By Tiffany Trent

Staff Writer

Transferring to a new school can be intimidating.

Last Fall I transferred to CSUSM as a junior. I didn’t know what to expect since the only college I had ever gone to was MiraCosta College for the past three years.

When I went to the transfer orientation, I was astounded by the large and beautiful campus. The Kellogg Library alone must be bigger than all of MiraCosta.

I was under the impression that except for the size, there would not be that much of a difference studying at a university compared to a community college. However, as my first semester here got underway I was surprised that the classes all seemed to be paced a little faster and the expectancy for good work was a little higher.

That was when all of my happy ideals of being at a university were replaced by reality.  For the entirety of that first semester I felt like a stranger in a new city. I didn’t know where I was going most of the time and got lost more than once trying to find my classrooms (although this wasn’t too surprising since I am the poster child for getting lost).

I had just changed my major before coming to this school so I didn’t know very many people in my classes. That first semester for me was mainly an adjustment period.

My second semester went much better. I really enjoyed the classes I was in, I had friends in most of my classes and my professors were amazing. I was beginning to feel more at home at CSUSM.

I remember when the USU building opened, my friend and I explored it with such wonder and awe. I felt so privileged to go somewhere that had such fancy and grand places for the students and faculty. Now when someone asks me where I go to school, I tell them with pride and enthusiasm.

There were three main things that helped me settle in at CSUSM as a transfer student.

The first was that I pushed myself to be outgoing and strike up conversations with as many people as I could. Not only did it help me get to know some really great people, it also helped me feel more comfortable at the school. I actually met one of my closest friends during Orientation because I complimented her headband. That was all it took for us to start talking and realize how much we had in common.

The second thing I tried to do was talk to my professors after class and during office hours. They have all been very welcoming and helpful. There is a professor that has inspired me more than anyone else and by getting to know her better, she has become my mentor.

The last thing I did was give myself time; time to adjust, time to feel like I belonged, time to let familiarity replace the awkward newness. This is a great place to earn your degree and while it can be a little difficult to acclimate initially, it is completely worth it.

My advice to a transfer student would be to take a deep breath, use your campus map if you need it, and enjoy the journey.