for my top college choice but soon realized it doesn’t hurt to check out the requirements for other universities too. So don't narrow your options down to only your dream school! You may find interest in other colleges once you start looking, and they'll likely have different requirements for the same program—my Journalism programs of interest certainly did.

Figuring out where to transfer

After figuring out what courses to take, the next question is which four-year college or university will you choose to attend? Do you want to stay in state or go out of state? Asking yourself these questions will help you narrow down your list of four-year colleges and universities—they helped me decide I wanted to stay closer to home. While this helped me narrow down to my top three colleges, I also discovered that finding a university in state that offered my program of study was challenging. This is where college visits are helpful. Visit the departments of your programs of interest at a few universities to gain enough information to compare programs and decide which one is your best fit.

Looking at class sizes and student life activities can also help you make a decision. It will give you a better idea of what to expect as a student when making your transition to the university. Seeing different campuses provides a look at dorms, student life, and various other aspects of the undergrad experience. Some universities have smaller student environments and class sizes than others, but you may find you enjoy the larger environments like I did. I wanted more opportunities to meet and connect with others on a big campus.

Tackling the admission process

In addition to college visits and getting a feel for each campus, you must consider admission applications and available scholarships to further narrow down your choices. A lot of things go into transfer admission applications such as essays, lists of your accomplishments, organization and club involvement, and volunteering. All things you likely still had to do when you applied to your community college. However, some four-year college applications may be more detailed than others, so it's helpful to have someone look over each of your applications before submitting them. Some of your prospective transfer schools will offer you scholarships for grades or involvement at your current community college.

I ultimately decided to transfer to the University of North Texas, Denton. It had my program of study and wasn't too far from home, plus I liked the campus. When I was accepted, I applied for transfer orientation; after attending, I knew it was the right university for me. From there, my next steps were just sending my final transcripts, applying for classes, and frequently checking my financial aid and student email for updates. My family, friends, and mentors provided support and insight as I prepared to transfer, and they gave me tips and reminders for things to keep in mind, such as keeping myself safe on campus. They were a major push in helping me keep up with all the transfer deadlines. Overall, I had a positive experience transferring to a four-year university. Now I’m ready to start my new journey as a transfer student!

Start searching for a great university to transfer to right here on ��Vlog with our College Search tool.

Transfer Shock: How to Combat and Minimize This Very Real Phenomenon

2026-04-25T00:22:06.785176-04:00

If you’re transferring to a new college, you could experience something called “transfer shock.” It’s a phenomenon many students experience at their new school that includes a temporary dip in grades during the first semester or two, along with some social disorientation. Don’t be alarmed if it happens to you; it can happen whether you transfer from a two-year to a four-year school or from one four-year college or university to another.

Why does it happen?

Sometimes students underestimate the increased academic expectations and aren’t prepared to level up. If you’re going straight into a university’s upper-division classes from your community college, the more difficult coursework and faculty expectations can catch you off guard. Even transferring from another four-year college can mean more difficult classes at your new school. Every college is different. Transfer students often assume that because they’ve handled college already, the change will be easy—so a bumpy adjustment can be surprising.

The other thing that can sneak up on you is the number of ways the campus is different—different traditions, policies, school web portals, amounts of help provided, and the social scene. Then there’s the challenge of making new friends and feeling connected. Getting adjusted and finding your people requires effort and time, particularly if you live off campus. Try not to make too many comparisons to your previous school because that will just lengthen the adjustment period.

How can I minimize transfer shock?

Just because you’re experiencing transfer shock, it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you or that it’ll be forever. In fact, if you take the following tips into consideration, you may get past it faster than you think.

Find out how your school handles academic/transfer advising

Your college might have a transfer office that can answer questions and help you learn about the campus. Also, find out if your new school assigns a transfer or academic advisor to you or if you’re expected to make an appointment on your own. Not all schools assign advisors, but meeting with someone once a term is a good idea. Alternatively, if you’ve declared or are about to declare your major, find out if you’ll be assigned a department advisor and if they will help with registering for classes each term.

Don’t miss transfer orientations and events

You already know how to do college, but your new campus is different. These events are just for you, and the information is tailored to your experience, which is different from incoming first-years. The more familiar you are with the campus before starting classes, the easier the transition will be.

Explore campus resources

Visit your professors during office hours to get to know them, and check out the tutoring center, writing center, career center, and library. Introduce yourself to the professors in your department. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help with academic guidance, choosing a paper topic, or what to know about job prospects for your major.

Expect classes to be harder

Upper-level classes come with more rigor, and faculty expect students to think analytically, be ready to participate, and learn more independently. Beef up your study habits and time management skills (the tutoring center can offer tips) and find a study buddy or study group.

