The transition to college can be challenging but making the transition as a transfer student often comes with its own unique set of challenges. Remember, it may feel difficult at first, but it will get easier! There are resources and people at U-M who are ready and willing to help. Here are a few strategies for easing the transition:
- Look for your orientation packet in the mail. Once you’ve been accepted, you will receive a packet with important information about orientation. This will also include a helpful checklist to help guide you through the transition.
- Tackle academic problems early. Many transfer students feel stress or anxiety around academics, whether it’s fitting all of your classes into 2-3 years instead of 4, or the increased workload and academic expectations. Speaking with your academic advisor early and taking advantage of office hours are great ways to prevent academic trouble. Find other academic tips here.
- Connect with other students. It can be challenging when you feel older than other incoming students, social circles have already been established, or you’re away from your support system at home. A few tips:
- Resist the urge to go back to your hometown on the weekends as many social opportunities happen during that time.
- Find a student organization with similar interests as your own. Also, Festifall, Northfest, and Winterfest are large events held each year to showcase student groups on campus.
- Check out Transfer Connections, a mentoring program that pairs you with a former UM transfer student and hosts social events specifically for transfer students.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Explore the rest of this site to find other mental health and support services as well as helpful management strategies
- CAPS provides free counseling services for enrolled U-M students
- The Office of New Student Programs has information about orientation, events before school start, and things to do throughout your academic career at Michigan
- The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has information that includes deadlines and procedures for transferring credits.