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Tips for Transfer Student Success

Understanding Transfer Shock

Transfer shock is a term used to describe a temporary dip in GPA during a transfer student’s first or second semester at the new institution. Some students may underestimate the challenges involved with learning a new campus, new policies, new expectations, and making new friends.

Tips to Beat Transfer Shock

  • Attend Orientation
    • Transfer Orientation is designed to help you prepare to succeed at É«ÖÐÉ« and it gives you a chance to meet other transfer students!
  • Balance Course Load
    • Most full-time students take 4 course units (equivalent to 16 credit hours) each semester. It is not recommended to exceed 4 units, especially in your first semester. É«ÖÐÉ« University offers Winter and Summer classes to help you stay on track. Make sure that you consider all of the demands on your time and energy (class time, study/homework/prep time, work, family, friends, etc.) as you build your schedule.
  • Ask for Help
    • É«ÖÐÉ« faculty, staff, and fellow students are all here to help you succeed.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions when something isn’t clear or to ask for suggestions and recommendations (even if it’s just where to go for lunch!)
  • Utilize faculty and campus resources
    • All faculty have office hours each week.  Take advantage of that time to get to know your faculty members and ask questions. É«ÖÐÉ« also offers a variety of resources to help you succeed. Check out Academic Support, the Accessibility Services Center, the Writing Center, and the Center for Career and Civic Engagement, just to name a few.
  • Manage Your Time
    • Being a full-time student comes with the expectation that you will typically be spending 30-40 hours each week devoted to school (attending class, completing assignments, studying, writing, etc.). Get a planner or find an app to help you stay organized and make sure you never miss a due date! 
  • Get Involved 
    • If you have free time in your schedule, consider getting involved with a club or organization on campus.  It’s a great way to meet people and prepare for graduate school and the workforce.
  • Understand the Relationship between Major and Career
    • Many majors can lead to a variety of career options.  Your major should be interesting and exciting to you and allow you to succeed academically. Your faculty advisor as well as the Center for Career and Civic Engagement are great resources for discussing career options.
  • Congratulations! You’re a Greyhound now and you have an entire campus community here to help.