Get involved

The best way to integrate with a new campus is to get involved right away. Join a club, go to campus events, and find a way to exercise by joining an intramural team, hitting the campus gym, or going for a run with a new friend. Check out the campus job board for available part-time campus jobs too. A job can be a great way to meet others, and studies show that part-time work (less than 20 hours is ideal) helps with better time management.

Hopefully, your transition to your new college will be smooth, but if you experience a dip in grades, remind yourself that it’s normal and will self-correct with time. Maintain good study habits, keep working to meet others, and be patient with yourself.

For more advice to help make the transfer process easier, check out our Transfer Students section.

5 Survival Tips for Your First Semester as a Transfer

2026-04-25T00:22:06.782729-04:00

No matter what semester or year it is, transferring can make college more difficult. But if you’ve made the bold choice to transfer, know you’re doing the right thing for your education. Being a transfer student means putting a little extra effort into everything to maximize the benefits you can get out of a new school. Follow these five tips during your first semester at your new school and that extra effort will carry you to success!

1. Get to know your own class

Move-in weekend at a new school year is exciting and nerve-wracking when you’re a new student. Colleges usually encourage transfer students to move in early with the new freshman class and participate in all the fun new student activities. While this is a great idea to get to know your campus and have some familiar faces around, make sure to put in the extra effort to get to know your own class when they move in!

It’s easy to make friends with the freshman class when your college has sanctioned events designed to help students meet each other, and there’s nothing wrong with having friends in a lower year than you. But take it from someone who didn’t attend graduation because she barely knew anyone in her graduating class: The people in your year are your people. Reach out to peers in your classes during the first week. Ask them to introduce you to other people or groups of people in your graduating class. Build a strong network of friends and acquaintances so that when you walk across the stage for your diploma you feel that sense of community backing you.

2. Don’t latch on to the first people you meet

Like putting in the extra effort to get to know your graduating class, make sure you keep branching out even if you make a few solid friends right away. It’s great to have a support system right away as a transfer student, especially if it comes easily, but knowing a wide range of people will make you feel more at home in classes, your dorm, clubs, and more—just a few friends can’t be there for you 24/7.

Not everyone has to be your best friend either, but the whole point of transferring was because your old school wasn’t fulfilling your needs and making you happy. A huge factor of happiness in college is feeling like part of the campus community, and that won’t stick unless you branch out beyond only a couple of friends. Join a club or sport to meet different kinds of people. You could also encourage those first friends you made to join a club with you so you can meet new people together and expand your friend group!

3. Take advantage of the opportunities your first school didn’t offer

Many colleges will have similar clubs, sports, and majors, but there’s a reason the college choice is so difficult. It’s because there are so many factors that make a school unique. Your first college or university might not have had a club you were looking forward to joining or didn’t have an easy process to start one. Maybe their basketball team didn’t have the kind of community and team dynamics you were looking for. Your new school is a fresh start with new opportunities left, right, and center. Take advantage of those opportunities! Participate in clubs. Play sports. Join a committee or student government. Your new school is a new atmosphere and a new chance to make something of yourself outside of academics. After it’s over, there’s never a feeling quite like that of the communities you get to be a part of in college.

4. Make the extra effort to stand out to your professors

The lucky thing about professors is they teach a mix of class years and courses. Even if other students have been at your new school for two years already, they haven’t met or built a relationship with every professor. You’ll get to be on a level playing field with many other classmates in getting to know your professors, though there will be students who have already built relationships and connections with certain professors. It’s not a competition—that’s not what I’m suggesting—but having a strong relationship with some of your professors is imperative to academic success, especially with staff in your major’s department.

Make that extra effort to be known and heard. Don’t be afraid to speak up in class and share your opinions. Let the rest of the class filter out ahead of you at the end of class and stay to chat with your professor about the material a little bit longer. If you skipped a prerequisite class taught by that professor because of your transfer credits, ask the professor if there are any key takeaways from their way of teaching the subject that you should know to make the current class easier. Professors love it when students take initiative and show they’re passionate about learning and succeeding. As a transfer student, they’ll appreciate it even more because it shows them that they’re making an impact on you and giving you the academic experience you were seeking.

5. Bring your wisdom and experience with you

Just because your first school wasn’t fulfilling your needs as a student doesn’t mean it wasn’t a valuable experience. What you learned was important, and it gave you a better understanding of yourself in that you came to the decision to leave in the first place. Bring that wisdom with you to your new school. Use your first experience in the classroom by comparing how you learned at one school versus the other to maximize your retention, study habits, and class participation.

