Transferring schools is a bit nerve-wracking at times. Although it can be an exciting time, there’s also a lot to get done during the process. As wonderful as it would be to hit one button and have all your information transferred from one school to another, it simply doesn’t work that way.
Transfer students must sort through all their documentation and come prepared. Are you ready to switch to a new school? Do you have all your paperwork ready to go?
How will you know what steps to take to prepare for starting college at a new school? We’re here to help! In the guide below, you’ll find several helpful tips for moving schools.
The process can be an anxious one, but when you know what to expect and how to prepare, it can be a stress-free one. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about starting college as a transfer student.
1. Check the Accreditation
Before you started school at your current college, did you make sure the school was accredited? This is an essential step to take. An accredited school will provide you with credits accepted at other accredited colleges.
This means your credits will transfer from one college to another. If your current college isn’t accredited, then the credits you already completed might not transfer to the new one. Be sure to speak with admissions about any questions you have regarding transferring your credits.
The new college you’re transferring to should be accredited as well. This will ensure all your credits will transfer if you choose to switch schools again.
2. Speak With Your Advisor
Starting a new school whether you’re transferring or not can be intimidating. Speaking with an advisor is a great way to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable on the new campus. There should be specific advisors depending on your major.
Schedule a meeting with your specific advisor and be sure to ask any questions you may have about the school, your major, courses, and more. Your advisor will have all the answers you seek and then some. It’s a good idea to visit your advisor on a regular basis to check in with your progress as well.
There will also be people there to help you with admissions, financial aid, and more.
3. Know All Your Deadlines
Even though you’re already a college student, you’ll still need to provide the new college with most of the same information as someone who’s a new student. You’ll also have deadlines to stick to. You should be able to find these deadlines on the school’s website or when speaking with an advisor.
Some deadlines to keep in mind are as follows:
- transfer application
- payments
- transcript transfers
- financial aid information
- course start and end dates
- textbook dates from professors,
- and more
Once you learn of these dates, be sure to write them down on your calendar, in your planner, or in your phone. If you were to miss one of these dates, you could jeopardize your ability to attend the school that semester. Have all of your paperwork turned in to the school on time and then be sure to collect all required textbooks as well.
4. Look Into Resources
Fortunately, many colleges will offer additional resources for transfer students to help make the transfer as flawless as possible. You may be able to find these extra resources via the school’s website or by asking the school’s admissions. You never know what the school might have available to help, which is why it’s always beneficial to ask.
5. Visit Campus and Attend Orientation
Before you start your classes or decide on what college to transfer to, visit the campus. You’ll want to visit the campus ahead of time for a few different reasons. For starters, this visit will help you become more familiar with the campus.
Grab a map if needed or take a few notes about specific buildings or places you want to know how to get back to. The college will most likely have a tour of the campus you can schedule to attend as well. Aside from visiting the campus and exploring on your own terms, don’t forget to attend the orientation.
Orientation for transfer students will be separate from the orientation for new freshmen coming in. Attend this orientation because they’ll take you on a tour afterward. It’s also the perfect time to ask any questions you have about the campus, the college in general, and questions specific to your courses or major.
6. Understand the Difference in Cost
Do understand, the cost of courses at your current college will not be the same for the one you’re transferring to. It’s important to understand the difference in cost whether using financial aid, paying out of pocket, or using another form of payment. Even if you have financial aid or qualify for loans, you should know the difference in cost and plan for it.
Keep in mind, you’ll also need to plan for purchasing college textbooks, school supplies, the cost of gas, and so on.
All Transfer Students Can Benefit From These Tips
Are you planning on transferring schools soon? Use the tips for transfer students listed above to help you better prepare for the switch. Thankfully, you’re already a college student and will know what to expect more than a new freshman coming in.
However, keep these tips in mind to make your transition smooth.
Looking for ways to save while in school? College is expensive, but renting textbooks is a great way to keep money in your pockets.
Search for textbooks to rent today and keep your transfer a bit less stressful.