Transferring Not So Tough If You Do Your Homework

By Elise Jason
May 7, 2009

Emma Indingaro did not know what to expect when transferring colleges between her freshmen and sophomore year.

Indingaro, a sophomore at Virginia Tech who recently transferred from University of South Carolina, said, "Transferring colleges was the best decision I made even though it was hard to decide where to go."

Transferring colleges may be more common than most think.  According to Virginia Tech's 2008-2009 Transfer Guide, 800 transfer students enroll at Virginia Tech annually.  Fifty percent are from Virginia's community colleges.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, "In October 2007, 67.2 percent of high school graduates from the class of 2007 were enrolled in colleges or universities."  Of those students, 60 percent of American college students attend more than one school before they gain a degree, said a study published by the U.S. Department of Education.

Brigid Wilson said that the process of transferring can be difficult.  Transferring has only become more common in recent years. 

Some of the main reasons students are deciding to transfer are obvious.  For example, many students are unhappy with the social situation at their current school.

Wilson, a student who transferred from the University of Massachusetts Amherst to University of Maryland, changed schools because she wanted to be closer to home. 

Many other students transfer to a school offering a better program for their major, or for financial reasons. 

Kiley Roohan found out first hand that once a student has transferred, another obstacle that a student must face is finding their place in a new school. 

Whether a person is a transfer student from another university, a community college, or a graduate student, a clear obstacle is breaking into a school where many people have already adjusted.

After the first year of college, many students who have an established friend base already. 

Roohan, a transfer from the University of Maryland to Fairfield University remembers what it was like to start over.

"It was hard because no one thinks of you when they are making invites," said Roohan, "Most people already have their established friends."

Try to picture standing in the middle of tons of buildings with a map and a backpack full of books ready to start a new life at a new school. 

Students, school leaders, and admissions representatives can offer solid advice on how to fit in and adjust to life at a new college. 

"Orientation is a great way to get to know your peers," says Lauren Roach, a sophomore Hokie Camp Counselor and Virginia Tech., "Whether it is transfer orientation or freshman orientation. Orientation lets us meet new people and get an overall understanding of the campus, its policies and traditions."

"We always encourage prospective transfers to research and plan on joining a clubs and organizations that fit their interests," said Amy Widner, the Public Relations Coordinator of Admissions at Virginia Tech. "And we can provide some great information about transfer requirements and gaining admission to Virginia Tech."

Indingaro said that she agrees with Widner's advice and made her transfer process easier by joining clubs.

Indingaro said that getting involved with a Greek organization and a club related to her major was an easy way to meet people with similar interests. 

Indingaro also suggests Facebook as the easiest way to be in touch with hundreds of people at school.  Many invitations to public events are distributed through Facebook. 

Indingaro is now a happy Hokie at Virginia Tech.

Facebook can also be a great resource for finding out about local events around campus.

Wilson suggests a Facebook to get in touch with students that she knew at The University of Maryland, already.

"Since I am a shy person, I found someone that I knew from high school who could help me find my place," said Wilson, "For me, going to a school with a few people that I knew made all the difference."

Wilson has now decided to transfer colleges again to Salisbury University to receive a nursing degree.

Roohan suggests living on campus. "Living on campus means living within close proximity of hundreds of other males and females," she said.

There are also opportunities to find out about all sorts of meetings and clubs in the dormitories on campus.  Dining halls are also on campus and is an easy way to mingle with others.

Roohan is currently finishing up her sophomore year at Fairfield.

College is known for being a lot of work and a place where students can find themselves.  Even though transferring can be a difficult process, through other student's stories it is obvious that it is worth the extra effort to be satisfied for the four years a student spends in college.