Reach out to other transfer students who may be having a difficult time with the process too and talk about your old schools and what you like about this new one. The point is that your past is valuable to your future, so don’t resent the place you left just because it wasn’t what was best for you. Appreciate what that school offers others and know that you’re just different and need something better suited for you.

Transferring is a big change, but it shouldn’t be scary or overwhelming. If you were able to handle the change of attending college in the first place, then switching to a new school shouldn’t be much more difficult. While it may seem like you’re a fish out of water, you’re not the only student transferring—and you certainly won’t be the last. College students are nicer than you think, and there will be plenty of people to help you along the way.

Find your best-fit transfer college on ��Vlog using our featured transfer college lists to connect with schools.

How to Make Transferring Colleges as Seamless as Possible

2026-04-25T00:22:06.780206-04:00

Thinking about transferring colleges but not sure when to do it? Once you’ve started to consider a transfer, you might be itching to hit the old dusty trail right away—but the importance of timing your school transfer correctly cannot be understated. Let’s dive into the considerations and steps you should take if you’ve got transferring on the brain.

Why transfer colleges?

The first step in deciding when to transfer is figuring out why you want to transfer. There are some problems students frequently experience at school that can be addressed without transferring.

Common reasons students consider a college transfer

Some of the following college conundrums may have solutions other than packing your bags:

Roommate disagreements: Living with a new person or people can be challenging and frustrating, but it can also be a learning experience. Even if you don’t end up walking away from the situation as friends, you could learn valuable lessons about compromise, boundaries, and more. If all else fails, you can always request a new roommate!
Mental health: Managing stress in college is a whole new ballgame. Taking care of your mental health is so important, but there are resources at every college and university (and they’re getting better too!), so look into them before you choose whether or not to transfer.
Academic struggles: If your courses are proving more difficult than you anticipated, there are many things you can do, including talking to your professor, finding a tutor, or dropping the course. Challenging courses can seem daunting at first, but you’ll walk away from it having learned a lot—about the subject matter, your learning style, and your academic strengths and weaknesses.
Difficulty making friends: We get it—trying to make new friends when you don’t know a single soul at school is intimidating, especially if you’re not particularly outgoing. But guess what? There are plenty of people who would love to be your friend…if they only knew where you were hiding! Get out of your dorm and join a student club to meet like-minded folks, head to the gym and ask for a spotter, head to the quad and offer a bag of chips to a friendly-looking stranger…the possibilities are endless, but transferring isn’t necessary to cure your loneliness.
Missing home: Being away from your family and friends can be tough, but try to remember that you’re starting on the path to independence and a life that’s entirely your own. Your people will always be there for you, no matter where in the world you are. So before you throw in the towel, try some ways to overcome homesickness first.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with transferring, but it can create additional novel challenges that may make your prior woes seem like small potatoes…plus, transferring might not be the only solution for you. If transferring will unquestionably solve the issues you’re grappling with, then it’s a completely reasonable option. To reiterate, when you do it is critical.

Things to consider

Where to transfer

Deciding why you no longer want to attend your college should give you good insight into what you’re looking for in a new school. Let’s say your current institution is large, the student-faculty ratio is about 200:1, and you feel like you’re just a drop in the bucket; perhaps you should consider a smaller school with modest class sizes and a strong sense of community. If you’re bored to tears at a college in the middle of nowhere, perhaps a school in an urban location is better for you.

Most important, you’ll want to apply to schools that have your desired program or major. Look into the curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes. Is the quality up to snuff? Above all, make sure to do your due diligence when it comes to finding out what your transfer schools offer. Act as an incoming first-year does: do your research, reach out to current students, schedule a campus tour, etc.

Transfer admission requirements

Transfer admission requirements are often different than freshman admission requirements, and the transfer application process is entirely different too. Many institutions will request a transfer essay, in which the hopeful transfer student explains why they want to change schools. Don’t rush this; it’s time-consuming to write and perfect your essay but also to “build your case.” If you’ve only been at your current school for a month, you may not have much of a claim to make—but every student’s story is different! Just be sure to give yourself time to tell yours with authority.

Credits are also extremely important to consider. Most four-year universities require students to have taken at least 30 credit hours before transferring—and they all must be transferrable to the institution in question. If you’re thinking about transferring before hitting this mark, make sure each class you take at your current school will be eligible to transfer to your possible transfer schools. Also keep in mind that many schools also have a maximum of transferrable credits—typically between 60–90 credits, but sometimes as few as 45 for specific programs or majors. And while some credits may transfer, they may not fulfill major requirements at your new school (even if they're part of the major curriculum at your current school). So do plenty of research to find out which of the schools you’re looking into will accept your credits in the most beneficial way for you.

Transfer financial aid and scholarships

When you transfer, you can’t always carry your financial aid over to your new school. Certain varieties of government aid are transferable, while campus-based aid—such as federal work-study—is not. So what happens to your financial aid when you transfer? Your destination school will recalculate your eligibility based on your FAFSA information—and their own requirements, policies, and available funds. In addition, any money awarded by your current college or university from its own funds will not transfer. Transfer students, especially mid-year transfers, often qualify for less financial aid than first-time and continuing students. Many schools and programs also offer scholarships that are specifically catered to transfer students. Be sure to explore your options before starting your transfer applications.

Transfer application deadlines

While some schools may accept applications on a rolling basis, many have specific transfer admission deadlines. It’s crucial to know and plan around these deadlines so you don’t find yourself scrambling to submit the necessary application materials at the last minute—or worse, miss them altogether! Make sure you give yourself enough time to request and gather letters of recommendation from your current professors, obtain your transcripts (from your high school and your current college or university), and revisit your SAT or ACT scores before the deadlines if necessary. A good strategy to keep track of all applicable deadlines is to mark the important “submit by” dates on a calendar that you see every day. This might be at your desk, on your fridge, or on your phone.

Above all, make sure your transfer decision is well thought out. We’d hate to see you leave your current school just to find out the problems you faced there followed you to a new school.

For more advice to help make your transfer easier, check out our Transfer Students section!

Four Potential Obstacles for Transfer Students and How to Conquer Them

2026-04-25T00:22:06.777199-04:00

It can be difficult to transfer colleges for many reasons. You might feel like you’ve missed out on the important initial social, academic, and work-based events that happened in the first year or two at your new school, or you may have difficulty adjusting to a new location or climate. The best thing you can do in the face of any of these trials is to squash it head-on. Here’s a look at the hardest parts of transferring colleges and how you can adapt.

1. Social setbacks

Life as a transfer student can feel isolating; the freshman activities that promote bonds early have been missed, and it can seem tremendously difficult to try to join pre-established social circles. Something to consider when reaching out to new people: The worst thing that can happen is you aren’t accepted and invited. While it’s an unpleasant thought, there are far worse things to worry about. Having social supports is beneficial to your mental health and greatly correlated with academic- and career-related success, so the risk of not making a friend is worth the possibility—more like probability—that you will. If the thought of approaching random classmates is too much, remember that you aren’t the only student struggling with making and maintaining friendships in college—especially within the transfer student body. Seek out other transfer students or do what you enjoy openly, be it photography or volleyball, and it will lead you to others with similar interests. Be open to new people, ideas, and interests but know you can easily find someone interested in doing homework together or getting lunch. Just be yourself and do your best to be approachable. You wouldn’t want to say hello to someone who didn’t seem kind or interesting, would you?

2. Academic struggles

Transfer students may be subject to a series of academic complications, from a change in academic policies to credit transfer issues to a new environment full of fundamentally different educators. For example, moving from a small private religious college to a large public university would certainly be a big change. Adjusting to the expectations and values of educators and educational societies can be difficult, but with an open mind and a good understanding of the general expectations, you‘ll have the ability to make the most of your situation and embrace your new school’s environment. Self-motivation is an important tool for college students—especially transfer students. Like any student, you’ll need to consistently meet with your academic advisor to ensure that you’re on track and maximizing your credits if you want to stick to a four-year (or even five-year) academic program.

3. Jobs and internships

Competition between students for jobs and internships can be high, although it depends on where you go to school and what field you’re interested in. As you reach junior and senior year, this competition is often heightened. Entering the picture as a transfer student can feel like a disadvantage; you may feel disregarded or ill-prepared for an on-campus job or coveted internship. But your transfer experience is not a handicap; it can serve as a great learning experience if you allow it to. By transferring, you’re making a dedicated decision about your future for the benefit of not only your career but your emotional and financial health. Use this experience balancing the struggles of change and choice to stand out in a good light. Your experience is just as valid as others and deserves to be treated as such—but the first step to earning your place at the table is asking for a seat, followed shortly by explaining just why you deserve that seat. When seeking out work opportunities, be prepared to prove that you’re equal to your non-transfer counterparts.

4. Settling in on campus

Whether you’re moving into a dorm with a stranger or into an apartment on your own, you’re making a huge lifestyle shift. Being paired with an unknown housemate can be rough at first, but by clearly laying out a roommate agreement early on, you can help alleviate stress and keep negative interactions to a minimum. In the end, your roommates could end up being some of your closest friends! If you’re moving to your own room on campus, it might be lonely. Try propping open your door when you first move in and make a real effort to meet your floormates. These are the kind of friends who can show you around campus and aid you in settling in. No matter your housing situation, there are always students and staff who are there to help you find your way around and learn about the student life and academics at your new school. Don’t be shy and reach out early.

Transferring can be rough, so while you settle in, just try to remember that you deserve your space at the school. A lot of other people are on the lookout for people to spend time with, be it for studying or going to parties and football games, so don’t assume you missed the opportunity to make friends. Honesty and open-mindedness are the most important traits, so do your best to keep them in your pocket!

Find more helpful advice to make the college transfer process go smoothly in our Transfer Students section.

How to Make Transferring Colleges Work to Your Advantage

2026-04-25T00:22:06.774534-04:00

Congrats on deciding to transfer to a new school! It’s a big step regardless of your reason for transferring. But it isn’t just applying somewhere else and going through the process the same way you did the first time around. You need to make being a transfer student work to your utmost advantage—because you can. If you’re transferring and looking to make it the best possible experience, here are a few key things to do that’ll only benefit you in the long run.

Be smart with the time you have left

As a former transfer student myself, I understand the stress of figuring out how to fit everything you need for a bachelor’s degree into only two or three years. I transferred from Southern Maine Community College with an AA in Liberal Studies and a focus in English to Saint Joseph’s College, where I received a BA in Writing & Publishing and a minor in Psychology. When I chose my four-year major, I had no intention of declaring a minor too—because I assumed I didn’t have time to take the classes I needed and still graduate in two years. But after talking to my academic advisor, he made me realize with the Psychology courses I had already taken, it was easy to fill up my electives with enough relevant classes to get the minor. Whether your associate degree counts as two full years of coursework or you have to take classes to make up for credits that wouldn’t transfer, you need to make the most of the time you have left.

Find a flexible program

There are a lot of avenues to making your academic schedule work to your utmost advantage, even without four full years ahead of you. The key is to fit your new program into what you’ve already accomplished and build off that foundation as best you can. Luckily, many four-year colleges and universities offer flexible programs that allow you to mold your degree and curriculum to something that fits your needs, goals, and lifestyle. When you’re choosing a major to transfer into, consider what courses you’re bringing over. Can you make a double major work because of the broad curriculum that was covered at your old school? Do you already have enough credits for a minor in something you never thought about? The skills you attain now could give you the professional boost you need later.

Utilize all the resources available to transfer students

Transfer students are in a unique position that comes with many different perks. Schools that really care about transfer applicants and prospective students usually offer transfer-focused support during the application process and transition. This could be in the form of transfer admission officers, academic advisors who are well versed in credit transfer, exclusive scholarship opportunities, and more. In fact, to ensure they add transfer students to their ranks, many colleges will offer scholarships with no additional paperwork to all admitted transfers as soon as they’ve applied. When I transferred to St. Joe’s, I received $9,000 for each of my two remaining years without having to do anything to get it! If your school doesn’t offer aid this effortlessly, that’s when you need to put in the work. Look for transfer scholarship opportunities listed on the website of the school you’re transferring to as well as awards that may be offered by private companies and organizations. While you’re doing that research, be sure to search for any other opportunities specific to transfer students that you should taking note of for when you get to your new school.

Switch up your routine

Maybe the issue at your old school was that the academics weren’t challenging enough. Or perhaps the community wasn’t giving you the right vibe. Or you got an associate degree and are ready to earn your bachelor’s. Whatever your reason for transferring, when you switch schools, also try switching up your routine. A routine that’s too consistent can sometimes land you in a rut, making it hard to focus on schoolwork or be present in social situations. Making a change to your daily habits can feel refreshing and reinvigorating in a new campus atmosphere. If you used to work out in the morning, shift it to afternoons and give yourself more time in the morning to get ready or sleep in. If you used to study in the library, find a nice sunny spot outside to get some reading done instead. The beauty of attending a new college is getting to experience more than one new place and community during your higher education. Take this opportunity not just to immerse yourself in it but to also find a new style of living that works within it. No one makes a daily routine and sticks to it for the rest of their life. This is a great time to reinvent yourself for this chapter of your journey, so take advantage of it!

Transferring colleges and starting over can be scary, but it’s also a unique experience that’s going to teach you a lot about yourself, how you learn, and what your goals are. Make sure you’re taking control of the things you can in the transfer process for the best possible experience and your remaining years of college. There are many different resources that you should utilize, including a lot of kind people who want to help you succeed.

Need more advice on transferring? Check out Our Best Advice for the Transfer Admission Process. You can also connect with Kelli’s transfer college by clicking the button below.

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